England awaiting 2018 decision

November 24, 2008

England have been told to expect a decision in December 2010 as to whether they will host the 2018 World Cup.

England are just one of many countries all talking about applying for the event. A joint Belgium and Netherlands bid has already been declared with the likes of Spain, Russia, Australia and the US all possible entrants also.

“We will start the 2018 bidding process early next year,” said Jerome Valcke, secretary general of Fifa, world football’s governing body.

“We expect to make a decision by December 2010.”

Valcke added that Fifa was contemplating announcing the hosts for both 2018 and 2022 together to allow sufficient time for preparation.

“We feel seven years is the minimum time you need for a country to build all the infrastructure they need to host a World Cup,” he said.

Brazil are to host the 2014 World Cup and South Africa the 2010. South Africa received the award of the tournament in 2004 as Fifa feel at least 6 years in needed to get the country ready for the tournament.

South Africa have had to build six new stadiums and renovate four as well as improve a lot of the roads, airports etc. around the country.

“It is quite evident that six years is a bare minimum to organise a World Cup. There is not much flexibility and time is fundamental,” Valcke said.

“[In South Africa] certain elements will only be ready one month before the start of competition which doesn’t leave much time if there’s a problem.”

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