Gullit to lead Holland and Belgium World Cup bid

By Andrew Warshaw

February 9 - Holland and Belgium’s joint bid to stage the 2018 World Cup was given fresh heavyweight impetus today when Ruud Gullit (pictured) was named as bid President.

In what is seen as a shrewd move by arguably the rank outsiders for 2018, Gullit’s global stature will kickstart the joint Dutch and Belgian initiative which has been pushed into the background in recent weeks by rival candidates.

Although appointing an ex-footballer - albeit one with immense appeal - is something of a gamble in terms of political lobbying, the Dutch and Belgians believe Gullit, who has enormous popularity in Africa as well as in Europe, is the ideal figure to garner votes in the weeks and months leading to Fifa’s decision in December.

After a unanimous decision to appoint Gullit - twice world player of the year – to the most important position within the bid process, the bid board cited his vast football knowledge and international stature as a potential trump card in strengthening its candidacy.

“With his reputation and enormous international appeal, Ruud Gullit’s appointment is of great significance,” said Harry Been, chief executive of The HollandBelgium Bid and the brains behind their strategy.

Exactly what Gullit’s role will be on a day-to-day basis is still to be established but he attracted considerable media interest at the World Cup draw in Cape Town and has already managed to persuade Johan Cruyff, Holland’s most illustrious footballer, to become an ambassador.

Until now, Cruyff, one of the most famous European footballing icons of all time, has steadfastly refused to get involved, undermining the credibility of of the Dutch-Belgian bid.

But he has now agreed to join the likes of Marco van Basten, Clarence Seedorf, Eric Gerets, Dennis Bergkamp, Michel Preud’homme and Edwin van der Sar in declaring his support.

“It may be new to have a football player leading the bid but we believe this is the way forward,” said Belgian bid spokesman Francois Colin of Gullit’s appointment which is stark contrast to England where the bid is led by FA chairman Lord Triesman but mirrors Sebastian Coe’s successful efforts to bring the Olympics to London in 2012.

“Ruud will not only represent us all over the world but also in organisational strategy.

“He has already managed to persuade Johan Cruyff to come on board as an ambassador.

“Cruyff said he would only join if everyone was behind the bid.

“He is now convinced.”

The Dutch have also been able to recruit Achmed Hassan, captain of the Egyptian national team, as an ambassador.

England believe they are well-placed to get the vote of FIFA’s Egyptian representative Hany Abo Rida – a friendly against Egypt has been planned for March 3 – but the Dutch and Belgians argue that Hassan, who played for three years for Anderlecht, will play a key role in persuading Rida to vote for them instead.

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