FOOTBALL fans may be able to watch next year's FIFA World Cup in Qatar at Trowbridge Civic Centre.

Trowbridge Town Council's former Tory Group leader, Cllr Antonio Piazza, is asking next Tuesday's full council meeting to approve plans to showcase the event.

He says the council should think about screening the matches following England's success in Euro 2020.

He said: "Football has the power to the change the nation. During Euro 2020, the England football team raised morale through lifting the country up, taking us to our first final since 1966.

"The result of their efforts, during a time of pandemic, was phenomenal, with leaders such as Gareth Southgate showcasing the best of what this country has to offer.

"The economic impact of a tournament such as this is also well known, with the local economy in particular benefiting.

"We have all watched in horror as the hospitality sector has suffered this year and in 2020, so to watch England supporters fill local pubs and restaurants during games has been fantastic; however, this benefit does not stop at the hospitality sector.

"The feel-good factor boosts consumer sentiment generally, and whilst it may not change the fundamentals, it leads to a mini-spending boom as people who are happier tend to spend more. It is also a boost for productivity in the workplace."

Cllr Pizza said the council did not have time to show the Euro 2020 tournament, where England were beaten 3-2 on penalties by Italy, because of the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

He added: "Trowbridge Town Council, regretfully, were unable to display the Euro 2020 final inside The Civic or Trowbridge Park due to numerous reasons, such as a lack of time to prepare and Covid-19 restrictions in place; however, staff should be celebrated for working hard to try and attempt to organise an event.

"Knowing this, I am fully confident that given the time available, Trowbridge Town Council staff could organise an even better showcase of a football tournament in the future.

"Therefore, Trowbridge Town Council should now think about making preparations for the World Cup, as a result of England’s success at the Euros.

"The World Cup is only a year away and is scheduled to be played close to Christmas time, with the final scheduled for Sunday, December 18.

"We should capitalise on our nation’s success, and prepare in advance of time, as the football fans of Trowbridge have demanded it."