World Cup 2018 bids assessed
November 17th 2010 10:41
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
FIFA have now assessed the risk value attached to each of the proposed bids to stage the 2018 World Cup, and have criticised the countries on the issues which concern them. With only four bids remaining, all of which are in Europe, it is difficult to analyse which bid is in pole position, ahead of the official announcement on December 2nd.
It seems that the bid least likely to land the tournament, is the joint effort from Netherlands/Belgium, as it was the only one rated as medium risk. The other proposals, from England, Russia and Spain/Portugal, were all rated at low risk. The bid too stage the greatest tournament in the World in England, was complimented on its stadia, transport, IT, security, marketing and legacy. It still remains a concern to the judging panel however, that there are too few training sites and team hotel locations. I feel this is not a huge concern though, and with doubts over Russia's transport system, maybe we have taken a step up on our main rival. The bid from Spain/Portugal seems strong, with the most pressing concern being the difficulties in a joint bid.
England's efforts to land the 2018 World Cup seemed to have taken a big hit recently, after national newspaper The Times, published an investigation into FIFA officials taking bungs. FIFA saw this as unnecessary, and became worried that if the tournament were in England, everyone would become a target of the British media. Our bid leaders have since written to the decision makers, distancing themselves from the media. Of course this is a similar story to when London tried to land the 2012 Olympics, and after it became clear it could be a deciding factor, the media have backed off criticising the Olympics board. Hopefully despite the trials and tribulations, come December 2nd, there will be two huge sporting events to look forward to in England, in the next eight years.
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