FIFA releases report on Cup bids

The executive summaries were released to the public on Wednesday, although the final voting to decide the eventual hosts will be based on a much larger and more in-depth report.

England’s chief rivals for the 2018 event are Russia and a joint effort from Spain and Portugal, and both of these parties were also given the low-risk rating.

England’s bid also received praise on its transport, information technology services and event safety as well as its media and communication, while Russia’s size could hamper their chances.

“The country’s vastness and its remoteness from other countries, coupled with the fact that the high-speed rail network is limited, would put pressure on the air-traffic infrastructure,” the executive summary said.

“Any delay in the completion of transport projects could impact on FIFA’s tournament operations and the proposed installation of temporary facilities could impose a high-cost burden.”

England’s proposal was criticised for a lack of training facilities and suitable accommodation to cater for the tournament.

“The bidder has not contracted the required number of venue-specific training sites or venue-specific team hotels,” the report said.

“Additional training sites, likely to be selected from England’s existing range of professional club stadiums and training sites, may have to be considered.”

Australia, bidding for the 2022 event, received praise in most areas of their report, but FIFA pointed out that its distance from the rest of the world could mean reduced income.

“There is a risk of a reduction in TV income and, as a result, commercial revenue from Europe and the Americas,” the report said.

“The income from Asia/Oceania would need to be increased substantially to offset the likelihood of loss of revenue in Europe.”

The vote to determine the hosts of both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups will take place in Zurich on December 2.