UK-Ireland drop 2030 bid, target Euros

Doubts and disputes over FIFA's push for biennial World Cups have contributed to Britain and Ireland dropping plans for a joint bid to host the 2030 edition and opting to pursue the 2028 European Championship instead.

A potential hosting rival also moved aside when Italy switched their focus on bidding for EURO 2032 rather than the tournament four years earlier.

The British Isles nations determined there was more certainty bidding for the UEFA event while FIFA's plans for the World Cup beyond the 2026 edition in the United States, Canada and Mexico are uncertain.

Europe has been leading opposition to FIFA President Gianni Infantino's push to double the frequency of World Cups so they are held every two years.

Resisting his key proposal while seeking a tournament from soccer's ruling body would have impaired the prospect of success by the British Isles bidders.

"We've been very clear as (have) all the UEFA countries -- we didn't think that a biennial World Cup either in men's or women's was a good idea," English FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said, revealing his opposition for the first time to reporters.

"We don't believe that they'll come to fruition. So we're stepping back again.

"We looked at the two opportunities in front of us and the 2028 Euros is very clear as an opportunity. A very clear timeline."

Countries have until next month to register interest in hosting the European Championship in 2028 or 2032, with a vote scheduled for next year.

There could be entries from Russia and Turkey.

Italy -- who have previously hosted the European Championship in 1968 and 1980 -- announced on Monday they would bid for EURO 32 to give them time to modernise stadiums.

The Associated Press first reported in July that UEFA