Ukraine has joined the competition to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
At Uefa’s headquarters on Wednesday, representatives from the Spanish, Portuguese, and Ukrainian football organisations confirmed their plans.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, hundreds of soldiers and civilians have died in the conflict, which has also left severe damage in key cities.
In June 2021, Spain and Portugal first declared their intention to bid together.
“Our bid is not an Iberian bid any more, it’s a European bid,” Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish federation (RFEF), said.
“I’m convinced that now our bid is much better than before. Football is universal and if it is capable of changing the life of people in so many ways it should also be used for doing good.”
The three-way partnership has “unconditional support” from Uefa, European football’s governing body, according to a statement by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).
“The example of tenacity and resilience set by the Ukrainian people is inspiring,” the FPF said. “This proposal aims to contribute through the power of football to the recovery of a country undergoing reconstruction.”
FPF president Fernando Soares Gomes da Silva said: “We are convinced that by 2030 we will have peace in Europe and that Ukraine will be able to host it in the best way possible.”
The Spain, Portugal and Ukraine bid will compete against a joint South American proposal from Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile, as well as a collaboration between Egypt, Greece and Saudi Arabia.
The RFEF said the addition of Ukraine to the bid would not lead to a reduction to the planned 11 venues in Spain and three in Portugal.
