2018 FIFA World Cup bids

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This article concerns the process for determining the host nations of the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will be the 21st and 22nd editions of the FIFA World Cup. Bidding to host the 2018 or 2022 editions will close in 2009, and the executive committee of FIFA will make their decision before June 2011.[1] Countries that have announced their interest include Australia[2], China[3], England[4], Greece[5], Mexico[6], Russia[7], the United States[8], Spain, Portugal[9], Canada[10], Qatar[1] and Japan[1], while the Benelux countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg) have expressed interest in bidding together [11]. On October 29, 2007, FIFA announced that it is ending the rotation policy, with countries from the continental confederations of the previous two hosts, CAF and CONMEBOL, being ineligible.[12] Other factors in the selection process include the number of suitable stadia, and their location across candidate countries.

Due to the number of bids already received by FIFA, this World Cup is expected to be the most hotly contested bid ever, mainly due to the revision in FIFA's rotation policy. As a result, Sepp Blatter has said that FIFA may follow the International Olympic Committee and have a preliminary elimination of bids some time before the final ceremony.[13]

Contents

[edit] Rotation policy

Map of the World with the six confederations.
Map of the World with the six confederations.

Following the selection of the 2006 World Cup hosts, FIFA decided on new policy for determining the host of future world cups. The six world confederations, roughly corresponding to continents, would rotate, with the host country being selected from the confederation's members. This system was only used for the selection of the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. In September 2007, the rotation system came under review when it was proposed that only the last two World Cup host confederations be ineligible.[14] This proposal was adopted on October 29, 2007 in Zurich, Switzerland by FIFA's Executive Committee.[15] Under this policy, a 2018 bid can come from North America, Asia, Europe, or Oceania, as the 2010 hosts, Africa, and the 2014 hosts, South America, are ineligible.[2]

[edit] Bidding countries

Flag of Australia Australia
Flag of Belgium/Flag of the Netherlands/Flag of Luxembourg Benelux
Flag of Canada Canada
Flag of the People's Republic of China China
Flag of England England
Flag of Greece Greece
Flag of Israel Israel/Palestinian flag Palestine
Flag of Japan Japan
Flag of Mexico Mexico
Flag of Portugal Portugal/Flag of Spain Spain
Flag of Qatar Qatar
Flag of Russia Russia
Flag of the United States United States

[edit] Australia

See also: Association football in Australia, List of sports venues in Australia
Australia and Greece playing an International Friendly at the MCG on May 25, 2006.
Australia and Greece playing an International Friendly at the MCG on May 25, 2006.

Football Federation Australia have confirmed that Australia will officially bid for the 2018 World Cup finals.[16] In late May 2006, the Victorian sports minister, Justin Madden, said that he wanted his state to drive a bid to stage the 2018 World Cup. He was quoted as saying "If FIFA is serious about growing the game in the Asia-Pacific region, then the time cannot be too far away where they need to move into the region", and "Where else would they put it but Australia?"[17] FFA chief Ben Buckley has said that Australia are preparing to launch a bid to host the 2018 tournament.[18]

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has formally announced the Federal Government's support for the bid."Winning the right to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup is a herculean task, but overcoming tough odds is what Australian football does best," he said. [19] Frank Lowy stated that they are aiming to use 16 stadiums for the bid.[20]

Australia hosted the OFC Nations Cup twice (1998, and 2004), and four-way co-hosted once (1996). Australia has also enjoyed success hosting other major sporting events recently, with the 2000 Summer Olympics held in Sydney, the 2003 Rugby World Cup, the 2006 Commonwealth Games held in Melbourne and the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

There has also been mild interest by New Zealand to co-host the tournament along with Australia. This would strengthen Australia's chances of hosting the tournament, as it would span over 2 different confederations - the Asian Football Confederation and the Oceania Football Confederation.

[edit] Benelux

The Amsterdam ArenA opened in 1996.
The Amsterdam ArenA opened in 1996.
See also: Football in Belgium, Football in the Netherlands, and Football in Luxembourg

Alain Courtois, a Belgian Member of Parliament in charge of the bid and a leader of the organisation committee for Euro 2000 (jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands), announced in October 2006 that a formal bid would be made for the Benelux trio, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.[11] In June 2007, the three countries launched their campaign not as a joint bid in the manner of the Korea-Japan World Cup in 2002, but as a common political organization.[21] A delegation led by the presidents of the Belgian and Dutch national football associations met FIFA president Sepp Blatter on November 14, 2007, officially announcing their interest in submitting a joint bid.[22] On March 19, 2008 the delegation also met with UEFA President Michel Platini to convince him it is a serious offer under one management. Afterwards they claimed to have impressed Platini, who supports the idea of getting the world cup to Europe.[23] Luxembourg would not host any matches or automatically qualify for the finals in a successful Benelux bid, but would host a FIFA congress.[24]

