Review into World Cup 2018 bid released
Nov 17 2010 by Alastair Craig, The Journal
WORLD Cup bid chiefs in the North East are today expecting to hear the verdict of a critical FIFA report into England’s campaign to stage the stellar football tournament.
The official technical review into proposals to host the showcase event in 2018 was due to be delivered to bidding nations yesterday.
The document will evaluate safety, stadia, transport infrastructure and the progress of building work and is accepted as vitally important to England’s chances.
Governing body FIFA will announce which country has been awarded the honour on December 2.
Speculation is mounting that the bid could fail as a result of investigations by The Sunday Times and the BBC’s Panorama programme which both revealed alleged corruption and bribery at the heart of FIFA.
English bid leaders admitted the revelations had caused significant harm to their chances and have privately warned of an expected FIFA backlash.
The grounds of Newcastle United and Sunderland – St James’ Park and the Stadium of Light – were included in the national list of stadia earmarked to host World Cup matches.
England is up against rival proposals from Russia and a joint bid from Spain and Portugal for the event in eight years’ time.
Officials at England 2018, the body leading the country’s bid to stage one of the world’s great sporing contests, were believed to be examining the technical review last night at their London headquarters before details are released for publication today.
Both Newcastle Gateshead and Sunderland have been named as cities where games would be played if England is successful in winning the 2018 tournament.
As well as fixtures being hosted in the stadiums, fan parks would be set up at locations including Exhibition Park, Saltwell Park, Gateshead, and Newcastle Racecourse.
