Spain and Portugal promised positive report by FIFA inspectors

By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

September 2 – Spain and Portugal’s joint bid to host the 2018 World Cup received the expected high marks from the FIFA inspection team, led by Harold Mayne-Nicholls, as they wrapped up their evaluation of the European candidates today.

The delegation visited Barcelona’s Camp Nou, Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium, Benfica’s Stadium of Light and FC Porto’s Stadium of the Dragon during a four-day tour to assess the bid.

“The Iberian bid has a good chance of being selected,” said Mayne-Nicholls, the President of the Chilean Football Federation, as the team prepared to leave Lisbon.

“[All these] stadiums form, without a doubt, the ideal setting for millions of soccer fans,”

He added that the delegation was confident the Peninsula’s hotels and airports can cope with the influx of visitors.

“Our report is going to be very positive because we have observed that they have a great sport, hotel and transport infrastructure, as well as a strong support from their political and sports authorities,” said Mayne-Nicholls.

“We are certain the coordination required at state level is absolutely assured if the World Cup comes to the Iberian Peninsula.”

The delegation will now travel to the United States next Monday (September 6) to evaluate their facilities before completing their tour by visiting Qatar later this month.

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