Football’s coming home. At last.
Well that’s the hope of many an England supporter and the English FA as they confirm that England will bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
Following FIFA’s announcement on Monday that the previous rotation policy will be discontinued, and the positive comments made by FIFA President Sepp Blatter, FA Chairman Geoff Thompson said: “I’m delighted to announce our intention to bid to host the World Cup in 2018.
“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.”
FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick said: “It is very clear that the English football public wants to see the World Cup back in this country”, highlighting some of the key points for England’s bid:-
Maximising support for England internationally
Financing the bid and financial planning for the tournament
Forming a bid team and who will lead it
Identifying the stadiums and training facilities to be used
Working with all stakeholders to ensure we have infrastructure in place to support the tournament – transport, hotels, communications etc.
Plans for supporters – domestic and international
The tournament’s legacy – for football and the whole country
Ensuring the tournament is inclusive to everyone
Making England the number one bid and to host the best World Cup ever.
As for the stadia, well England has a wealth of great stadiums at the moment with the prospect of more to come. In addition to the 'Home of Football', other potential venues include:-
Old Trafford
Emirates Stadium
St James' Park
Stadium of Light
City of Manchester Stadium
Villa Park
Stamford Bridge
Elland Road
planned stadiums at Liverpool, Everton, West Ham and Nottingham.
If successful, it would end a 52 year wait for the World Cup to return to Wembley.
If I were you, I’d start saving your money … now.
Holland will also bid to host the world Cup 2018 with the governments supporting it. Lets face it.. Holland have given the world so many great World Cup moments, It's time they get something back..
ReplyDeleteAt least thats what I hope :-)
I'd like to see it in another "quirky" (to use a slightly derogatory term) place.
ReplyDeleteAnyone for Iran 2018?
No, you're both wrong, England it is.
ReplyDeleteCome back when you've got the correct answer ;-)
As much as I'd like to see the World Cup held in England in 2018, I'd also like to see it held in Australia. It'll be the last continent to host the competition and they've got some great venues to make use of too.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I agree with you Sven, I wonder about the logistical problems that will arise when the world and his wife arive in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. Do you think they'd cope?
Adam, I'm also with you in terms of wanting to see a quirky venue chosen. Not Iran, necessarily, but somewhere else that's quirky...
How Mexico have got the nerve to be considered for a third time is beyond me! I've nothing against them per se and they've made a good job of being hosts twice already but PUH-LEESE... let's give someone else a chance! :)
Why not have a joint Iran/England bid? After all, they're practically next to each other. They both are on the "Not the USA" continent.
ReplyDeleteAustralia? No chance.
ReplyDeleteIt'll be winter over there in June\July. Wind, rain, torrential downpours.
Where as in England during the summer... oh.
I will pick up the world and his wife from the airport personally, on my bicycle if I have to :-)
ReplyDelete