2018 & 2022 World Cups to be decided together

[The Coon Dog]

SIMULTANEOUS DECISION ON CUP HOSTS (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/08/12/20/SOCCER_FIFA.html&TEAMHD=soccer)

FIFA have confirmed the hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups will be decided at the same time - but not put any block on countries bidding for both.

At one point it was felt football's world governing body would state only bids from European countries would be accepted for 2018 - which would have offered a big lift for England, who have already declared their intention to lodge an application.

However, FIFA had started to move away from that position and have now formally decided to accept bids from countries for two competitions at the same time.

It means potential hosts such as Australia and China could go for both.

Europe is still expected to land 2018, but the presence of countries outside UEFA in the bidding process could split a complicated voting structure and potentially squeeze England out.

FA chairman Lord Triesman is in Tokyo to meet key FIFA figures, with the political work moving up a further notch next month when 2018 bid chief executive Andy Anson takes up his full-time post.

Bid registration forms will be issued by FIFA from next month, with the decisions on who hosts which tournaments to take place in December 2010.

Having not hosted a World Cup since 1966, England should be among the favourites.

However, arguments between England's main powers have undermined the desire for a united front - while doubts have also been raised over the amount the Government are willing to contribute, given the level of funds that have been washing around in the sport thanks to massively increased TV deals.

[MrMahatma]

England will be a big chance, having the Olympics in 2012 also. And China will have the infrastructure after the Beijing games too.

Would love to see it Down under though.

[The Coon Dog]

Aussies enter 2018 World Cup race (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7863406.stm)

England will face competition from Australia to host the 2018 World Cup.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has been boosted by a £19.3m pledge from the government to fund their campaign for both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

"We know we have the capacity, experience and expertise to deliver a successful Fifa World Cup," said FFA chairman Frank Lowy.

The deadline for official bids expires 2 February and the successful countries will be announced in December 2010.

Japan, Qatar, Mexico, Russia and Indonesia have also declared their intention to host the prestigious tournament in 2018.

Fifa announced in December 2008 that bids for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups would be decided at the same time.

Should a 2018 bid fail it now means countries can enter the 2022 vote straight after, as long as 2018's hosts are not from the same continent.

"We believe this is a passion and commitment that can be shared with the world and it would form part of a living and lasting legacy to the world from Australia," said Lowry.

"The bid will also help the world understand that Australia is a 'can do' country, where important, major events can happen with a minimum of fuss and a minimum of worry."

Australia's campaign is likely to receive support from Fifa president Sepp Blatter, who said in May last year that it would be "very special" if the tournament went down under for the first time.

[Chops]

I think thats great news, I think we are better chance for 2022 than 2018. 1 bid for both not a failed bid for 2018 then a bid for 2022.

[GVGjr]

Would we really be in contention? I thought Southern Hemisphere countries really have their work cut out to get it.

[Chops]

I think FIFA want the game to delevop here so we are a chance

[The Coon Dog]

Australia launches bid to host 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup (http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25633837-23215,00.html)

Hosting the World Cup could provide an even bigger boost for Australian football than competing in it.

That's the belief of Socceroos stars who have highlighted Australia's credentials on the field by qualifying for two successive finals and are now pressing the nation's claims off the field.

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is convinced “without a doubt'' Australia's bid to host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cups could deliver greater impetus than qualifying.

“I saw how it transformed Germany in 2006,'' said Australia's newly acclaimed international player of the year at the official bid launch by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in Canberra.

“No-one can really understand the magnitude of the game and what it would do for this country, not only for football but for the revenue and the jobs it would create.

“The impact on Australia as a whole would be unbelievable,'' said Schwarzer, 35 years to the day after Australia played its first World Cup finals match in then West Germany.

“Bringing the World Cup here would be bigger than anything we have ever seen before.

“It is truly the greatest show on earth.''

National skipper Lucas Neill was another who took up the prime minister's case that, football passions aside, the event would showcase Australia and deliver an estimated $5 billion revenue windfall.

“This big dream to bring the World Cup to Australia makes me realise how far Australian football has come,'' Neill said.

