Dein predicts United States will pull out of 2018 World Cup bid soon

By Andrew Warshaw in London

September 28 – David Dein (pictured right), one of the key members of England’s 2018 World Cup bid team, has added his name to those who believe it is only a matter of time before the United States withdraw from the running in order to concentrate on the 2022 tournament.

Although the US’s tactics are an open secret, they have not yet officially pulled out of 2018, biding their time until they feel they can secure adequate votes for the latter event.

But Dein, international president of the England bid with a crucial vote-garnering roving role, says everyone expects Europe’s four rival bidders to battle it out for 2018, leaving the USA up against four Asian contenders.

“We are sure it won’t be long before the United States will withdraw from 2018 leaving themselves a run on 2022,” said Dein.

“We are not really interested in 2022, consequently we will almost certainly withdraw from 2022, leaving us with a European battle.”

Dein has been in six countries in the last 13 days and added: “We believe, [UEFA President] Michel Platini believes, that 2018 should be coming to Europe and we believe that is our strongest case.”

England, Russia as well as joint bids from Spain/Portugal and Netherlands/Belgium are in place for 2018 while Qatar, South Korea, Japan and Australia are focusing on 2022.

FIFA’s Executive Committee will decide the host countries for both finals in Zurich on December 2.

Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734804607labto1734804607ofdlr1734804607owedi1734804607sni@w1734804607ahsra1734804607w.wer1734804607dna1734804607