We are being bombarded about the possibility of England hosting the 2018 World Cup. A fundamental argument is that we have the best infrastructure to host the event.
In my view, England will not host the World Cup for a very long time. Here are the reasons why:
You have to think like FIFA. Their actions clearly show that football is truly the “world game”. Think about it. The next World Cup is in South Africa – the first time an African nation has held the event. Asia, Europe and both North and South America have held the event.
With an event every four years, there will be a rotation of continents. Subject of course to finances ruling the roost. And therein lays the tale. The big money is in Europe. Now I have no idea about how the finances work, but my best guess is as follows:
An Asian Tournament should make a profit.
An African Tournament is likely to loose money as the whole infrastructure needs to be created to hold the event. But a financial loss is suffered as it promotes the world game concept.
Tournaments in North and South America will probably break even or make a smallish profit.
A European Tournament is the major “kerching” moment. The entire infrastructure is in place, high stadium ticket prices will be paid, and an unlimited number of sponsors will be wanting TV coverage.
So I would suggest that a European tournament should take place every 3rd event. That’s one every 12 years. And the queue comprises:
England, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Germany. And waiting in the wings are the old Eastern Block countries. As FIFA want a true World game, it makes sense for this to add say two countries to the list. That makes a total of 8 countries.
8 European countries times once every 12 years comes to 92 years. England held the 1966 event, so roll on 2058 – nowhere near 2018. Unless of course someone comes up with a stupid bid that FIFA simply cannot ignore…….
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