“Who would have dreamt of this 10 years ago?

“The more I think of it, the more I believe, ‘Yes we can'.''

“It would be great for football, great for the economy, great for business, great for tourism and great for the Australian people.''

Harry Williams, one of the part-time heroes who played in Australia's original 1974 World Cup team, said hosting the event would be “a gift to future generations''.

“This is bigger than the Olympics,'' he said.

Australia will be up against nine other bids when world body FIFA decides on hosts for both the 2018 and 2022 championships in December next year.

They include four bids from Europe - England, Russia and joint campaigns from Spain/Portugal and Belgium/Holland - as well as the US, Mexico and three from Asia besides Australia - Japan/South Korea, Indonesia and Qatar.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) chairman Frank Lowy said winning the bid to host the World Cup was one of the biggest challenges in sport.

He said it would help build the Australian nation, as football brought “Australia to the world and the world to Australia''.

Australia was up against some of the most powerful nations on earth, he said, but “we enter confidently and we enter to win it. We have our own very strong credentials.''

Prime Minister Rudd called the World Cup “the greatest event on earth'' and applauded Australian football's “audacity, sheer chutzpah and organisational skills''.

He praised Lowy's vision and ability to “get inside the head of any politician''.

“Prior to the last election, he said to me, 'How about it Kevin?'. I'm sure he did the same to John Howard.''

“We are good at hosting big events,'' said Mr Rudd.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity to showcase Australia to the world.''

__________________________________________________ ___


Bidding Nations
There are nine bidders for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals
# Australia
# Belgium/Netherlands
# England
# Indonesia
# Japan
# Mexico
# Portugal/Spain
# Russia
# United States


The 2022 World Cup finals are subject to the same bids, plus those of Qatar and South Korea.

The two winning bidders will earn the right to host the FIFA World Cup finals, in June/July 2018 or June/July 2022, as well as the FIFA Confederations Cup (held in the preceding year).

Bidding countries must demonstrate:
# Compliance with the bidding process, bidding registration and bidding agreement;
# Anticipated impact on the game, and on society as a whole, in both the host country and abroad;
# Support for the bid from the Government, the general public and football community;
# Infrastructure and management capabilities to host the tournament;
# An innovative and meaningful legacy programme for after the event.


Bidding Process
Bidding countries are bound by the FIFA Code of Ethics to ensure a fair and balanced process.

FIFA will nominate specific occasions when bidding nations can conduct bid promotions and activities at FIFA or Confederation events such as competitions, draw ceremonies, congresses and meetings. FIFA will also appoint an Inspection Group whose role it is to oversee the bid process, conduct inspection visits and report on each country’s progress and final bids.

Bidding countries are required to submit a "Bid Book" in May 2010. The Bid Book must satisfy FIFA's comprehensive requirements for stadiums, accommodation, transport, IT, medical services, safety and security, broadcasting, commercial rights, corporate hospitality and ticketing.

Each county is also given the opportunity to present their bid to the FIFA Executive around the end of November/beginning of December 2010.

Voting Process
The 24 members of the FIFA Executive Committee decide who hosts the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup.

In December 2008, FIFA confirmed simultaneous bidding for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World World Cups. This means that the host countries for both tournaments will be determined by the FIFA Executive Committee, when they meet in December 2010.

The winning bid will be selected by an exhaustive ballot (i.e. each member of the FIFA Executive Committee will vote for a single country, the country with the fewest votes will be eliminated. Further rounds of voting will then occur until the vote is between two remaining countries and a final winner is selected).

[Desipura]

the time difference here compared to the rest of the world will count against us. Trying not to think how old I will be in 2018.:)

[The Coon Dog]

the time difference here compared to the rest of the world will count against us. Trying not to think how old I will be in 2018.:)
You'll be even older in 2022!!

We're only an hour ahead of Tokyo & they held the World Cup in Japan not all that long ago.

[Desipura]

do you remember if they played the games at night? Would reduce the time difference

[The Coon Dog]

do you remember if they played the games at night? Would reduce the time difference

There were 5 kick off times (all local).