On June 5, 2008, Belgian prime minister Yves Leterme had several meetings concerning the 2018 World Cup bid by Belgium and the Netherlands. One of those meetings was with a delegation from both FIFA and UEFA with amongst those delegations Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini. In this meeting the only real conclusion was that not one country had at that moment submitted an official bid. Other meetings of the prime minister were with project leader Alain Courtois, who claims that "after Africa and South-America it is not unlikely that the World Cup will return to Europe, which means the chances of the Belgium-Netherlands bid succeeding have gone up", with the mayor of the city of Brussels Freddy Thielemans and with NMBS leader Jannie Haek. Leterme met with Thielemans and Haek to discuss plans for a new 60.000-seater stadium in Brussels, for which there are three possibilities, the first one would be to renovate and expand the current King Baudouin Stadium, the second would be to build a new stadium on the Heysel and the third would be to build one on the property of the NMBS in the municipality of Schaerbeek. As a whole, Leterme stated that Belgium should get 4 stadiums with a capacity of 40.000 together with the new 60.000-seater stadium in Brussels.[25]

[edit] Canada

Canada hosted the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Canada hosted the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
See also: Soccer in Canada and List of stadiums in Canada

If the rotation system was still in place, Canada would theoretically be in contention. However, Canada has not indicated whether it will make a bid despite demand from Canadians for the Canadian Soccer Association to put the country forward.

Canada's previous hosting experience is limited to the relatively minor, yet succesful 2002 FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship and the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, for which Canada set attendance records. [1] According to the FIFA president Sepp Blatter, Canada is among several countries interested in bidding for the 2018 World Cup.[2]

[edit] England

See also: Football in England and List of stadiums in England
Wembley Stadium opened in 2007
Wembley Stadium opened in 2007

England's World Cup proposal has been mooted as early as May 2004, when David Will, a vice-president of FIFA, told the Press Association

“ I would think England would have a very strong bid. The English bid for 2006 was much stronger than appeared from the pattern of voting but so much has changed since then anyway. Since they bid for 2006 the FA have started an enormous international assistance programme. They suddenly realised after the 2006 bid that the FA had become a little bit unknown in some parts of the world and have started this huge programme - that's bound to help.[26] ”

In November 2005, Adrian Bevington, the Football Association's Director of Communications, announced:

“ A bid to bring the World Cup Finals back to England in 2018 will be given serious consideration, but it will be at least next autumn before we would put any definite proposals in place. It's fantastic news that the Government, through the Treasury, have announced their support for any future bid but, in terms of the precise nature of any such bid, that will not be decided on for another year or so."[27] ”

Current Prime minister, Gordon Brown, and Sport Minister, Tessa Jowell, announced they were to take the first step towards bidding to host the event on 18 November 2005.[28] Brown reiterated his support for a bid in March 2006, before England's 2006 World Cup campaign,[29] and again in May 2006.[30]

The UK government launched its official report on 12 February 2007, where it was made clear that their support was for an England-only bid and that all games would be played at English grounds.[31] Richard Caborn will lead England's bid to stage the 2018 World Cup after stepping down as Sports Minister.[32]

Franz Beckenbauer, who led Germany's successful bid for the 2006 World Cup and a member of FIFA's Executive Committee, has twice backed an English bid to host the World Cup, in January 2007,[33] and July 2007, when he said "In my opinion, there is only one very serious candidate and it is England. I think there is not really a problem to pick a host of the 2018 World Cup."[34] FIFA President Sepp Blatter has said he would welcome a 2018 bid from "the homeland of football";[35] he met Gordon Brown on 24 October 2007 to discuss the bid while paying a visit to England.[36]

On 31 October 2007, the FA announced that it will bid to host the event[37][38]. England has previously hosted the 1966 World Cup and Euro '96, as well as failing to win the bid for the 2006 World Cup. Should England succeed, it would be the sixth nation to host the World Cup for a second time. If the World Cup were to be held in England, it could form part of a 'Golden Decade' in British Sport, after London secured the 2012 Summer Olympics and Glasgow secured the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

It was reported on April 24, 2008 that England has finalized a 63 page bid to host the 2018 World Cup, focusing on the development of football worldwide,[39] however it was reported in May 2008 that England's potential bid may have been damaged after Glasgow Rangers fans rioted in Manchester City Centre following the 2008 UEFA Cup Final held at Manchester City's Eastlands stadium.[40]

[edit] Greece

Athens Olympic Stadium hosted the UEFA Champions League 2007 Final
Athens Olympic Stadium hosted the UEFA Champions League 2007 Final
See also: Football in Greece

Greece announced it was taking interest in hosting the event in the year 2006. Hellenic Football Federation has the support both of the Greek Government and the Minister of Sports.

