FIFA okays dual bidding for next World Cups

FIFA announced Saturday that it will hold a simultaneous bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, with England considered a “strong” candidate.

The decision means that should a bidder for 2018 be unsuccessful then they would be able to enter the vote for 2022 to be held immediately afterwards, so long as the 2018 hosts are not from the same continent.

The bidding is open to everyone, although African and South American countries are not allowed to enter in 2018 as those continents will have held the World Cup in 2010 (South Africa) and 2014 (Brazil).

The hosts for the two events will decided at the same time, in December 2010.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said countries to express an interest included Japan, China, Qatar, Mexico, the United States, Russia, and Australia, “even perhaps Canada”.

Spain could lodge a bid in conjunction with Portugal, he added, while Belgium and Holland are considering joining forces.

But he highlighted England.

“We have a bunch of possible, even I would say very strong candidates,” he said. “And everybody knows England will be a candidate, a strong candidate.”

Australia too are considered a good bet, with the government in Canberra this month agreeing to spend 30 million US dollars to back their campaign.

Bidding opens in January next year.

FIFA wrapped up their end-of-year executive committee meetings in Tokyo Saturday on the sidelines of the Club World Cup.