Hosting 2018 FIFA World Cup: Who are the contenders?
There are four bidding nations, hopeful of hosting the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Here is our guide on the 4 contenders to host the biggest sporting event:
ENGLAND:
Main Stadium: Wembley, 90,000 (London)
Leader: Former FA Chairman, Geoff Thompson
Motto: "England United, The World Invited"
Famous Personality: David Beckham
The Positives: The infrastructure is almost entirely in place and England has a whole host of stadiums. England also has the historic appeal and is considered as the motherland of football. The International appeal of Premier League is another
huge factor and many football fans are well aware of the quality of facilities present there. England’s bid team also believes that they can generate huge commercial revenues from the event thanks to their recognition in World football.
The Negatives: Negative attitude of English media in their row with Russia has caused serious ill-feelings amongst the bidding nations. Former Bid Leader, Lord Triesman was recorded making allegations against rival bidding countries, which
forced him to quit the bid team all together.
Big Statements: "If you ask the players where they wanted to play the World Cup in 2018, they would want to play it in this country" -Former England footballer Gary Lineker
"Just like FIFA, we believe in the power of football to open up new territories. A tournament in England will deliver a global legacy that will produce greater football and social benefits for more people than ever before"
– Bid Chief Executive Andy Anson
SPAIN & PORTUGAL:
Main Stadium: Portugal - Estadio da Luz, 65,000 (Benfica); Spain - Santiago Bernabeu, 80,533 (Madrid)
Leaders: Spanish FA president Angel Maria Villar and Portuguese Football Federation president Gilberto Madail.
Motto: "We Play as a Team, United By Enthusiasm"
Famous Personality: Luis Figo
The Positives: Spain’s recent success in both the Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010 and huge stadia such as Camp Nou, Bernabeu and Estadio da Luz will go down well with FIFA. The two nations boost some of the most exciting players in Ronaldo,
Xavi and Torres to name a few. The Spanish FA has some great links amongst the FIFA voters and has support from South American Conmebol bloc.
The Negatives: FIFA are not in favour of dual bids and with Portugal hosting the Euros as recently as 2004, chances look bleak.
Statements: "We have the infrastructure, food, hotels, tourism and climate. All this makes us a strong candidate to host the 2018 finals" - Former Portugal international Luis Figo.
"We have the backing of millions of fans of this wonderful sporting spectacle. We have presented a single bid with a single centre, which is Madrid. It's as if the whole of Iberia was one country"
– Bid Chiefs Villar and Madail.
NETHERLANDS & BELGIUM:
Main Stadium: Belgium - Brussels Stadium, 80,000 (Brussels); Netherlands - Feyenoord Stadium (de Kuip), 47,491 (Rotterdam)
Leader: Dutch FA president Michael van Praag
Motto: "Together for Great Goals"
Famous Personalities: Johan Cruyff and Ruud Gullit
The Positives: They hosted Euro 2000 successfully and have the star backing of Johan Cruyff and Ruud Gullit. They have promoted their bid as the most environment friendly, short and easy journeys for fans.
The Negatives: As already said, FIFA are not in favour of joint bids. Their short journey positive can be turned into a negative as the two nations might be too small and road congestions and traffic jams look like the more likely of outcomes.
Statements: "It will be the greenest World Cup ever with an environment protection plan the world has never seen before. We will try to give two million bikes to all the fans, so they can go everywhere" - Former Dutch footballer Ruud
Gullit
"Belgium and Dutch have well-behaved fans, facilities, security and political stability that make the two countries the best host for the job. The competition is stiff but we believe we can get the support we need"
– Bid Leader Van Praag
RUSSIA:
Main Stadium: Luzhniki Stadium, 78,360 (Moscow)
Leader: Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko
Motto: "Ready to Inspire"
Famous Personality: Alexei Smertin
The Positives: Russia has never hosted a major football tournament and this could well work in their way. They have a huge budget and also have full backing of the government. Blatter remarked the budget as remarkable.
The Negatives: Security could be a concern and with the distances between cities quite massive, air travel can be a hindrance. Russia failed to qualify for South Africa 2010 and missed out on a chance to showcase their talents and fan base.
Statements: "Playing at World Cups was the pinnacle of my career. To help to bring one to Russia would be an even greater personal achievement" - Former USSR goalkeeper Rinat Dasaev.
"Soccer is the world's most popular sport; therefore it must leave a long-lasting legacy for a World Cup host. I think from that point of view Russia has a big edge over its rivals"
– Bid leader Mutko.
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