On air: Russia to host 2018 World Cup and Qatar to host 2022
Post categories: World Cup Have Your Say
| 00:00 UK time, Thursday, 2 December 2010
This topic was discussed on World Have Your Say on 02 December 2010. Listen to the programme.
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It's official. Russia will host the 2018 Fifa World Cup. And Qatar won the bid to host 2022. Thousands of you have been contacting us from all over the world with your reaction to the news and we'll be talking to some of you on the programme to see what you think.
...and now, as we head into the final stages of this titanic battle for the (hosting of) the World Cup, let's join our commentary team of Ben Sutherland in London and Alex Capstick at Fifa HQ in Zurich. Ben, just fill us in on what's been happening so far...
Well Ros, as you say, it's been a much-anticipated clash in Zurich, and it's certainly been eventful so far - even if no-one's yet scored the crucial winner.
Out there, on this biggest of world stages, are representatives from - appropriately enough - 11 nations.
Some - the English and the Spanish in particular - are veterans who have been here before. Indeed, England first got picked some 44 years ago.
When Fifa's scouts came to have a look round, they found both bids were "low risk" and scored particularly well on things like stadia (England's legendary Wembley Stadium, Villa Park; Spain's Camp Nou and Bernabeu; Portugal's Stadium Of Light) and transport.
They're both tussling for 2018 - Spain in partnership with Portugal. Fifa have in the past (indeed, as recently as 2009 ) said they are against joint bids - (although recently that stance seemed to soften), which may go against the Iberian campaign.
On the other hand, Spain/Portugal's domestic media hasn't just broadcast a programme attacking Fifa and naming one of the key people said to be backing their vote as being involved in procuring $84,000 worth of World Cup Finals tickets, nor did their bid leader have to quit after a newspaper set him up with a hideous honey trap-style sting operation.
What of the other bidders? Desperate to come off the sub's bench are the Netherlands and Belgium. The Dutch in particular have a fantastic footballing history, and have reached three World Cup finals - one more than all the other eight bidders put together. However, co-hosting there has been described as "a challenge", and there is a lack of government guarantees - something that very much concerns Fifa (and is in contrast to, for example, England, whose Prime Minister - despite criticism - has spent the three days leading up to the announcment in Zurich). The current odds on this bid being successful are 40/1, which is the same price you'll currently get on Tim Cahill to finish the season as Premier League top scorer, so it's unlikely they'll be dancing in the streets of Bruges tomorrow.
Then there is Russia. Their bid is described as representing "a project similar in ambition to South Africa."
It's certainly the biggest country that the World Cup has never been to, which is both a benefit and a problem. There are ambitious plans for 13 new stadiums - which would leave a fantastic legacy.
But again, there seems to be a lack of support from government, typified by the no-show of Vladimir Putin in Zurich this week. And the vast distances involved mean flying will be the only fans can get to the matches. This has left the transport part of the Russian bid being labelled "high risk," which are never words you want to see when you're hoping to stage a major sporting event.
Have they got a good touch for a big country? We'll soon know.
Then there's 2022. Five countries in the mix here - Australia, Japan, the USA, South Korea and Qatar.
Australia are the mid-ranking side here. They've never hosted before, and are a sport-made country with a history of hosting big events. But the World Cup would clash with the Australian rugby league season - something Fifa frown on, as nothing should be allowed to clash with the World Cup in the host nation (for similar reasons, Wimbledon may adversely affect the England bid).
Japan and Korea, of course, hosted as recently as 2002. Even though the Korea bid includes plans to try and stage some matches in the North, the close proximity in time is the main reason the odds on them getting the nod are so long.
The last US World Cup was not too much further back, in 1994 (remembered mostly as the tournament that began and ended with a penalty miss) but they are second favourites. Massively in their favour is that USA '94 was the most commercially successful World Cup of them all.
But out in front is Qatar. There's never been a Middle Eastern World Cup and this is a big time for sport in that region - witness the milliions spent on securing two Formula One races in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi. Money would be no object. And they are represented by, among others, Zinedine Zidane.
On the other hand, it's going to be hot - there are fears that temperatures could reach 50 degrees. And in a friendly between England and Brazil last year, the atmosphere was akin to that in the immediate vacinity of Space Station Mir.
So who do you think should get the bid? Where would you like to see the World Cup being held?
There will be two special editions of World Cup Have Your Say at 0930 GMT on Thursday and Friday. Follow me on Twitter - @bensutherland
Comment number 1.
At 06:43 2nd Dec 2010, Gary Neville Bayern Munichs number 7 wrote:the moral winners are England and Australia
But i suspect FIFA will be greedy, and pick the likes of Qatar and USA instead
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Comment number 2.
