Screw the Olympics, having the WC here would give the countries morale an incredibly huge boost, this p[lace would be absoloutely buzzing....it would be amazing.
World Cup 2018 & 2022 bids
- Thread starter Cal?
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) is joined by CEO Duncan Drasdo and Financial Director Andy Green from the Manchester United Supporters Trust for a special episode on all things behind the scenes at Old Trafford including a brief history of MUST and their aims today, views on INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe so far, and the Old Trafford regeneration.
Drinks on the house!
Uh, I mean...
Uh, I mean...
BBC Sport - Football - England & Russia embroiled in 2018 World Cup bid spat
The war of words over the right to host the 2018 World Cup has intensified after a senior Russian official called England "absolutely primitive".
Viacheslav Koloskov, a former Fifa and Uefa executive committee member, made the comment after England complained that Russia broke bidding rules.
England's official complaint followed widely reported quotes from Russia's bid leader Alexey Sorokin about London.
Fifa's committee meets on Thursday to receive reports on the 2018 bids.
However, the spat between England and Russia is also likely to be on the agenda, along with the possibility of postponing the vote for the 2022 World Cup until after 2 December - when the 2018 winner is announced - after recent allegations of corruption.
The Fifa ethics panel is currently investigating two voters, four former executive members and two bidders for alleged corruption in the 2018 and 2022 contests.
The meeting in Zurich will last for two days, with Fifa set to hold a news conference on Friday at 1200 BST to announce the committee's decisions.
England and Russia are the two favourites to land the 2018 World Cup, but they have become embroiled in an unseemly row after Sorokin was quoted as criticising high crime rates and the drinking habits of young people in England's capital.
Fifa has strict rules prohibiting criticism of rival bids and Sorokin said he would apologise for any "misunderstanding", but not for comments he has claimed were misinterpreted.
England lodged a complaint with Fifa on Tuesday, but Koloskov, honorary president of the Russian Football Union but not an official member of their bid team, said it was a pointless gesture.
"There is no reason for Russia to fear sanctions," stated Koloskov. "There won't even be an investigation.
"It's a comical situation. The English are afraid of how badly their bid is going. Instead of talking about their own advantages and merits, they try to disorient their rivals."
BBC sports news correspondent James Pearce, in Zurich, added England's complaint had not gone down well with world football's governing body.
"It is damaging, this war of words," said Pearce. "Until a couple of days ago England were keeping a dignified silence, but now they have been dragged into it as well.
"I think there are some people at Fifa who aren't very impressed with what England have done, whereas before they were when England were keeping quiet.
"I don't think there's much to gain from what's happened with this row with Russia and who said what. It's tittle-tattle when you compare it to the [vote-selling] allegations that have been made elsewhere lately."
Fifa's committee will be missing two of its 24 members in Zurich, with Nigerian Amos Adamu and Tahiti's Reynald Temarii both under investigation for allegedly offering to sell their votes.
Russia, England and joint bids from Belgium/Holland and Spain/Portugal are in the running to host the 2018 World Cup.
Qatar, Australia, the United States, Japan and South Korea are contesting the 2022 vote.
The war of words over the right to host the 2018 World Cup has intensified after a senior Russian official called England "absolutely primitive".
Viacheslav Koloskov, a former Fifa and Uefa executive committee member, made the comment after England complained that Russia broke bidding rules.
England's official complaint followed widely reported quotes from Russia's bid leader Alexey Sorokin about London.
Fifa's committee meets on Thursday to receive reports on the 2018 bids.
However, the spat between England and Russia is also likely to be on the agenda, along with the possibility of postponing the vote for the 2022 World Cup until after 2 December - when the 2018 winner is announced - after recent allegations of corruption.
The Fifa ethics panel is currently investigating two voters, four former executive members and two bidders for alleged corruption in the 2018 and 2022 contests.
The meeting in Zurich will last for two days, with Fifa set to hold a news conference on Friday at 1200 BST to announce the committee's decisions.
England and Russia are the two favourites to land the 2018 World Cup, but they have become embroiled in an unseemly row after Sorokin was quoted as criticising high crime rates and the drinking habits of young people in England's capital.
