Fifa will announce which country has won the World Cup 2018 and 2022 today at 1500 GMT as England fears its bid may have been damaged by rioting football hooligans in Birmingham.
England’s World Cup bid suffered a set-back last night a match between Birmingham City and Aton Villa descended into violence as fans ripped up seats and threw flares into the crowd.
One of the key points in England’s bid for the Cup has been its claims that the country has dealt with football hooliganism.In the running for the World Cup 2018 are England, Netherlands-Belgium, Russia and Spain-Portugal.
Bidding for the World Cup 2022 are Australia, the United States, Japan, South Korea and Qatar.
World Cup 2018
Despite yesterday’s clash, bid ambassadors David Beckham, Prince William and David Cameron have been upbeat about England’s chances of winning the Cup.
Russia is also considered a favourite but the fact that president Vladimir Putin is not visiting Zurich is seen as a sign that the bid may be floundering.
Portugal and Spain have launched a joint bid replying heavily on Spanish Football Federation chairman Angel Maria Villar Llona’s contacts within Fifa.
The Netherlands/ Belgium are not seen as likely winners of the World Cup 2018, but are claiming Fifa may “spring a surprise.”
World Cup 2022
Australia’s World Cup bid centred around FFA boss Frank Lowy making a business case for Fifa bringing the World Cup to Australia. “As you know, I’m a businessman and business is in my blood,” he said. “I know a good investment when I see one.”
Qatar is seen as the favourite for 2022.
Also in the running are the US, Japan and South Korea.
Stay tuned – results of the World Cup 2018 and 2022 coming later!
