Bangkok (VNA) – An ASEAN ministerial meeting in Manila, the Philippines, hasagreed that five ASEAN nations – Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam– will launch a joint bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Delegates at the 5th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS-5) held thatThailand would play the leading role in the joint bid, Thai Tourism and SportsMinister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said, adding that he will bring the matter tothe Thai cabinet for approval later.

Atthe 34th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok on June 22-23, ASEAN leaders consented tojointly bid to host the World Cup.

Rightafter Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha announced the ASEAN pledge,Football Association of Thailand (FAT) chief Somyot Poompunmuang called on theGovernment to make its plans for the joint bid clear.

Inlate July, Somyot discussed the planned joint ASEAN bid with some leadingofficials of the Foreign Ministry.

Somyotsaid the meeting discussed the bidding procedure, starting with gaining thesupport of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and its member countries.

Thiswill be followed by submission of relevant documents to FIFA, particularlyletters of declaration from all ASEAN governments confirming their support forthe bid.

Theother needed documents include official letters of consent from the citieswhere the matches will be held, the stadiums for the games and practice venues,as well as those concerning legal issues, tickets sales and accommodation.

Astrategic plan for hosting the World Cup is also required, along with the humanrights and labour policies of the host countries and other facilitiesconcerning safety and transportation for visitors in the host cities.

Theworld football governing body also requires some assurances on the financialstability of the host countries.

Othercountries which have shown interest in staging the 2034 World Cup includeChina, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and joint bidders Australia and New Zealand./.