Fifa Inspectors Praise England 2018 Bid
FIFA’s inspectors have praised England’s 2018 World Cup bid after they concluded a four-day visit to assess the country’s submission.??
The delegate leader Harold Mayne-Nicholls said: ‘A World Cup in England in 2018 or 2022 would be a great experience with a long-lasting legacy.’
He also was complimentary about the transport systems, stadiums, security and the country’s undoubted passion for football.??
‘Concerning public transportation and event facilities, there seems to be no problem in hosting an event of such scope,’ he said.??
Mayne-Nicholls also praised the plans to have each World Cup squad hosted by one of England’s professional clubs.??
However, the only area that was raised doubts was accommodation: ‘One thing Fifa are particularly focused on is accommodation as we need a very high number of quality rooms. This is why we ask all bidders for a certain number of contracted hotel rooms. We trust that you will be able to fulfil the necessary requirements.’??
Andy Anson, England 2018 bid chief executive, assured the inspection team that the issues arising from the visit would be addressed: ‘Your questions and observations have been hugely helpful in identifying areas where we need to focus, and rest assured, we will answer every question diligently, respectfully and in full with a guarantee of delivery to you before your end-of-September deadline.’??
The six-man delegate team completed trips to a number of proposed 2018 venues, including Wembley, Elland Road, St James’ Park and Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.??
The delegate was greeted earlier in the week by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Mayne-Nicholls commented: ‘Nick Clegg said that football is the glue that brings the country together, this commitment and passion we have seen in all the cities we have visited.’??
The hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups will be revealed on 2 December.??
The FIFA inspectors will next look at the facilities of the joint Spain-Portugal bid and then the United States and Qatar in September.
