England's 2018 World Cup bid has been handed a boost after Fifa issued glowing praise after their visit.
Many 'perfect' aspects to 2018 proposal
England's 2018 World Cup bid has been handed a boost after Fifa's six-man inspection delegation issued glowing praise after their visit.
The Fifa team, led by Chile federation president Harold Mayne-Nicholls, have this week been officially presented with the bid after visiting Wembley and a number of other stadiums that would potentially be host grounds in eight years' time.
A decision on who will host the showpiece tournament will be made by Fifa's executive committee in Zurich on 2nd December, with competition likely to come from Russia, the United States and a joint proposal by Spain and Portugal.
Mayne-Nicholls told England 2018 chief executive Andy Anson that a number of areas of the bid were 'perfect', with the only question mark surrounding accommodation.
He said: "All the needs and objectives of our visit were met and we are positive that the World Cup in England in 2018 or 2022 would be a great experience with a long-lasting legacy for the country and its people as well as for football worldwide.
"The concept you are coming up with that every single participating team will be hosted by a domestic professional team makes perfect sense to us.
"It will guarantee that all the teams will be able to practise in perfect conditions.
No problem
"Concerning public transportation and event facilities, there seems to be no problem in hosting an event of such scope.
"This also counts for safety and security matters. 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."
A number of high-profile figures have met the Fifa team this week on their tour of the country, and they were welcomed to England on Monday at Downing Street by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.
Mayne-Nicholls was delighted with the warm welcome the inspectors received in London at the beginning of the visit, as well as in the North East and North West.
He added: "They have organised the visit in a perfect way, with great professionalism, but also with a sense of friendship and hospitality."
