Australia Withdraws 2018 World Cup Bid
England’s chances of hosting the 2018 World Cup have been handed a huge boost after Australia dropped out of the race to focus on getting the 2022 tournament.
Australia is believed to have pulled out of the running after it became apparent that FIFA were looking to stage the 2018 tournament in Europe.
The United States is now the only non-European bidder still involved, whilst Russia and joint bids from Holland and Belgium, and Spain and Portugal are the other possible European locations for the event.
Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke of Australia’s withdrawal: ‘It became apparent that there was a growing movement to stage the 2018 World Cup in Europe. The FFA [Football Federation Australia] has displayed an exemplary level of solidarity with Europe and the European bidding nations.’
England’s bid to host the tournament was marred last month when Lord Triesman was forced to resign after accusing Russia and Spain of bribery in a newspaper sting.
Following this year’s tournament in South Africa, the 2014 World Cup will be held in Brazil.
