Andy Burnham is exploring a bid for the UK to host the men's World Cup alongside plans for a Northern Olympics, according to reports.
A known football lover, the prime minister's bid would form part of his push to use major sporting events to drive investment, tourism and regeneration beyond the capital, The i has reported.
It would bring the World Cup back to the UK for the first time since England hosted in 1966, when the Three Lions last won the tournament.
The newspaper reported that Mr Burnham told colleagues on Friday morning at No 10 North that he was in talks with the nation's footballing bodies about how a campaign could be delivered to host the tournament.
The Independent has contacted the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for comment.
#andy
A known football lover, the prime minister's bid would form part of his push to use major sporting events to drive investment, tourism and regeneration beyond the capital, The i has reported.
It would bring the World Cup back to the UK for the first time since England hosted in 1966, when the Three Lions last won the tournament.
The newspaper reported that Mr Burnham told colleagues on Friday morning at No 10 North that he was in talks with the nation's footballing bodies about how a campaign could be delivered to host the tournament.
The Independent has contacted the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for comment.
#andy
1 day ago