2.30pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm, 6.00pm & 8.30pm.

[chef]

Australia launches bid to host 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup (http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25633837-23215,00.html)
Bidding Nations
There are nine bidders for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals
# Australia
# Belgium/Netherlands
# England
# Indonesia
# Japan
# Mexico
# Portugal/Spain
# Russia
# United States


Could Australia and Indonesia do a joint bid, as this would seriously improve our chances wouldn't it?

[The Coon Dog]

Could Australia and Indonesia do a joint bid, as this would seriously improve our chances wouldn't it?

You would think the country were more akin to anyone in terms of a joint bid is New Zealand. Alas we & NZ are in different confederations now.

[Sockeye Salmon]

You would think the country were more akin to anyone in terms of a joint bid is New Zealand. Alas we & NZ are in different confederations now.

Why would that matter?

[The Coon Dog]

Why would that matter?

I'm not sure it would matter much. I knew if I didn't allude to it, someone would look to raise it.

[GVGjr]

Could Australia and Indonesia do a joint bid, as this would seriously improve our chances wouldn't it?

You would think the country were more akin to anyone in terms of a joint bid is New Zealand. Alas we & NZ are in different confederations now.

Given that NZ are unlikely to have planned to have been apart of the bid finding the money would be an issue for them plus isn't there a requirement that the host sides get a free pass into the cup?
Could that be an issue?

[The Coon Dog]

isn't there a requirement that the host sides get a free pass into the cup?
Could that be an issue?

Wasn't when Japan & South Korea hosted it. Without knowing the facts I'd be pretty sure 1 less Asian Confederation qualifying place was available to accommodate both host nations..

[The Coon Dog]

Looks like the ugly side of politics has reared its head again. The whole bidding process is as tainted as that of the Olympics.

Australia's 2018 World Cup bid doomed, FIFA president Sepp Blatter suggests

Australia's bid to host the 2018 World Cup finals has been handed a hammer blow by FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who has indicated that European bids alone should be considered.

Blatter told a media conference in Madrid that a plan to take the 2018 World Cup finals to Europe was being considered, despite Australia’s bid for the 2018 tournament.

"From what I've discussed with the president of UEFA, Michel Platini, in the last few days in Moscow is that only a European candidate will be evaluated for the 2018 World Cup," Blatter said.

Article in full... (http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,26637316-5019088,00.html)

[Swoop]

Nothing has been confirmed and I know the FFA were planning on sitting down with FIFA to have these comments explained. These bids require a lot of time and effort from a lot of people as well as something along the lines of $40 million committed just for the bid. If FIFA aren't taking the bid seriously and just wasting our time than shame on them, they probably want to be seen to be being impartial and allowing everyone an equal opportunity in bidding but in reality they are simply wasting our time and more importantly tax payers money.

[Sedat]

My understanding is that we are in it up to our eyeballs for 2022 and that we have lobbied the various confederations accordingly.

[The Coon Dog]

Australia drops out of race to host 2018 World Cup

England's chances of hosting the 2018 World Cup have been handed a boost after Australia dropped out of the race to focus on the 2022 tournament.

The United States is now the only non-European bidder still involved.

Russia and joint bids from Holland and Belgium, and Spain and Portugal are the other possible locations for the event.

"It became apparent that there was a growing movement to stage the 2018 World Cup in Europe," said Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke.

"The FFA [Football Federation Australia] has displayed an exemplary level of solidarity with Europe and the European bidding nations.

"Their announcement, therefore, to henceforth focus solely on bidding for the 2022 Fifa World Cup is a welcome gesture that is much appreciated by Fifa's leadership and executive committee. We wish to thank the FFA and the Australian Government."

FFA chairman Frank Lowy confirmed the decision to concentrate on 2022, again strongly hinting that the tournament will head to Europe in 2018.

Article in full... (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8733913.stm)

[chef]

Always going to happen after Asia said they were going to support our bid.