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[edit] Mexico

Estadio Azteca is the largest football stadium in the Americas, and one of the largest in the world.
Estadio Azteca is the largest football stadium in the Americas, and one of the largest in the world.
See also: List of football stadiums in Mexico
See also: Football in Mexico

Mexico's Former FMF President, Alberto de la Torre announced their intention to bid for the cup in 2005, [6] having already hosted the competition twice in 1970 and 1986. If chosen, Mexico would become the first nation to host three FIFA World Cups.

Although they originally planned to bid for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the bid was changed due to Brazil's extremely good bid. [6]

Many new, large-capacity stadiums are being built between 2008-2014, such as the new Estadio Chivas in Guadalajara, Estadio Nuevo Corona in Torreon, Estadio Caliente in Tijuana, and Arena Indios in Ciudad Juarezand New Cruz Azul`s stadium. This would give Mexico a considerable advantage in comparison with other countries.[citation needed]

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[edit] Portugal & Spain

The Nou Camp is the largest stadium in Europe
The Nou Camp is the largest stadium in Europe
See also: Football in Portugal,
See also: Football in Spain and Stadiums in Spain

The President of the Portuguese Federation, Gilberto Madail, proposed a joint bid with Spain, and the proposition was supported by the presidents of the Professional Clubs of Spain.[41] The bid was confirmed by FIFA president Sepp Blatter on February 18, 2008. [42]

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Spain has previously hosted the World Cup in 1982, while Portugal have yet to be a host but have hosted Euro 2004. It is widely considered that the Portugal & Spain bid will seriously challenge the front running England bid. [43] A strong point for the bid from the Iberian Peninsula is that eight of the accredited 5-star UEFA Stadiums (see UEFA Stadia List) are located in Portugal and Spain, which is the most of any current European-based bid. It is also said that the Latin bid can count on support from the three South American members of FIFA's 24-man executive committee who will decide on the hosts in 2011.[44] This may possibly be due to the favourable language and cultural ties between Latin America with Portugal and Spain.

[edit] Qatar

See also: Football in Qatar
See also: 2006 Asian Games

The Emir of Qatar Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has announced Qatar's intent to bid for the cup.[45]

After the tremendous success of the Asian games and the high rankings of the IOC for the Olympic bid, Qatar has announced intention to bid for the World Cup 2018. Advantages of Qatar hosting are numerous. The Gas and Oil rich state which is often compared to Dubai and is famous for it's evolving country, will be able to throw near unlimited funds towards making the World Cup a game to remember.

There are plans develop various regions within the country including Al Wakra, Dukhan, Al Khor and Al Rayan. There are already enough venues for 75% of the Olympic games.

Judging by developments and master plans seen here, it could be said that Qatar would provide a spectacular feast for the senses. The ideology is to promoted development within the region, promote peace within the region, and to bring the world together to understand the regions culture.

[edit] Russia

See also: Football in Russia
Luzhniki Stadium - home to 2008 UEFA Champions League Final
Luzhniki Stadium - home to 2008 UEFA Champions League Final

Russian Minister of Sport Viacheslav Fetisov has announced Russia's intent to bid for the cup.[46][7]

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[edit] United States

Qwest Field is an American Football stadium built to also be used for football (soccer)
Qwest Field is an American Football stadium built to also be used for football (soccer)
See also: Soccer in the United States
See also: List of Stadiums in the United States

In February 2007, the USSF said it would put forth a bid for the 2018 World Cup.[8] The United States previously hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup, almost every CONCACAF Gold Cup, and the 1999 and 2003 FIFA Women's World Cups. The vice president of FIFA, Jack Warner, who is also the president of CONCACAF originally said he would try to bring the World Cup back to the CONCACAF region.[47]. However, Warner also stated that he would prefer if the USSF changed their plans to make a bid for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[48]