Fifa has strict rules prohibiting criticism of rival bids and Sorokin said he would apologise for any "misunderstanding", but not for comments he has claimed were misinterpreted.
England lodged a complaint with Fifa on Tuesday, but Koloskov, honorary president of the Russian Football Union but not an official member of their bid team, said it was a pointless gesture.
"There is no reason for Russia to fear sanctions," stated Koloskov. "There won't even be an investigation.
"It's a comical situation. The English are afraid of how badly their bid is going. Instead of talking about their own advantages and merits, they try to disorient their rivals."
BBC sports news correspondent James Pearce, in Zurich, added England's complaint had not gone down well with world football's governing body.
"It is damaging, this war of words," said Pearce. "Until a couple of days ago England were keeping a dignified silence, but now they have been dragged into it as well.
"I think there are some people at Fifa who aren't very impressed with what England have done, whereas before they were when England were keeping quiet.
"I don't think there's much to gain from what's happened with this row with Russia and who said what. It's tittle-tattle when you compare it to the [vote-selling] allegations that have been made elsewhere lately."
Fifa's committee will be missing two of its 24 members in Zurich, with Nigerian Amos Adamu and Tahiti's Reynald Temarii both under investigation for allegedly offering to sell their votes.
Russia, England and joint bids from Belgium/Holland and Spain/Portugal are in the running to host the 2018 World Cup.
Qatar, Australia, the United States, Japan and South Korea are contesting the 2022 vote.
Its always been heading to Russia. We don't stance a chance, FIFA on the whole hate the English, thought you'd all have worked that out by now 
I can't believe the Russians didn't mention that there is Polonium in London's sushi restaurants and on most of the door handles too.
It is remarkable the Russians complain about our high crime rates - they obviously forgotten about their very high crime rates in Moscow, extroadinarily high murder rates, and organised crime. Not to mention a police force and authorities stifling democratic rights of Russian citizens.
England should have stayed out of it though, the Russians are out of it so let that be the last word.
England should have stayed out of it though, the Russians are out of it so let that be the last word.
You couldn't - infrastructure in Iberia is very, very poor relative to England. Their stadiums are far behind ours in facilities, and economic Spain is basically dead - it could barely afford to put on a cake sale right now. For a developed first world economy to have an official unemployment rate over 20% is absolutely incredible - if they won't be in a depression for the long haul it will be a tremendous feat.
Infrastructure - okay, I won't pretend to know Iberia that well, I've only been to Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon & Algarve, and did most of the travelling by air.
Stadia - this one I disagree with, I've been to the Camp Nou, Bernabeu and those stadia in Lisbon they built for the Euros are they all look pretty impressive.
Economy - good point, but the World Cup in Europe is 8 years away, do you expect Spain to be in a long term slump like Japan?
Talking about Japan...
If infrastructure is an important point for these bids, Japan should be favourites for 2022, this is the country that gave the world high speed train and come 2022, their Chūō Shinkansen maybe partly ready.
Even though the world cup is eight years away, spending on stadium and infrastructure would have to happen very soon. Last year government revenues fell 10% because of economic inactivity - the PM Zapatero has an approval rating of about 25% and runs a minority government to give you an idea of just how carefully he has to navigate politically, he has been slashing civil servant pay so the Spanish wouldn't take kindly to government spending in support of football.
Spanish stadiums are very good on the face of it and creating an atmosphere, but like their Italian counterparts they are on the most part antiquated and lacking in facilities and are very far behind American and British stadia in that regard and it is those sort of things FIFA will be looking at. Considering how new England's stadiums are they have only very minor adjustments to make.
Infrastructure is certainly important, Spain is very lacking in motorways and from what I understand the railways are patchy - if you want to go from Barcelona to Madrid then fine but elsewhere it has nothing on most other European countries. England is helped in this regard by being small in area and relatively centralised - Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Bristol etc. are all 90-150 minutes or so by train from London - Newcastle I think is about four hours by train and 45 minutes by air from London and this is without considering the motorways. That is before you consider the 'extra-curricular' things such as hotel rooms and other attractions that England has in abundance in her cities whereas most spanish hotel rooms are on her coastlines many of which would be a nightmare to trave cross country from.
