England wants to play host for 2010 World Cup

With reports of delays in stadium construction work, hope that the 2010 World Cup will be staged in South Africa for the very first time appears to be threatened. The Football Association (FA) has let FIFA know that England is ready to play host for the event if South Africa is stripped of the tournament.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said England could be a possible option as a host, but the FA insists there have been no discussions with the FIFA.

"We understand South Africa remain on course to host the 2010 World Cup, and there have been no discussions with FIFA regarding England possibly hosting the tournament," an FA spokesman said.

"However, should there be requirements for any contingency planning. We believe that England has some of the finest stadia in the world and the football infrastructure which could host the 2010 World Cup at short notice, if asked to by FIFA."

The spokesman said he did not believe hosting the 2010 tournament would affect a prospective bid for the 2018 event.

FIFA remains confident South Africa will be ready in time but Blatter thinks that alternative arrangements need to be in place in case there are any unforeseen problems.

BBC's Inside Sport programme asked Blatter if England and Australia would be relied on if the South African organisation failed.

"Yes, but there are other countries ready to organise tomorrow morning or in two days, or two months, a World Cup," Blatter said.

"The United States of America, and Mexico, they can do it. Japan, they can do it. They have enough stadia. You say England can do it, and I am sure. Spain, they can do it. There is a lot of countries, but they don't need to be ready."

The FA is willing to make itself available in an emergency since Blatter does not favour a European bid for the 2018 tournament.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.