Russia Gets 2018 World Cup but England Gets Just Two Votes

The 2018 World Cup will be held in Russia. Shortly after FIFA President Sepp Blatter’s announcement, he declared that Qatar had won the right to host the 2022 World Cup.

The 22 FIFA delegates chose the winner after several rounds of voting. Reports now confirm that England were eliminated in the first round after finishing last in the voting. Rumours suggest England mustered just two votes out of 22.

Vladimir Putin is now heading to Zurich.

Speaking from Zurich, David Beckham said, “Congratulations to Russia and Qatar. They are two great countries and I’m sure they’ll do FIFA proud.”

It has now come out, contrary to previous reports, that Russia won as early as the second round.

Reaction in the English speaking world has not been positive with the twitter-sphere being full of fans speculating that money as opposed to fitness to hold the tournament had been a factor.

Others pondered what the point of the Technical Reports was if they were to be routinely ignored and their findings cast aside. Those involved in the England bid were speculating in the media that their bid was the best, regardless of the outcome.

The news that England only mustered two votes has shocked them as they had been assured of several more by delegates. Blame is being cast at the media there, especially the Sunday Times and BBC program panorama, who had both uncovered corruption among delegates – including several who could still vote today.

Others pointed to last night’s riot in Birmingham after the Birmingham City v Aston Villa match. Most of those interviewed were part of the English footballing establishment so not surprisingly the name Lord Triesman was not mentioned.

Triesman resigned as Head of the FA and Chair of the England bid after accusing Spain and Russia of attempting bribe referees at the 2010 World Cup. This was revealed by a woman half his age, Melissa Jacobs, with whom he was having an affair.

He had suggested that Spain may withdraw its bid to host the 2018 World Cup if Russia, which also wants to stage it, helped it to bribe referees in the tournament.

Daily Mail: The woman who could cost England the 2018 World Cup

The incident was seen as indicative by many of England’s dismissive attitude to foreigners, an attitude that subsequent media investigations did nothing to defuse.

The Sports Minister, Hugh Robertson, described the remarks as a ‘PR disaster’ and the FA embarked on a damage limitation exercise immediately after.

Spain/Portugal, Netherlands/Belgium, Russia and England were the applicants.

Today’s Coverage:

Voting Results Show Strength of US Bid

2022 World Cup Goes to Qatar

World Cup Announcement Day as it happened

Bobby McMahon Looks Forward to Big Day with Some Caution

Celebrities Arrive for Late Bids for Votes

Boost for USA Bid as Oceania Abandons Plan to Vote

Steven and Harrison Stark on the 2018 Race

Steven and Harrison Stark on the 2022 Race

Oceania Move May Hit US Bid