2018 World Cup Bid Gets Government Backing

Chancellor Gordon Brown has stated that the government will back a bid from
England to host the 2018 football World Cup.

The Chancellor made the statement following the release of an official study
into a potential bid undertaken by ministers which concluded that England is
well-placed to stage the tournament.

The government’s study ran the rule over England’s stadia and infrastructure
as well as the legacy and economic advantages hosting the World Cup would bring.

The final decision on whether to table the bid lies with the Football
Association however.

The bidding for the 2018 event ends in 2010 with a winner announced in 2012.

The potential for England to host a World Cup will be one of the
topics for debate at the 2007 Sport Industry Interview with FIFA president Sepp
Blatter to be held in London on 28th February.