[edit] Israel & Palestine

See also: Football in Israel,
See also: Football in Palestine

A campaign to host in the world cup jointly in Israel and Palestine in order to promote peace in the region was launched by goal 2018 and is also supported by Lilian Thuram .[49]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c "Joint decision on 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups", FIFA, 2008-05-30. Retrieved on 2008-05-30. 
  2. ^ a b Hall, Matthew. "Australia can host World Cup", 18 September 2005. Retrieved on 2007-10-22. 
  3. ^ "Blatter knocks England 2018 hopes", BBC News, February 28, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-05-31. 
  4. ^ "FA yet to make 2018 bid decision", BBC Sport, November 15, 2005. Retrieved on 2007-10-28. 
  5. ^ "Benelux will bid for World Cup 2018 against Greece", SuperSport FM, October 29, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-10-28. 
  6. ^ a b c "México sí buscará el Mundial, pero en el 2018", El Universal, February 17, 2005. Retrieved on 2007-10-23. 
  7. ^ a b "England to fight Russia, Oz for 2018 World Cup?", ESPN, October 12, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-10-29. 
  8. ^ a b Goff, Steven. "U.S. to Seek World Cup", Washington Post, February 20, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-10-28. 
  9. ^ "Spain and Portugal, united to World Cup 2018", Diario Marca, February 17, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-02-18. 
  10. ^ Template:TSN
  11. ^ a b "Benelux trio to apply to host 2018 World Cup", ESPN, 2006-10-16. Retrieved on 2006-10-18. 
  12. ^ "Fifa abandons World Cup rotation", BBC News, October 29, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-10-29. 
  13. ^ "Portugal and Spain to Launch Rival 2018 Bid", Telegraph Newspaper, November 27, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-11-27. 
  14. ^ "New rotation proposal", BBC Sport, September 25, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-10-22. 
  15. ^ "FIFA ends rotation policy", FIFA, October 29, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-10-29. 
  16. ^ "Socceroos' stars coming home for two matches", Sydney Morning Herald, September 21, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-10-28. 
  17. ^ "Melbourne keen to kick a goal", Fox Sports Australia. 
  18. ^ "Australia eyes off 2018 Cup bid", ABC/Reuters, October 30, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-10-30. 
  19. ^ "PM makes the perfect pitch for World Cup", Sydney Morning Herald, February 28, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-02-28. 
  20. ^ "Lowy's vision for soccer", The Daily Telegraph, 2008-02-23. Retrieved on 2008-03-02. 
  21. ^ "Benelux countries launch 2018 World Cup bid", ESPN, June 27, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-10-29. 
  22. ^ Associations of Belgium and the Netherlands officially announce interest in submitting joint bid (November 14, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-11-14.
  23. ^ Ons dossier maakte indruk bij Platini (March 19, 2008). Retrieved on 2008-03-23.
  24. ^ Benelux countries want World Cup (November 14, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-11-14.
  25. ^ Leterme zet zich in voor WK-kandidatuur België (dutch) (June 5, 2008). Retrieved on 2008-06-05.
  26. ^ FIFA gives England hope. BBC News (23 May 2004). Retrieved on 2007-10-29.
  27. ^ World Cup bid latest. The FA.com (November 15, 2005). Retrieved on 2007-10-28.
  28. ^ Government launches work on 2018 bid. HM Treasury (18 November 2005). Retrieved on 2007-10-29.
  29. ^ Mark Whittle (21 March 2006). Heroes of '66 reunited. The FA. Retrieved on 2007-10-29.
  30. ^ The World Cup and Economics 2006. Goldman Sachs (3 May 2006). Retrieved on 2007-10-29.
  31. ^ "Chancellor's World Cup fever fails to grip the Scots", The Scotsman, February 13, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-10-28. 
  32. ^ "Caborn to spearhead World Cup bid", BBC Sport, June 28, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-10-28. 
  33. ^ "Beckenbauer will back England bid", BBC Sport, January 28, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-10-28. 
  34. ^ "England gets Beckenbauer backing", BBC Sport, July 29, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-10-28. 
  35. ^ "Blatter Welcomes England Cup Bid", BBC Sport, September 2, 2005. Retrieved on 2007-10-30. 
  36. ^ "World Cup bid on Brown's agenda", icWales, October 23, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-10-28. 
  37. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7070874.stm BBC Sport: England to bid for 2018 World Cup]
  38. ^ FA confirms 2018 World Cup Bid. The Times (2007-10-31). Retrieved on 2007-10-31.
  39. ^ "England plans its 2018 World Cup bid", Associated Press, Yahoo!, April 24, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-04-29. 
  40. ^ "Rioting Rangers fans ‘threat to England’s World Cup bid’", Times Online, May 16, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-05-16. 
  41. ^ "Iberian threat to England's 2018 World Cup bid", ESPN, November 27, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-11-27. 
  42. ^ "España y Portugal se unen para pedir el Mundial de 2018", Marca, February 18, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-02-18. 
  43. ^ Portugal and Spain to launch rival 2018 bid - Football News - Telegraph
  44. ^ Spain and Portugal eye World Cup bid - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
  45. ^ "Qatar enters with shocking bid for 2018", The Guardian, June 08, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-06-08. 
  46. ^ "Sports Agenda - Russia's early lead in the 2018 battle", Daily Mail, October 17, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-10-29. 
  47. ^ "Caborn hits back at Warner attack", BBC Sport, August 10, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-10-28. 
  48. ^ "Warner wants U.S. to bid for 2022 World Cup". Retrieved on 2008-06-04. 
  49. ^ "Give peace a chance by awarding Israel Palestine 2018 World Cup", The Scotsman, February 09, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-02-09. 

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