FA confirm England’s bid for 2018 World Cup
31st October, 2007
The Football Association has confirmed that it will make a bid to host the 2018 World Cup. After positive media feedback and encouraging comments from Fifa, England have already emerged as the favourites to be selected as hosts.
The bid has been made possible by the scrapping of Fifa’s controversial rotation policy. Likely contenders to host the World Cup in 2018 include Belgium, Netherlands, China, Australia, Mexico and the United States reported as interested. It has been estimated that mounting a bit would cost between £12 and £15m, less than half the bill for London’s bid for the Olympics in 2012. The decision will be made in October 2011 by Fifa’s executive committee, with all bids needing to be officially submitted by 2009.
Chairman of the FA Geoff Thompson said: "I'm delighted to announce our intention to bid to host the World Cup in 2018. This follows Fifa's announcement on Monday that the previous rotation policy will be discontinued, and the positive comments made by Fifa president Sepp Blatter. The tremendous support from Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his government has also been a key consideration in today's decision. I'm delighted the FA board have been so positive in their support for a bid. It would be tremendous for English football and the whole country if we are successful."
The only previous time England have hosted the World Cup, in 1966, the home nation won the competition by beating West Germany 4-2 in the final at Wembley. This, along with Old Trafford, Emirates Stadium, St James' Park, Stadium of Light, City of Manchester Stadium, Villa Park, Stamford Bridge and others yet to be built are likely to be considered in the bid.
Blue Square are giving odds of 11/8 on England being successful in their bid to host the 2018 World Cup, with Australia second favourites at 7/2, Spain and USA at 6/1, with all other countries at 10/1 or higher.