At 07:38 2nd Dec 2010, ariku arison leuga wrote:Yes, if they(scouts) did say that the stadia,like old traford, anfield, emirates to mention, are less risk, why should they doubt England to host the tounamment in 2018.therefore England is more hospitable than any of these contestants ie spain and portugal who are going for joint bid.so i differ slightly from those saying spain is....., is it becuase they won it in 2010?. people talked against South Africa, they proved them(people) wrong by having the best hosting reputation as far as the tournament hosting is concerned.let them ask FIFA president. about 2010 world cup in South Africa.
thanks alot, Ariku Arison Leuga,Yumbe-Uganda
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Comment number 3.
At 07:41 2nd Dec 2010, ariku arison leuga wrote:ENGLAND SHOULD BE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO HOST IT FOR THE SECOND TIME AFTER 44 YEARS.
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Comment number 4.
At 08:45 2nd Dec 2010, anthony bernstein wrote:I'd love to see it in the US in `22, but Uncle Sam will be on Mars before he hosts a World Cup!
Cheers -
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Comment number 5.
At 09:06 2nd Dec 2010, modernJan wrote:As a Dutchman I hope it'll be Belgium/Netherlands. On the other hand, major sporting events usually cost more than they bring back and all of the candidate countries are in debt...
Qatar should definitely NOT host a world cup: a tiny, scorching patch of desert is not a good location. Sure, they'll cool the stadiums, but that won't help people walking outside, besides there's no way they can host all the fans and import enough water for them. Also, the country is way too conservative for the world cup: no alcohol, no partying, no "revealing" clothes (meaning: no shorts, t-shirts, etc...)
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Comment number 6.
At 09:20 2nd Dec 2010, ampasteve wrote:i think the media has failed England in their bid , thesunday times lost them 2 possible votes and paranoma also lost them possible 1 or more votes , i wonder why the media would fail their country. (ampasteve- kampala)
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Comment number 7.
At 10:20 2nd Dec 2010, Roy0744 wrote:I have been watching with interest the Broadcasts by the various 'Celebrities' supporting England's Bid.
Appearance and image serves a lot in these situations and what i would like to see is david beckham to go and have and have a haircut, because at present he gives the unkempt appearance of someone who has just crawled out of bed and is on air, because he has nowhere better to go.
Brilliant Footballer - YES [and I am a staunch Liverpool Fan]
Good image for Supporting England's Bid - Absolutely not.
Come on David!!!
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Comment number 8.
At 10:47 2nd Dec 2010, Roy0744 wrote:Reference my earlier comment.
Just read it again and of course it should have read 'a Haircut and a Shave'.
Hope fully we will win the bid, despite David Beckham's appearance so fingers, toes, eyes and everything else crossed.
As Cheryl Cole would say 'Because we deserve it'
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Comment number 9.
At 12:39 2nd Dec 2010, Ben Boateng wrote:It is difficult to tell, that will be determined. As time goes on we will know the country which has won the bid to host the world cup. For now people can predict the outcome of events meanwhile it does not necessarily stand for the anouncement.
I will stay back and look on, if any country wins, we will be happy they did.
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Comment number 10.
At 12:51 2nd Dec 2010, Ibrahim in UK wrote:England! The history, the fans, the culture, the stadiums (always full even for the "smaller" teams), the tradition, the infrastructure, the final at Wembley, it's all here! It should be perfect football weather too around that time.
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Comment number 11.
At 14:07 2nd Dec 2010, motheman wrote:Why does the bbc have to intefer with affairs which could affect the entire country. Its only when you see the way it effects individual people do you have to ask yourself why do some journalist want to make their statement
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Comment number 12.
At 15:23 2nd Dec 2010, justanAmericanboy wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 13.
At 15:30 2nd Dec 2010, justanAmericanboy wrote:"England! The history, the fans, the culture, the stadiums (always full even for the "smaller" teams), the tradition, the infrastructure, the final at Wembley, it's all here!"
I agree 100% 44 years plus 8 will be 52 years since Geoff Hurst won it for England. But don't expect Beckenbauer to vote for England. The fix was in for Germany 2006 over England by 1 or 2 votes. You should've seen the covers of the German papers. DANKE! With a list of 24 German stars who lobbied for the Cup. Remember some African horse trading. Disgusting. FIFA hates the home of football. But who knows?
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Comment number 14.
At 15:34 2nd Dec 2010, justanAmericanboy wrote:"Yes, if they(scouts) did say that the stadia,like old traford, anfield, emirates to mention, are less risk, why should they doubt England to host the tounamment in 2018."
Don't forget the hoodies with the fireworks at last night's Carling Cup match in Birmingham! Disgusting. Why do we always shoot ourselves in the foot at the worst possible time?
Sepp Bladder, the king, is now speaking. Minutes away from..
..cheers or tears. :(
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Comment number 15.
At 15:35 2nd Dec 2010, PAIGE GABRIELA wrote:I THINK IT WILL BE BENELUX...FOR BEING SO CIVILIZED..PLUS, I THINK PUTIN WAS DOING AN ANTI-OBAMA MOVE IN NOT GOING TO THE PROCEEDINGS...
I CAN'T STAND THE SUSPENSE!!
