Posted on April - 22 - 2010
World Cup dream needs backing of business
The man leading England’s bid to host the World Cup has issued a rallying call for north west businesses to back his efforts to bring the tournament to England after a 52-year gap.
Oldham-born Andy Anson, a former commercial director of Manchester United who is chief executive of the bidding team, said England faces fierce competition in the race to land the football tournament in 2018 or 2022, but added: “There’s a tough, competitive field, but we can win it.
“We can make this happen in the same way as we can make the 2012 Olympics happen.
“I cannot imagine anything better than Wayne Rooney leading the England team out in the final at Wembley against Brazil.”
Mr Anson was speaking at the Confederation of British Industry’s north west annual dinner at Manchester’s Palace Hotel.
He said the benefits to British business would be huge, citing a report which stated the World Cup could be worth an estimated £3.2bn to the host country’s economy.
England faces competition from rival bidders including Russia, Spain/Portugal, Holland/Belgium, Qatar and the United States.
FIFA’s decision will be announced in early December.
In mid-May, England’s bid will be submitted to FIFA in Zurich and later in the year officials will inspect the country’s stadiums and host cities.
“We have put in 16 months of hard work and we are coming down the final straight. Our absolute focus is on bringing the World Cup to England in 2018,” added Mr Anson. “We have got great stadiums, hotels, facilities and infrastructure. There is a passion for football – as a country, it’s in our DNA and part of our whole culture.”
He said other key factors which could swing the vote England’s way include the diversity of the population – offering a potential ‘home from home’ for participating nations – a compelling technical bid, the commercial strength of English soccer and a strong legacy blueprint both here and around the world.
Mr Anson added he has visited more than 30 countries during the lobbying campaign and will next week travel to Brazil, Paraguay, Chile and Tahiti to promote England’s cause.
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