Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has told Fifa inspectors England's bid for the 2018 World Cup is "unbeatable".
The Fifa delegation, which will write a report on England's bid to host the World Cup, began its four-day visit with a reception at Downing Street. Clegg said: "I believe this is an exceptionally strong, unbeatable bid. We in this government believe in it, we hope that you will believe in it." The hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups will be revealed on 2 December. England face stiff competition in the battle to stage football's premier tournament in eight years' time, with Russia considered to be among the strongest rivals.
Fifa president Sepp Blatter is not part of the visiting bid delegation and although he admitted from Singapore that England would represent the "easiest" option, he also said Russia would be a powerful contender. Blatter said: "The easiest way to organise the World Cup is to go to England. Everything is there - fans, stadiums, infrastructure." But he added: "You cannot deny Russia if they bid for something. They are more than a country. They are a big continent, a big power."
A tournament in England will deliver a global legacy that will produce greater football and social benefits for more people than ever before. We will show that a Fifa World Cup in England is not just about what it can do for England, but about what a Fifa World Cup in England can do for the rest of the world.
Anson also disclosed that Prime Minister David Cameron, currently on holiday in Cornwall, would be hosting a visit by Fifa president Sepp Blatter in the autumn. He added: "All candidate host cities have a valuable part to play during this week and they have all been exceptionally supportive and co-operative during our planning. We believe our bid book reflects a strong proposal to Fifa from a country that can deliver on facilities, commercial opportunities and general infrastructure, for the overall benefit of the tournament, its players and officials and the fans.
England's bid is based around stadiums and facilities that are already in place and already being used on a regular basis and so there is minimal construction and planning required. Meanwhile, sports minister Mr Robertson told BBC Radio 5 live: "There is a fantastically exciting period in front of us. We really want to win this 2018 World Cup bid, it would be fantastic for football in this country. I think we have got a really good offer to take out to Fifa and we are all determined to do everything possible to bring this home.
No comments:
Post a Comment