LONDON, 1 November 2007 — England will bid to host the 2018 World Cup finals, the Football Association confirmed yesteray.
England failed in their attempt to stage the 2006 tournament but are bidding again after world governing body FIFA announced on Monday it was ending its continental rotation policy.
“I’m delighted to announce our intention to bid to host the World Cup in 2018,” FA chairman Geoff Thompson said.
“This follows FIFA’s announcement on Monday that the previous rotation policy will be discontinued, and the positive comments made by FIFA President Sepp Blatter.
“The tremendous support from Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his government has also been a key consideration in today’s decision.” England has only staged the World Cup once in 1966 when they beat West Germany in the final at Wembley. The 1996 European Championship was also held in England.
FA chief executive Brian Barwick said the work to bring the World Cup back to England would start straight away.
“This is a great moment for all of us who love the game in this country,” he said. “The excitement and expectation from the public to a prospective bid has been incredible. “It is very clear that the English football public wants to see the World Cup back in this country.
We now have to begin the hard work of putting together our plans for a successful bid.” Belgium and Netherlands have already confirmed they would make a joint bid while Australia are also expected to enter the race. China, Mexico and the US have also expressed an interest.
Koeman Agrees to Take Over
as Valencia Coach
In Eindhoven, Ronald Koeman has agreed to take over as coach of Valencia after quitting PSV Eindhoven, the former Dutch international said yesterday.
“I have not signed so far but I have reached an agreement with Valencia for a 2-1/2 year contract,” Koeman told a news conference.
The Primera Liga club had been looking for a new manager after sacking Quique Sanchez Flores following last weekend’s 3-0 defeat at Sevilla.
PSV managing director Jan Reker told yesterday’s news conference the Dutch club had accepted Koeman’s resignation.
“Koeman told me this summer it was his dream to work with one of the top teams in Spain so when Valencia came it was clear for us that it would be difficult to keep him,” said Reker.
“The management of PSV spoke with delegates of Valencia this morning and in 4-1/2 hours we reached an agreement about financial compensation,” Reker added.
Koeman, 44, clashed with PSV chairman Frits Schuitema last season when the team appeared to have squandered their title chances but they ended up snatching the Dutch championship on goal difference in a dramatic finale.
