‘Cash not what it’s all about’

– Europe should host the 2030 World Cup, not the country who is the highest bidder, Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin (above) has told the BBC.

The 49-year-old Slovenian, who replaced disgraced Frenchman Michel Platini at the top of European football last September, added he didn’t want to single out China with regard to the money factor.

This week, smartphone maker Vivo became the latest World Cup sponsor from China following conglomerate Wanda and electronics company Hi-Sense. That has lent more ammunition to those who believe they will bid for the 2030 edition.

China’s President Xi Jinping is a devoted football fan and is eager to host the tournament with his ultimate desire for the country to win the trophy itself.

“I didn’t want to speak just about China, but the most important thing is that the World Cup should go to the country that has the best bid,” Ceferin told the BBC ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final in Cardiff between Real Madrid and Juventus.

“Rules cannot change just because we have some big sponsors.”

However, Ceferin is adamant that Europe should host the 2030 showpiece and believes that, based on Fifa’s rotational policy, it is their turn.

Russia will host 2018 and Qatar – who fall under the auspices of the Asian Football Confederation – will host 2022, with 2026 yet to be allocated. It will have to go to North America, who have a joint US, Canada and Mexico bid.

“It’s simply time for us (Europe) to host the World Cup in 2030,” said Ceferin.

“We cannot just sell the World Cup to the ones who want to pay the most.” – AFP