England 2018 announce cities FIFA inspectors to visit

By Andrew Warshaw in London

August 21 – England 2018 bid officials have chosen Manchester, Sunderland, Newcastle and London as candidate cities to host the FIFA inspection team when the eagerly awaited visit gets under way on Monday (August 23).

Bid chief Executive Andy Anson insisted the choice in no way reflected which venues might eventually get the nod though at least three of the four chosen seem certain to stage games if England are successful.

“The list of cities to be visited is the result of a process intended to provide the most efficient and productive route around the country for FIFA’s inspection team,” said Anson.

“We believe we are presenting the best of English facilities and an honest reflection of what we are offering across the length and breadth of the country.

“All Candidate Host Cities have a valuable part to play during this week and they have all been exceptionally supportive and co-operative during our planning.”

The FIFA visit, which follows hot on the heels of similar trips to Holland-Belgium and Russia, marks the most pivotal moment in England’s efforts to stage the World Cup for the first time since 1966.

Prime Minister David Cameron will be conspicuous by his absence, on holiday in Cornwall.

Quite what effect that will have remains to be seen especially since Vladimir Putin, Cameron’s opposite number in Russia, was praised by the inspection team for cutting short his own vacation when the Eastern European country hosted the FIFA bigwigs last week.

English bid insiders have been quick to play down the significance of Cameron’s non-appearance, instead concentrating on the many plus points of their candidacy.

Fifteen stadiums in 12 cities attempt to mix England’s rich heritage of stadiums with state-of-the-art new venues.

If England’s bid is successful on December 2 the final selection of stadiums will be taken by FIFA in 2013, when they are likely to choose 12.

“We believe our Bid Book reflects a strong proposal to FIFA from a country that can deliver on facilities, commercial opportunities and general infrastructure, for the overall benefit of the tournament, its players and officials and the fans,” said Anson.

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