Portugal and Spain reveal joint 2018 World Cup bid

A joint bid was issued by Spain and Portugal in the race for 2018 World Cup host. Although Portugal had allegedly been more excited about the venture than Spain, Spanish FA President Angel Maria Villar Llona has since indicated that he supports a joint endeavour. The bid is also being backed by the Portuguese government, as outlined in a letter to the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) last week.

With Sports and Youth Minister Laurentino Dias pointing out the fact that Portugal boasts some of the best grounds in Europe, as noted in The Mirror, as well as the likelihood for the newly-formed team to receive support from the three South American representatives appearing on the FIFA Executive Committee, the pair could be considered top candidates for the 2018 World Cup honour.

Changes to the bidding process extended to England as well, with Andy Anson officially assuming the role of Chief Executive for the country’s World Cup bid. In a recent statement, Anson indicated that although England may be considered a favourite of fans, it doesn’t mean much when it comes to such a pursuit. Anson went on to identify complacency as “one of the biggest dangers”, advising that England cannot afford to be complacent at this point in time.

Official decisions in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids are set to be issued in December 2011, with a simultaneous bidding process in place for both events.