Newcastle and Sunderland hope for World Cup 2018 status

May 19 2009 by Adam Jupp, The Journal

TENS of millions of pounds would be injected into the North East economy if the region was successful in securing World Cup football in 2018.

England yesterday unveiled details of its bid to host the tournament for the first time since 1966.

Both Newcastle and Sunderland are in the running to be host cities if the Football Associations campaign is successful, with delegations from both travelling to London yesterday to present their cases.

The Tyneside bid is officially made on behalf of the so-called twin cities of Newcastle Gateshead, although all games would be held at St Jamess Park.

Tourism chiefs say staging the event in the region would give a s25m cash boost. A spokeswoman for regional development agency One North East said:

Both Sunderland and Newcastles football stadia are world-class venues with outstanding facilities and our football clubs already have a strong reputation of hosting international football. Having the World Cup in North East England would be fantastic exposure for the region.

The FA is likely to include 12 stadia in eight different cities in its bid, with other locations understood to be considering applying for host status including Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Leicester, Sheffield and London.

Host cities must have a 40,000 seater stadium, space for hospitality and public Fan Parks, enough hotel beds, policing, health and emergency service plans and training camps for visiting teams.

There needs to be a strong festival and events programme for visiting fans, conference facilities for associated events and a clear political commitment and funding.

Newcastle United manager Alan Shearer yesterday led calls for St Jamess Park to be chosen, while Sunderland sent a delegation including club chief executive Steven Walton and council leader Coun Paul Watson to London.

Shearer said: Leading out England during the 1998 World Cup Finals in France was a great honour for me. To play in the biggest tournament of all is a dream for every footballer.