[FrediKanoute]

Whlist it would be nice for Australia to host the World Cup and I'd definitely be trying to get tickets, part of me has some reservations about it and its mainly to do with the fun police at the stadiums. World Cup's are a carnival atmosphere and whilst the vuvuzuela's are annoying they add to the carnival atmosphere. So too do Mexican Waves, flags, banners, beach balls, horns, drums etc........most of this has been banned at many stadium's around Australia. Add to that Australia's almost puritanical approach to drinking (ie light beer at stadiums) and it just seems to me that the fun police will ruin the party.......personally I'm looking forward to Brasil 2014......

[The Coon Dog]

FIFA PROBE CLAIMS OVER AUSSIE BID

FIFA have confirmed they are investigating allegations that Australian World Cup bid officials handed out jewellery and paid travel costs for a Trinidad team in order to win votes.

The allegations in the Sydney Morning Telegraph quotes documents from Football Federation Australia that also details payments of up to £6.4million to consultants if the bid is successful.

A FIFA statement today said: "FIFA can confirm that it is looking into this matter. For the time being, FIFA cannot disclose any other details or make any further comment."

Article in full... (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/10/06/30/WORLDCUP_FIFA.html&TEAMHD=soccer)

[comrade]

Why is this being investigated? Every country bidding for the World Cup does similar shady deals, wasting tax payer money.

[Rocco Jones]

Why is this being investigated? Every country bidding for the World Cup does similar shady deals, wasting tax payer money.

This.

[The Underdog]

Why is this being investigated? Every country bidding for the World Cup does similar shady deals, wasting tax payer money.

I thought that was how you got World Cups.

Geez imagine if Olympic delegates copped this sort of scrutiny. Bribery is an entrenched part of all of this.

On a side note I was listening to a Podcast the other day where a US journo commenting on the World Cup essentially thought it was a certainty that 2022 would go there.

[Topdog]

Why is this being investigated? Every country bidding for the World Cup does similar shady deals, wasting tax payer money.

Because a newspaper was stupid enough to publish it thinking that it was something new so FIFA have to be seen to be doing something.

[Flamethrower]

According to articles on other websites FIFA themselves are investigating Australia's bidding process for irregularites, while Yahoo is reporting that the US bidding team considers what has happened to be a mortal blow to Australia's chances of hosting in 2022.

Personally I have always thought that England would host in 2018 and the USA in 2022, and nothing that has happened in the last 12 months has made me believe otherwise.

[The Coon Dog]

AUSTRALIA 2022 BID TEAM IN CLEAR (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/10/07/04/WORLDCUP_Australia.html&TEAMHD=soccer)

Australian football chiefs say they have been cleared by their country's government of attempting to mislead them over their spending of public money on the bid for the 2022 World Cup.

A document obtained by the Age newspaper detailed a number of allegations about bonuses to consultants, gifts of pearl necklaces and cufflinks to FIFA executive committee members, and paying the costs of a Trinidad and Tobago youth team to fly to a tournament.

FIFA are investigating the allegations but Football Federation Australia (FFA) say the document was an "informal planning document" and government officials have examined accounts and cleared them of any attempt to mislead them

Article in full... (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/10/07/04/WORLDCUP_Australia.html&TEAMHD=soccer)

[The Coon Dog]

Foxsports.com.au will broadcast a live video stream of the announcement of the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts from 2am (EDT) on December 3. Fox Sports News (Channel 513) will broadcast full coverage of the announcement ceremony from 1am (EDT) on December 3.

[aker39]

Australia's final presentation to FIFA will be shown tonight at 11.55 on Fox and ABC News 24.

One day I have positive vibes and the next, like today, negative ones. In all honesty, I can't see us beating USA.

[The Coon Dog]

2018

Countries bidding are:

- Belgium & Holland (17.00)
- England (3.65)
- Russia (1.90)
- Portugal & Spain (4.10)


2022

Countries bidding are:

- Australia (1.95)
- Japan (17.00)
- Qatar (3.25)
- South Korea (23.00)
- USA (3.10)

*Figures in brackets are the odds at Sportingbet.

[The Coon Dog]

Australia's final presentation to FIFA will be shown tonight at 11.55 on Fox and ABC News 24.

