US will withdraw 2018 World Cup bid says Platini

By Andrew Warshaw

September 13 – UEFA President Michel Platini insists he has still not made up his mind about who to back for the 2018 World Cup but is now “100 percent sure” the tournament will come to Europe.

Although the United States are technically still in the running, Platini is certain they will eventually pull out and concentrate on 2022, leaving the 2018 field to the four European candidates.

For the first time ever, FIFA will vote on two host nations at the same time, on December 2 in Zurich, and Platini says 2018 is now a straight fight between the Europeans.

“I am sure of this,” said Platini.

“If the Americans are going to stand a chance of winning in 2022, they can’t come to the table in 2018 as well.”

Russia’s bid has been rocked by allegations of racism while the joint Spain-Portugal campaign has been undermined by the sacking of Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz.

“I have not made up my mind who to vote for in 2018”, said Platini.

“All of them have their own interests though obviously I have to vote.”

The Frenchman also welcomed the decline in transfer activity in the January window, saying it proved clubs were worried about being banned from the Champions League under stringent new rules being introduced by UEFA in 2014-2015 that force clubs to break even.

“It’s good they are spending less money,” said Platini.

“If they spent more they would become bankrupt.

“If they don’t have the money, they have to pay lower salaries.

“Let’s see in three year’s time how they are placed.

“UEFA is trying not to kill clubs but to protect them.”

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