Jordan laments lack of World Cup in England as joint bid for 2030 finals withdrawn

The five national associations have announced they have withdrawn their bid for the finals and will instead focus on trying to win the right to host Euro 2028.

A statement from the associations read: "Following an extensive feasibility study, which assessed the potential opportunities in international football, the football associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have agreed to focus on a bid to host Euro 2028, the third largest sports event in the world.

"The feasibility study included an analysis of the economic impact, the political football landscape and likely costs of hosting major international tournaments. On balance, the five associations have decided to focus solely on an official bid to host Euro 2028 and have agreed not to bid for the 2030 World Cup.

"Hosting a Euro offers a similar return on investment, with the European tournament carrying a far lower delivery cost and the potential of the benefits being realised sooner.

"It would be an honour and a privilege to collectively host Euro 2028 and to welcome all of Europe. It would also be a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the true impact of hosting a world-class football tournament by driving positive change and leaving a lasting legacy across our communities.

"We believe the UK and the Republic of Ireland can offer UEFA and European football something special in 2028 - a compact and unique five-way hosting collaboration that will provide a great experience for the teams and the fans.

"We continue to collaborate with our government partners of the UK and Ireland about the next steps."

It was suggested the shocking scenes which saw a number of ticketless England fans storm Wembley ahead of the Euro 2020 final played a part in the bid being withdrawn.

But Jordan was quick to point out that fan violence isn't just a problem in this country as he revealed where he feels world football governing body FIFA's priorities lie.

Jordan said: "They were given the nod and the wink that they were very unlikely to get the 2030 World Cup… I thought the purpose of a bid was to get people to do something before they make their minds up!

"FIFA are more interested in the revenues that it generates. The reason why the USA, Canada and Mexico got the 2026 World Cup is because Donald Trump told them they'd get $15billion out of this tournament - thank you very much, that's a box ticked.

"Whether that's right or wrong for football, that's what they do."

He continued: "We should have a World Cup in this country. It's quite scandalous and preposterous that we haven't had a World Cup in this country since 1966.

"We can make the case about the behaviour of some our fans but you can make that case for a lot of countries too.

"How can we possibly suggest that the Americans can have it twice? On what basis? The only basis is economics, that is the driver.

"If we're talking about domestically which is the best football league in the world? The Premier League. Where are the best players? Where is the best infrastructure?

"Not because I've got an English mentality, I just think why would we not have a World Cup in this country? It's been 70 years!"