NW cities await World Cup D-Day
MANCHESTER and Liverpool were today united in hope that England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup would succeed.
Winning the bid – which has been mired in controversy in recent weeks amid allegations of corruption within football’s governing body FIFA – will boost the UK economy by around £3.2bn.
In the North West, where Liverpool and Manchester have both been chosen as host cities the economic impact could be as much as £750m.
The result will be announced in Zurich at 3pm this afternoon after frenzied last-minute lobbying from the bid team which includes Prince William, Prime Minister David Cameron and David Beckham.
North West bookmaker Betfred believes the momentum is now with England – even though until recently its was seen as being behind both the Russian and the Spain-Portugal bids.
Bedfred founder Fred Done has made England the favourite to win the bid, and has cut the odds from 11/4 to evens.
He said: “England should be the favourites for the 2018 World Cup. We have the best stadiums, great training facilities, excellent marketing and media, but most importantly we have the passion for the beautiful game.”
Dan Jones a partner at Deloitte in Manchester and a leading expert in football business said: “The proven depth of passion for football amongst domestic communities, together with the unrivalled worldwide interest in the game in this country, stands England’s bid ahead of others.
“England will deliver the very best welcome and World Cup experience for all and, from a commercial perspective, will enable FIFA to generate funds for investment in football development around the world.
“Hosting the World Cup in England will deliver a positive legacy for both this country and around the world.”
Mark Hovell, of Manchester law firm George Davies, said: “England will be excellent hosts and the event will prove a major boost to the economy locally and nationally.”
The England 2018 bid team has been led by Oldham-born Andy Anson, a former commercial director of Manchester United.