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Comment number 16.
At 15:41 2nd Dec 2010, Tara Ballance - Montreal Canada wrote:Congratulations to Russia! If they bring the same enthusiasm to football that they have brought to hockey, this Canadian believes it will be a fantastic World Cup in 2018.
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Comment number 17.
At 15:41 2nd Dec 2010, Sir Digby Chicken Caesar wrote:BREAKING: Russia Wins 2018
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Comment number 18.
At 15:43 2nd Dec 2010, kwasisarpong wrote:Congratulation to Russia. It's a great news for the people of Russia. As FIFA presedident said "Football is not all about kicking". I think it's also about exhibiting the diverse culture that they have.
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Comment number 19.
At 16:13 2nd Dec 2010, justanAmericanboy wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 20.
At 16:17 2nd Dec 2010, Ibrahim in UK wrote:Well that didn't go according to (my) plan.
Congratulations to Russia and Qatar for winning their bids.
I wonder if they would consider moving the World Cup to the Christmas period (especially during the Qatar year), so the players are not jaded from their long club season.
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Comment number 21.
At 16:32 2nd Dec 2010, vince1973 wrote:Russia and Qatar are the two most corrupt countries among the 2018/2022 bidders. Concidence they won? I don't think so. I am sure FIFA received two nice fat checks from both countries. While I can see Russia hosting the WC, I am surprised Qatar was chosen. Since the country does not allow alcohol sales and has no night life entertainment or tourist sights, all the fans are going to do between the games is stay in their rooms, also hiding from the unbearable heat. Well, at least Adidas has 12 years to develop a ball that can survive surface of the Sun temps!
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Comment number 22.
At 16:33 2nd Dec 2010, gary indiana wrote:It would be best if sports-watching humanity realized these spectacles are very much about profit and only negligibly about sportsmanship and thus decide not to support their continuation in any venue.
g
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Comment number 23.
At 16:48 2nd Dec 2010, Sir Digby Chicken Caesar wrote:I'm curious, in the unlikely situation Israel were to qualify for the 2022 world cup, would Qatar even allow Israel to enter the country and play?
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Comment number 24.
At 17:18 2nd Dec 2010, Ibrahim in UK wrote:@steve
Apparently they've said they will "welcome" Israel in.
(As well as invest in more cooling technology and have a flexible approach to alcohol, and apparently are already quite relaxed to Western dress codes. Sounds like another Dubai in the making)
Hopefully by 2022 these things won't be an issue anyway, and maybe Israel will then be more likely to qualify by leaving the tough European qualification groups and returning to the Asian Qualification groups.
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Comment number 25.
At 17:45 2nd Dec 2010, futurewatcher wrote:Surely the 2018 and 2022 decisions are confirmation that FIFA is irredeemably corrupt. They have gone too far.
Europe and the leading American teams, who always make up 90% of the last 16, should start a new world football organsiation from scratch and stage a tournament in 2018.
The FIFA construct will then collapse and the new project will be unrivalled as the real world cup, as fan and TV money is channelled into the game properly rather than to FIFA bigwigs and risky host nations.
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Comment number 26.
At 18:26 2nd Dec 2010, Alan in AZ wrote:You have to know that people are already greasing the palms of officials in Russia to get their share of the future pie in the sky!
Qatar is surprising! I have concerns about the whole stability of the region in 10 years! I hope things improve for region, instead of being a waste land or melted sand and Nuclear fallout for the Middle East.
It will definitely be contrast in crowds watching the 2 World Cups. In Russia there will be lots of Vodka and in Qatar there will be lots of Water.
The important question for both events is "Will the Vuvuzela be banned?"
I think more stable environments should have been chosen!
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Comment number 27.
At 20:43 2nd Dec 2010, justanAmericanboy wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 28.
At 08:53 3rd Dec 2010, leerhok wrote:Why on earth do nations want championships on the present conditions?:
- All expenditures and giga net losses their responsibility
- FIFA gets a major part of gross income (tax-free and whitewashed)
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Comment number 29.
At 09:03 3rd Dec 2010, leerhok wrote:No doubt Russia and Qatar are better suited as business partners for FIFA than liberal democracies with far less corruption and higher esteem for fair play.
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Comment number 30.
At 12:24 6th Dec 2010, Mutlipack_can13 wrote:Call me miserable...
But i'm glad we didn't get the world cup.
Hundreds of thousands/Millions of people coming over for a month? Come on, it's to crowded as it is!
Let them go to russia, It's big enough there.
And can someone else please take the Olympics?
Russia?
Qatar?
Anyone?
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Comment number 31.
At 18:59 6th Dec 2010, U14714220 wrote:I would say about monumentality, grandeur of some plots. And would call - "unfiltered real." In my opinion, the beauty - it's still another: the best, clean, Favorites, forcing the thrill and amaze. You can find beauty in everything, but all together - not a beauty. IMHO. Here we are Russian! Unfortunately I did not have big problems with English.
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