carlyluvsunited
02-11-2007, 04:41 AM
Gill talks FA into making England 2018 World Cup bid
The FA made the most abrupt of U-turns yesterday and agreed to announce their
2018 World Cup bid straight away.
The change of heart followed the huge enthusiasm shown by FA board members,
led by Manchester United chief executive David Gill, to waste no time in making
their play to stage the tournament — especially with the public perception being
that the starting pistol had already been fired.
The move came only 24 hours after Soho Square management, from chairman
Geoff Thompson downwards, had urged caution and suggested the FA would
take their time in deciding after FIFA had given the green light to an England bid
on Monday.
FIFA, who on Tuesday awarded the 2014 tournament to Brazil, had unanimously
voted to end the rotation process in 2018, setting up the prospect of the mother
of all bidding contests involving England, Russia, the United States, China, Spain,
Mexico, Canada, Australia and the Benelux countries.
The desire to examine all options after the fiasco of the doomed 2006 bid led the
FA executive to propose a six-month feasibility study at yesterday's meeting.
FIFA will not vote on the 2018 venue until 2011 and the FA could have waited
until 2009 before joining the race.
But the compelling opinion of the 12-strong board was that nothing could be lost
by taking the initiative without delay, which would demonstrate how keen
England are to stage the World Cup for the first time since 1966.
Gill was the most prominent and vocal board member in instigating the change of
mind and he might now emerge as a senior member of the campaign team as
well.
Thompson said: "The plan had been to spend time making our decision but the
board's sheer enthusiasm for the World Cup convinced us to announce our bid
straight away.
"We are also swayed by the positive comments made by FIFA president Sepp
Blatter and the tremendous support from Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his
Government — and we've demonstrated our intentions by going on to the front
foot."
FA chief executive Brian Barwick said: "This is a great moment for all of us who
love the game in this country. The excitement and expectation from the public
about a prospective bid has been incredible."
Minister of Sport Gerry Sutcliffe said: "Just like the Olympic bid for 2012, I'm sure
we can win it."
Click here to join manutdtalk.com and read all breaking news on all things
United !!!
http://manutdtalk.com/forums/register.php
The FA made the most abrupt of U-turns yesterday and agreed to announce their
2018 World Cup bid straight away.
The change of heart followed the huge enthusiasm shown by FA board members,
led by Manchester United chief executive David Gill, to waste no time in making
their play to stage the tournament — especially with the public perception being
that the starting pistol had already been fired.
The move came only 24 hours after Soho Square management, from chairman
Geoff Thompson downwards, had urged caution and suggested the FA would
take their time in deciding after FIFA had given the green light to an England bid
on Monday.
FIFA, who on Tuesday awarded the 2014 tournament to Brazil, had unanimously
voted to end the rotation process in 2018, setting up the prospect of the mother
of all bidding contests involving England, Russia, the United States, China, Spain,
Mexico, Canada, Australia and the Benelux countries.
The desire to examine all options after the fiasco of the doomed 2006 bid led the
FA executive to propose a six-month feasibility study at yesterday's meeting.
FIFA will not vote on the 2018 venue until 2011 and the FA could have waited
until 2009 before joining the race.
But the compelling opinion of the 12-strong board was that nothing could be lost
by taking the initiative without delay, which would demonstrate how keen
England are to stage the World Cup for the first time since 1966.
Gill was the most prominent and vocal board member in instigating the change of
mind and he might now emerge as a senior member of the campaign team as
well.
Thompson said: "The plan had been to spend time making our decision but the
board's sheer enthusiasm for the World Cup convinced us to announce our bid
straight away.
"We are also swayed by the positive comments made by FIFA president Sepp
Blatter and the tremendous support from Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his
Government — and we've demonstrated our intentions by going on to the front
foot."
FA chief executive Brian Barwick said: "This is a great moment for all of us who
love the game in this country. The excitement and expectation from the public
about a prospective bid has been incredible."
Minister of Sport Gerry Sutcliffe said: "Just like the Olympic bid for 2012, I'm sure
we can win it."
Click here to join manutdtalk.com and read all breaking news on all things
United !!!
http://manutdtalk.com/forums/register.php