North East football fans back bid to host World Cup 2018

Aug 25 2010 by Adam Jupp, The Journal

THE region yesterday united to show its support for World Cup football coming to the North East.

A delegation of FIFA officials is due in Sunderland and Newcastle Gateshead today as part of a tour of the country to inspect England’s bid to host the tournament.

In the meantime, a series of events was staged to demonstrate the public’s backing for the campaign, including thousands of workers wearing their football shirts to work.

Staff from organisations including Newcastle and Gateshead councils and DFDS Seaways pulled on their jerseys for the day, while workers at BT and PricewaterhouseCoopers, both official World Cup sponsors, lifted the same scarf used to adorn Nelson’s Column in London to mark 100 days until FIFA announces its decision.

Nina Walton, marketing manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers, said: “What better way to show our support and let employees have some fun into the bargain – I hope everyone gets behind England’s bid as it would bring great benefits to the region.” The team of FIFA officials announced they are visiting four cities as they scrutinise England’s 2018 bid, which would see the region given a £58m cash boost if successful.

They first went to London and were due at both North East destinations today, before heading to Manchester tomorrow.

The delegation spent last night at Rockliffe Hall, Darlington, which would be used as a training base if the tournament came to the region. They were greeted by representatives from Newcastle Gateshead and Sunderland bid teams, as well as others, including Middlesbrough FC chairman Steve Gibson.

He said: “The World Cup is the pinnacle event in football and to have the tournament in England for the first time since our famous victory in 1966 would be tremendous.

“Any football club would be proud to take part, which is why Middlesbrough is delighted to be part of the Sunderland Candidate Host City proposals.”