Scots in frame for World Cup bid with a stadium upgrade
UK SPORT bosses have insisted they want Scotland included in a 2030 FIFA World Cup bid – with an upgraded Hampden and Murrayfield both in the frame.
A feasibility study has already started to see if a joint pitch between the home nations and Ireland for the showpiece would be worth the huge cost.
But although any share of the cash involved would have to be earmarked to smarten up Hampden, the national rugby stadium in Edinburgh could also get a super-sized paint job if bidding goes ahead.
And UK Sport’s event supremo Esther Britten said: “Everything so far is looking at a UK and Ireland option.
“But the stadium criteria will be very high and we’d have to look at having enough stadia. There would be options to make Murrayfield and Hampden upgraded at that time.”
It means the home of rugby isn’t out of the running as a football venue despite losing out in its attempt to land Scotland’s home matches.
And both cities getting a slice of the World Cup pie could bring massive benefits, UK Sport chair Katherine Grainger claims.
The Scots rowing legend said: “The good thing is that hosting events is very competitive as an industry. Not only do you need to show the calibre of event you can organise but the venue is very important.
“This can be a win-win all round.”
A hitlist of up to 60 events has been drawn up by the agency’s chiefs over the next 15 years.
And Scotland is set for a share of the bids with the women’s world curling championships, skiing’s world cross country and snowboard’s Big Air up for grabs.
But Britten said: “The biggest target on this list is the World Cup.”