Asean to bid for 2034 World Cup

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- Asean will bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup said Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) Deputy President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

Tengku Abdullah who is also a member of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) said he was asked to chair a committee at the Asean level for the 2034 World Cup bidding process.

He said the decision was based on a consensus by Sports Ministers of Asean countries and the committee would convene a meeting with representatives from Asean countries on June 19.

"The proposal and draft are ready but we will look at other details before announcing the details of the meeting because 2034 is still a long way to go.

"I spoke to FIFA President Sepp Blatter regarding the bidding process and received feedback that the bidding will start eight years before the actual tournament," he told reporters after launching the FAM-FRENZ Asia Cup Under-15 competition at Wisma FAM, here, today.

Tengku Abdullah hoped Malaysia would be able to mould a world class team to prepare for the challenges ahead through a National agenda which will include the setting up of more clubs in the country.

Brazil will host the 2014 World Cup.

Meanwhile, the FAM-FRENZ Asia Cup which offers US$50,000 (RM155,000) and held from May 25 to Sept 8, will feature 12 teams from 11 Asean countries.

Matches would be played on a home and away basis.

creadited to -- BERNAMA