S.Korea seeks to unite Asia around its World Cup bid

South Korea is trying to unite Asia around its bid to host the 2022 World Cup, FIFA vice president Chung Mong-Joon said, ahead of the world football body’s vote next week.

Four Asia-Pacific nations — South Korea, Australia, Japan and Qatar — are competing to host the 2022 event, along with the United States.

FIFA is due to vote to pick the hosts for the 2018 and 2022 events on December 2.

“Four nations in the Asia region are competing in the race so votes could be divided,” Chung was quoted by Yonhap news agency as telling a press conference on Monday.

“Over the next 10 days, we will attempt to build solidarity in Asia and then move on to the next stage in which South Korea will be named the host.”

Chung said he would leave for Kuala Lumpur later Monday to seek support from the Asian Football Confederation, three members of which have voting rights in the upcoming decision.

South Korea co-hosted the tournament with Japan in 2002.

Chung expressed optimism about its chances, citing what he called support from FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Blatter has “stressed repeatedly that South Korea’s hosting of the World Cup will contribute to peace in Northeast Asia”, he said.

Chung told Yonhap last week that FIFA’s purpose was to contribute to world peace.

“If the 2022 World Cup were to be held in the world’s only remaining divided nation, this would best fit FIFA’s ideals.”

North Korea reached the World Cup finals for the second time in its history in South Africa this year but was eliminated in the group round.

Citing the FIFA voting process that continues until one candidate gets the majority, Chung said Korea would seek support from countries making early exits.

It would also step up its appeal to European FIFA committee members, whose votes would be crucial in deciding the winner, he said.