FA explains 2018 World Cup bid budget

An article published by the Daily Mail suggested that GBP 1.5 million of the Football Association's budget proposal for the 2018 World Cup bid will support the funding of International Development Projects. According to the newspaper, offering such aid to football in countries that could influence the FIFA members vote should raise a "red flag".

The FA however explained that since 2000, it has invested significantly in an International Development Programme which has benefited established football-playing nations, developing countries and local communities across the world.

The International Development Programme focuses on using the power of football for a better world and has fostered relationships and agreements with countries from all continental Confederations. The programme has also initiated long-term partnership programmes supporting education, training, healthcare and the development of the game in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Lesotho, Malawi and Botswana.

The Bid to bring the World Cup to England in 2018 will further develop the pioneering work of the FA in the last eight years and the bid company, England 2018 Ltd has therefore set aside specific funds to promote this long-term project. This funding will also demonstrate the additional benefits the International Development Programme can provide if supported by a World Cup tournament in England.

The total FA budget proposal for the 2018 World Cup is GBP 14.7 million. Aside from the questionable GBP 1.5 million set aside for international development projects, staff costs will be GBP 7.1 million and bid ambassadors will receive GBP 500,000. The travel budget is GBP 1 million and the FIFA inspection visit will be GBP 100,000. GBP 2 million will be split equally for technical costs and contingency. Marketing and professional fees total 1.3 million combined, and GBP 500,000 is set aside for event presentations. The office costs are estimated at GBP 600,000.

England had to retract its offers to fund training camps in the UK in their 2012 Olympic bid to avoid similar controversy.