The United States shouldn't lose out too much on infrastructure, as your aviation industry is extensive and inexpensive enough to travel cross-country.
I agree with most of what you said, and I think this is reflected in the odds in the market with England favourites and Iberia outsiders, looks like 2018 will be between England & Russia, depends if Russia have thrown enough oil money at the Fifa execs I guess.
As for 2022, I really have no idea who will get it.
On paper, Japan & Korea should be outsiders only 20 years after 2002.
Qatar I think are a bit far-fetched even if they throw oil money around - never mind the weather or size of the country, the fact is their football team isn't good enough.
Australia probably have a good chance, nice & safe country with a good sporting history, what's not to like? But I'm not sure if they even have enough support within their own confederation.
USA - well, they seem like an obvious choice, but they were supposed to be favourites for the Olympics in 2014 and they went out after the 1st round of voting, anti-US sentiments are pretty strong around the world right now.
BBC Sport - Football - Fifa 'damaged' by scandal claims
Claims of corruption in the 2018 World Cup bidding process have damaged Fifa's reputation, says a member of the body which will choose the hosts next month.
Fifa will decide next week whether to take action against two executive committee members, Nigerian Amos Adamu and Tahitian Reynald Temarii.
The duo face corruption charges following a Sunday Times expose.
"I'm sure there's damage for Fifa and for the World Cup," Fifa executive member Junji Ogura told BBC Sport.
"We were very surprised and disappointed when the executive committee announced two members had been provisionally suspended. We are waiting for the outcome of the Fifa ethics committee later this month and we don't know if they are innocent."
Reporters from the Sunday Times posed as lobbyists for a consortium of private American companies who wanted to secure the World Cup for the United States.
Adamu has been accused of asking to be paid £500,000 - half of that up front - to build four artificial football pitches in his home country.
Temarii, a Fifa vice-president who represents the Oceania confederation, was alleged to have requested £1.5m for a sports academy to be built in the region.
Both deny any wrongdoing and will fight the allegations when they appear before Fifa's ethics committee at a three-day hearing that begins on 15 November.
Initially, England's chances did not seem to have been hit by the Sunday Times investigation.
But a member of the England bid team told the BBC last week that the campaign had been "significantly harmed" by a Fifa backlash against the British media.
One source said the reaction of the Fifa members to the expose was so bad that if the vote were tomorrow England would certainly lose.
Crucially, it now seems even long-term core supporters of England's bid have told officials they can no longer back them in the 2 December vote.
England 2018 fear further damage could be caused by another investigation into Fifa's conduct by BBC's Panorama.
Last week, it emerged that England 2018 chief executive Andy Anson met with the BBC director general Mark Thompson to discuss the possible upcoming programme.
In a boost for England's campaign, Ogura said that the media would not influence his decision, although he conceded that some executive committee members would be affected.
"Their [England's] chances are very big," said Ogura. "The contents of the English bid everyone appreciates very much."
Fifa's ethics committee will also consider claims made by former Fifa general secretary Michel Zen Ruffinen that Spain and Portugal's bid team for 2018 has formed a voting alliance with Qatar for 2022 - a move which is against Fifa's bidding rules.
Bid leaders from Spain/Portugal and Qatar are refusing to comment officially on the allegations, although the head of the Portuguese FA, Gilberto Modail, has categorically denied the claims.
Zen Ruffinen has also stated that his claims were an exaggeration to impress the reporters posing as American lobbyists.
Claims of corruption in the 2018 World Cup bidding process have damaged Fifa's reputation, says a member of the body which will choose the hosts next month.
Fifa will decide next week whether to take action against two executive committee members, Nigerian Amos Adamu and Tahitian Reynald Temarii.
The duo face corruption charges following a Sunday Times expose.
"I'm sure there's damage for Fifa and for the World Cup," Fifa executive member Junji Ogura told BBC Sport.
"We were very surprised and disappointed when the executive committee announced two members had been provisionally suspended. We are waiting for the outcome of the Fifa ethics committee later this month and we don't know if they are innocent."
Reporters from the Sunday Times posed as lobbyists for a consortium of private American companies who wanted to secure the World Cup for the United States.
Adamu has been accused of asking to be paid £500,000 - half of that up front - to build four artificial football pitches in his home country.