One day I have positive vibes and the next, like today, negative ones. In all honesty, I can't see us beating USA.

Can we merge with existing WC thread please?

[aker39]

Can we merge with existing WC thread please?

Sorry, I must be blind.

[aker39]

[/CENTER]g;192518]Foxsports.com.au will broadcast a live video stream of the announcement of the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts from 2am (EDT) on December 3. Fox Sports News (Channel 513) will broadcast full coverage of the announcement ceremony from 1am (EDT) on December 3.

ABC News 24 and Foxtel are showinhg our final presentation to FIFA tonight at 11.55

[The Coon Dog]

ABC News 24 and Foxtel are showinhg our final presentation to FIFA tonight at 11.55

I just get the feeling the USA will have bought enough numbers to get it.

[Suz 32]

I just get the feeling the USA will have bought enough numbers to get it.

Like the 1996 Olympic games? :mad:

[Lantern]

I don't get it, though -- all the other applicants have already hosted a WC very recently, South Korea/Japan as recently as 2002, and US in 1994. The only country thus far who has hosted the World Cup twice is Mexico in 1970 and 1986 (although West Germany also hosted the 1954 version before a unified Germany did 2006).

To give it to anyone other than the UAE or Australia would be breaking long-standing tradition of not going back to a country too quickly -- Spain/Portugal would be arguing that case too re: the 2018 version (although England will probably get it).

Australia's main argument would be the closeness to the burgeoning Asian market, as well as access to a previously untapped region, however, FIFA may see the US as a far more lucrative option, although that would be short-sighted: The sporting market there is already saturated, the soccer market (despite popular perception) is already very mature and is the largest participant sport for females of all ages (the US women's soccer team has won the women's world cup twice of the five times it has been held), the under-12 age-group (thus the coining of the term 'soccer mom'), and Spanish-speaking US citizens. Also, projecting to 2022, the global economic centre of gravity would have well and truly shifted to Asia, so if FIFA has any foresight (not likely), the US wouldn't be an option.

[The Coon Dog]

The host nation for the 2018 World Cup is Russia!

[The Coon Dog]

The host nation for the 2022 World Cup is Qatar.

[The Coon Dog]

Well, that was an anti climax. Interesting to see how spectators cope with the 50 degree heat!

[way out west]

And no Beer

[way out west]

FIFA should have a good look at themselves

[Remi Moses]

Is anyone surprised !
Qatar -one for the fans !! 50 degrees and no grog good move:eek:Heard tonight the stadiums in Qatar are in the same radius as in Adelaide..

[Chops]

Its hard not to be upset by the decision.
Its 10 stadiums within 20km and being a strick Muslim country no alcohol.
Most $ wins.

At least the AFL got what they wanted.

[chef]

We would have a better chance of getting the cup if we did a joint bid with Indonesia.

[GVGjr]

Its hard not to be upset by the decision.
Its 10 stadiums within 20km and being a strick Muslim country no alcohol.
Most $ wins.



And the vast majority of the new stadiums will never be used whereas here and in other countries they would have been welcome additions.

FIFA obviously placed a premium on the economic returns which was our weakness.

[The Coon Dog]

Reports out of London saying the English bid was a first round casualty, obtaining just two votes. Wonder how much of that was due to the Panorama expose' highlighting corruption amongst the IOC whoops FIFA delegates?

Australia received a single solitary vote and was the first nation eliminated in the fight for the right to host the 2022 World Cup. It ended up being a fourth-round battle between Qatar and the United States with the Middle Eastern nation winning 14-8.

A major problem when deciding 2 World Cups simultaneously is the suspicion of deals being done between colluding nations (ie, we'll vote for you if you agree to vote for us).

[Chops]

Money is the only reason.
In terms of Soccer Qatar is a minnow. Many of the players are Brazilian ex pats.

[way out west]

Australians are too nice we should have used the 48 million to bribe the FIFA officials as that is the only way to get the event.

