Amid uncertainty of FIFA's future and potential corruption surrounding Russia's hosting in 2018 and Qatar in 2022, an unexpected bid has been launched to host the world's biggest sporting event for 2026.
Macclesfield.
Non-league side Macclesfield Town FC have launched a somewhat speculative bid to bring the World Cup to their homeground in East Chesire, offering the 6,355 seater Moss Rose Stadium for the opening and closing ceremonies.
Citing other possible stadia for the event, they also offered up the pitch at nearby Congelton Town FC, and some local playing fields.
"We predict a total cost of £249.99 for the tournament," The Silkmen said in a statement. "This includes supplying new nets in all of the training facilities.
"A budget of £40.00 has also been set aside for gifts to the FIFA Family."
Sadly this is all just a bit of fun conjured up by the club's media manager James Beckett, who said: "It’s the end of the season and the website is a little quiet so we decided to have a little fun. It was immediately picked up on social media and has created a bit of a buzz.
"FIFA is not having the best time at the moment, so we wanted to poke a bit of fun to lighten things up.
"I hope everyone will back the bid for Macc 2026."