Temarii, a Fifa vice-president who represents the Oceania confederation, was alleged to have requested £1.5m for a sports academy to be built in the region.
Both deny any wrongdoing and will fight the allegations when they appear before Fifa's ethics committee at a three-day hearing that begins on 15 November.
Initially, England's chances did not seem to have been hit by the Sunday Times investigation.
But a member of the England bid team told the BBC last week that the campaign had been "significantly harmed" by a Fifa backlash against the British media.
One source said the reaction of the Fifa members to the expose was so bad that if the vote were tomorrow England would certainly lose.
Crucially, it now seems even long-term core supporters of England's bid have told officials they can no longer back them in the 2 December vote.
England 2018 fear further damage could be caused by another investigation into Fifa's conduct by BBC's Panorama.
Last week, it emerged that England 2018 chief executive Andy Anson met with the BBC director general Mark Thompson to discuss the possible upcoming programme.
In a boost for England's campaign, Ogura said that the media would not influence his decision, although he conceded that some executive committee members would be affected.
"Their [England's] chances are very big," said Ogura. "The contents of the English bid everyone appreciates very much."
Fifa's ethics committee will also consider claims made by former Fifa general secretary Michel Zen Ruffinen that Spain and Portugal's bid team for 2018 has formed a voting alliance with Qatar for 2022 - a move which is against Fifa's bidding rules.
Bid leaders from Spain/Portugal and Qatar are refusing to comment officially on the allegations, although the head of the Portuguese FA, Gilberto Modail, has categorically denied the claims.
Zen Ruffinen has also stated that his claims were an exaggeration to impress the reporters posing as American lobbyists.
fecking twats in the British media, couldnt they have waited until after the vote to expose the corruption?!
Would you rather we lost and then exposed the corruption?
To me this seems like they are getting in excuses early, FIFA have no reason to put us down as a result of this, a member of our press has found out that they are wrong and we are being victimised for it? FIFA needs a serious reshuffle/Restart.
To me this seems like they are getting in excuses early, FIFA have no reason to put us down as a result of this, a member of our press has found out that they are wrong and we are being victimised for it? FIFA needs a serious reshuffle/Restart.
Gland or Holland 2018 and Oz for 2022. I'm Suf Efrikan and even I want the sheep shaggers to get the World Cup
to get the World CupTo achieve what exactly mate? A new set of plonkers trying to enrich themselves and making daft decisions?
People + Power + Money = Corruption
There needs to be some way of investigating them properly, as it stands they have a free reign to take whoevers money they want.
Gland or Holland 2018 and Oz for 2022. I'm Suf Efrikan and even I want the sheep shaggers
BastardThere in lies the lies the solution. Accountability is not something FIFA have to concern themselves with as it stands. That needs to change somehow.
All good...I spose you had to get back at us somehow after we won against you lot in the Rugby the other week (month?)
Yeah, nothing like the good ol' SA and Ozzie rivalry. Be it Rugby, Cricket, Swimming or even Football, I just love to beat you lot
But I'm serious though, I think you guys will be excellent hosts for the WC
I hope so too mate.
Might be able to go watch some international footy in my own backyard if this happens rather than having to watch it on the tv over is cocking melbourne/sydney/brisbane
Might be able to go watch some international footy in my own backyard if this happens rather than having to watch it on the tv over is cocking melbourne/sydney/brisbane
England deserve the world cup... we haven't hosted a football tournement in eons! and I guarantee it'd finally be the first half-decent world cup in a long time due to the natural passion for the game this country has.
As for 2022.. I wouldn't mind Australia being given a go if they're looking to expand their horizons a little, America already hosted in 1994 and I don't see why Japan should be given another go.
As for 2022.. I wouldn't mind Australia being given a go if they're looking to expand their horizons a little, America already hosted in 1994 and I don't see why Japan should be given another go.
Who's favourite for 2018 WC?
I will definitly travel to England if they get the World Cup.
I will definitly travel to England if they get the World Cup.
That's the main reason I think it should go to us. Plus the fact we are fully equipped to hold one.
The last few WCs have been dreadful. It needs to come home now.