FIFA has obviously have no intention of growing the game in new markets

[Suz 32]

I'm not a soccer fan, but am really disappointed Australia didn't get the 2022 World Cup. I think we would've put on a fantastic World Cup, just like we did the 2000 Olympic Games. :(

[Chops]

Australians are too nice we should have used the 48 million to bribe the FIFA officials as that is the only way to get the event.

FIFA has obviously have no intention of growing the game in new markets

49 Million would have beaten them. Highest bidder gets it.

One thing for sure is, there was no point waste our time and money bidding if we are in the Asian federation going up against 3 other Asian bids.

[Topdog]

One thing for sure is, there was no point waste our time and money bidding if we are in the Asian federation going up against 3 other Asian bids.

Yep thats a very important point. Asia still hates Australia in football so this isn't too surprising.

FIFA accepting the money on offer from Russia and Qatar also isn't surprising. Very disappointing though.

[Mantis]

Once again the FIFA has sold out to the highest bidder... For the neutrals it really makes you think why even bother.

A mate of mine works in Qatar... Was in Melb recently and said for 4 months (when they will play the WC) they didn't have a day under 40 deg and it doesn't cool down much in the evening.

The country also has a population of just 1.6mil and they will be building the 10 stadiums within a 20km radius... Good luck moving people around and accommodating them.

[jazzadogs]

Once again the FIFA has sold out to the highest bidder... For the neutrals it really makes you think why even bother.

A mate of mine works in Qatar... Was in Melb recently and said for 4 months (when they will play the WC) they didn't have a day under 40 deg and it doesn't cool down much in the evening.

The country also has a population of just 1.6mil and they will be building the 10 stadiums within a 20km radius... Good luck moving people around and accommodating them.
They won't have any problem with that, because they have the money to build more hotels, and transport.

And I suppose the rationale behind having the stadiums so close is that people won't have to travel in the heat for too long in between stadiums. Still think it's a crappy idea.

[Scraggers]

I think the fact that Qatar are going to ship the stadiums off to under privileged nations (brick for brick) and rebuild them after the World Cup was a big draw ... That and the bribe :p

[chef]

They won't have any problem with that, because they have the money to build more hotels, and transport.

And I suppose the rationale behind having the stadiums so close is that people won't have to travel in the heat for too long in between stadiums. Still think it's a crappy idea.

The heat shouldn't be to bad at the stadiums either with them being air conditioned.

Being a soccer minnow and having the worst possible time-zone for showing games into Europe and the America's we have close to a zero chance of every having the World Cup played here.

[The Coon Dog]

http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2010/12/03/1225965/134957-how-voting-worked.jpg

Odd voting patters.

In the first round 3 delegates voted for Japan, but in the 2nd round they had one of their voters change allegiance only securing 2 votes. Likewise Qatar were reduced from 11 to 10 votes. Sounds strange that delegates vote for a certain country in one round, but change their minds in the next.

[divvydan]

That's normally done to eliminate a potential threat in the first round. Same thing happened with two people voting for Holland/Belgium in the first round and then changing to Russia for the second.

[angelopetraglia]

Qatar ... come on, tell me you are not serious.

-1.6m population (less than 1 million a year ago)
-46c AVERAGE temperature in June!
-ranked outside the top 100
-all stadiums within a 20km radius
-limited beer
-no Brazilian girls in bikinis

How can this happen in 2010? Complete joke.

[Desipura]

"Gee, the parties are going to be a hoot":rolleyes:

[jazzadogs]

They don't even have a team on FIFA 11 apparently...

[chef]

They don't even have a team on FIFA 11 apparently...

FIFA 11 only has 40 countries on it, I guess the ones where the game is aimed to be sold.
FIFA South Africa 2010 does include Qatar though(it includes every country on the globe).

[Lantern]

FIFA 11 only has 40 countries on it, I guess the ones where the game is aimed to be sold.
FIFA South Africa 2010 does include Qatar though(it includes every country on the globe).

Not true -- I didn't see the Vatican City, or Bhutan, or East Timor on it. :)

[chef]

Not true -- I didn't see the Vatican City, or Bhutan, or East Timor on it. :)

Well, nearly every country:).