I'd be extremely pissed off if Australia didn't win because USA doesn't deserve it neither does Japan as they both hosted it recently.
England flat out deserve it because Russia has a massive problem with crime and racisim and Spain hosted the World Cup before England did.
England flat out deserve it because Russia has a massive problem with crime and racisim and Spain hosted the World Cup before England did.
Australia should get it in '22, that would be awesome - I'd definitely be there!
The only reason we will lose this will be due to this bullshit created by our media. I'm sure they have pissed off a lot of the voters and it will be our bid that suffers.
FIFA is corrupt but that is hardly a suprise - it is not going to change anytime soon either.
England were clear favorites until the recent scandal - now the bookies have England and Russia more or less neck and neck
England and Australia should be the the respective winners to all fair minded people and I would love to see that happen but it is FIFA we are dealing with and they are rotten to the core so anything could happen, Blatter will get what he wants at the end of the day
every day I pray someone else gets the WC besides England. If you think the overzealous H+S laws are pathetic now at football, and that people will attach themselves to any club then 2018 will only further the pain
Bristol City could lose Aston Gate to a souless bowl they would have no hope of filling on a regular basis
Actually had to suffer through a 2018 speech in July as part of a safe standing conference, the most patronising bullshit I ever sat through. The guy promptly legged it after being put to the sword over ticket policies and standing
Bristol City could lose Aston Gate to a souless bowl they would have no hope of filling on a regular basis
Actually had to suffer through a 2018 speech in July as part of a safe standing conference, the most patronising bullshit I ever sat through. The guy promptly legged it after being put to the sword over ticket policies and standing
I dont actually understand why you think getting the WC would be a bad thing?
Well apart from that we need to sort out the actual England side by sorting out the issues at the FA that are restricting youth players etc... I agree.
tell that to fans of plymouth and bristol city who will see their cherished homes removed and replaced with souless bowls that in the long run they'll never fill, will probably see a change in prices and clampdown on standing by the club, they're trying to petition for a similar design to the current Eastend they have in place now with little luck
oh and expect police to be charging anyone left right and centre at football games as a build up to clamping down on the hooligans, people to be priced out of many of the games cept for group games whereas the rich and corporate sponsors get priority tickets.
It will be shit, it will finally sink the nail in the coffin of football ever recovering from commericialism and smaller clubs stand to lose their cherised stadiums to make way for FA standard bowls with little passion or reflection on the community
But as long as we get all the money who cares?
I think someone has been filling your mind with a load of scaremongering bullshit to be honest - I seem to remember you are very young and clearly have an extremely one sided view of football fandom.
If Plymouth and Bristol want new stadia then that is upto them, no one will force it on them - neither are vital parts of our WC bid anyway and they are not even sure to be chosen in the final reckoning so I find your rationale rather bizarre.
Your remarks about police 'charging anyone left right and centre at football games' are frankly ridiculous. As are your comments about new stadia - do you seriously think that if England dont get the WC that no small club will ever build a new stadium? Many clubs have build new grounds in recent times and it has feck all to do with the WC.
I couldnt give a shit about the money - Im here for the football and would love to see the best players in the world on show in my backyard. I dont really understand why any fan of football wouldnt welcome that to their own country.
If Plymouth and Bristol want new stadia then that is upto them, no one will force it on them - neither are vital parts of our WC bid anyway and they are not even sure to be chosen in the final reckoning so I find your rationale rather bizarre.
Your remarks about police 'charging anyone left right and centre at football games' are frankly ridiculous. As are your comments about new stadia - do you seriously think that if England dont get the WC that no small club will ever build a new stadium? Many clubs have build new grounds in recent times and it has feck all to do with the WC.
I couldnt give a shit about the money - Im here for the football and would love to see the best players in the world on show in my backyard. I dont really understand why any fan of football wouldnt welcome that to their own country.
Of course, you have to be 30+ to form a rational opinion, my mistake
Bristol City fans DO NOT want the move, but the club will be forced into the move or risk losing their part of the bid. The club will seek to impose their own regulations on the fans and the new move serves the perfect opportunity to make sure stands like the EastEnd aren't replicated in the new ground. Ashton Gate remains one of the most consistent atmospheres in England with reasonable pricing, a move to a big stadium they cannot fill will lead to a loss in revenue, see Darlington for an example of what effect a big stadium the club cannot fill has on their finances
The police are already pricks in this country with regards to policing football, Listen to all your Sky1 Documentaries praising the boys in blue all you want but anyone who goes regularly sees their crap treatment of football supporters (the payout to Stoke fans for their treatment in manchester the most recent example). They use any laws layed down by Labour to caution and create trouble with people, and more often than not instigate the trouble seen at many games with overzealous and confrontational tactics. You get the odd sound bobby who is helpful and appreciates the views of the fans but a majority are a walking regulations book who fail to employ common sense in dealing with many situations.
Of course many clubs will build new grounds. I referenced Plymouth and Bristol as examples of smaller grounds being moved from against fans wishes simply to suit the WC bid, many grounds these days are souless bowls with no identity and very little consultation is made between supporters and the club. If the club had any sense they'd listen to the Bristol City fans petitoning for a new Eastend, no problems have resulted from the constant standing there, but of course a quango in the name of the FLA say its dangerous..please
You can have your world class players for all I care. Stick to wanting the best players regardless of the long term effects some clubs will suffer from building stadiums they cannot possibly fill and consequently suffer from financially, at the end of the day the unity of fans in this country is a disgrace and no-one would give a shit about what other fans want as long as the FA want something. International football is wank and the WC only ever served as a good excuse to get drunk, but of course the resident football fans came out to play this past summer
Not at all - however it is laughable for you to lecture me on what it is like with police etc at football grounds seeing as I have probably been going to football matches for longer than you exist!
I do even agree with some of the things you say about police and new grounds etc but I dont see what any of it has to do with our World Cup bid - just seems you have latched onto the WC to bitch about a whole variety of unrelated issues.
Basically it all comes down to the fact that you dont actually like the World Cup or international football - why the hell didnt you just say that in the first place rather than wasting my time with bollocks about H+S and redevelopment of grounds?!
Whether England get the WC or not will have little impact on the things you are complaining about - you clearly have an agenda and the basics of it are well thought out (although things are nowhere near as simple as you seem to think) but I suggest you need to find a different thread for discussing your views, feel free to start a new one and I will tell you where you are going wrong.
may as well draw a line under the sand, its clear we'll be at loggerheads on this issue for the foreseeable future.
I asked a lad about the Bristol City factor and his response was 'I don't care'. That is what worries me in today's game, Bristol City and Plymouth stand to lose out badly in this planned WC bid and many won't care so long as they get to see the best players in the world.
Some fans don't realise just how much power they truly hold in the game, I don't want to see Bristol City fans lose their ground so some lad can sit in a comfier seat to watch Togo v Cameroon, course its viewed as an ends justify the means issue to most and that is a very sad affair
I asked a lad about the Bristol City factor and his response was 'I don't care'. That is what worries me in today's game, Bristol City and Plymouth stand to lose out badly in this planned WC bid and many won't care so long as they get to see the best players in the world.
Some fans don't realise just how much power they truly hold in the game, I don't want to see Bristol City fans lose their ground so some lad can sit in a comfier seat to watch Togo v Cameroon, course its viewed as an ends justify the means issue to most and that is a very sad affair
But this is not about fairness or picking the best host, it's about those handful of votes and I get the feeling that the Asians won't vote for Australia. In fact, many Asian nations are upset with Australia taking one of their places at the WC.
Well of course that is your opinion but it is not a fact - those clubs will have campaigned hard to be chosen as part of the WC bid and several other clubs will have been disappointed to miss out.
In addition, as I mentioned already and you ignored, neither club will definitely be part of the World Cup if we were to get it - there will be a further selection process to choose the final host clubs.
I'm sure there are fans who do not want to lose what they have, but at the same time I am sure there are many who would welcome the progress of a new stadium - the situation is not as clear cut as you seem to think and that is even before you take into account the long term economic benefits to the entire region of being part of the WC.
Careful, there's a certain poster who will sniff this out in no tmie and come down on you like a ton of bricks... either that or he won't say anything in this thread but will just start sniping at you in every other thread you post in, while you wonder what you've done to piss him off.
...and your problem is?