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Blatter puts England on standby to host 2010 World Cup
Last updated at 15:44pm on 30th April 2007
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The Football Association have signalled England's readiness to host the 2010 World Cup should FIFA be forced to strip South Africa of the tournament.
There have been reports of delays in stadium construction work which threatened hopes of the event being staged on the African continent for the first time.
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FIFA president Sepp Blatter has indicated England remains a contingency option and, while the FA insist there have been no discussions with the sport's world governing body, they are ready to assist.
An FA spokesman said: "We understand South Africa remain on course to host the 2010 World Cup, and there have been no discussions with FIFA regarding England possibly hosting the tournament.
"However, should there be requirements for any contingency planning, we believe that England has some of the finest stadia in the world and the football infrastructure which could host the 2010 World Cup at short notice, if asked to by FIFA."
The spokesman added that he did not believe hosting the 2010 tournament would affect a prospective bid for the 2018 event.
FIFA remain confident South Africa will have all necessary facilities ready in time but Blatter clearly feels alternative arrangements need to be in place in case there are any unforeseen problems.
Asked if England or Australia were fall-back options should the South African organisation falter, Blatter told the BBC's Inside Sport programme: "Yes, but there are other countries that are ready to organise tomorrow morning or in two days, or two months, a World Cup.
"The United States of America, and Mexico, they can do it, Japan, they can do it. They have enough stadia.
"You say England can do it, and I am sure. Spain, they can do it. There is a lot of countries, but they don't need to be ready."
The FA's willingness to make themselves available in an emergency is understandable considering Blatter does not favour a European bid for the 2018 tournament.
FIFA will make a decision on which continent stages the event later this year but Blatter favours a World Cup in Asia, which could include Australia now they are part of the Asian Confederation.
"Personally, I think that we should maintain a rotation," Blatter said.
"At least with four continents. To take North and South America as one continent, Europe, Africa and Asia. This would mean that the next World Cup after 2014 would go to Asia."
Last updated at 15:44pm on 30th April 2007
Comments
The Football Association have signalled England's readiness to host the 2010 World Cup should FIFA be forced to strip South Africa of the tournament.
There have been reports of delays in stadium construction work which threatened hopes of the event being staged on the African continent for the first time.
Scroll down for more
2010 Final arena? The New Wembley Stadium
More....
We're in the Champions League again and you're not - Henry ridicules Tottenham's goal celebrations
Ronaldo is uneducated, sneers Mourinho
Off in a hurry - Sam's rapid exit paves the way to Newcastle
Premiership Rumour Mill: Spurs to reject Chelsea's £25m bid for Berbatov
£25 million - Keane's prize for promotion
One hand on the prize - New United are Fergie's best
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has indicated England remains a contingency option and, while the FA insist there have been no discussions with the sport's world governing body, they are ready to assist.
An FA spokesman said: "We understand South Africa remain on course to host the 2010 World Cup, and there have been no discussions with FIFA regarding England possibly hosting the tournament.
"However, should there be requirements for any contingency planning, we believe that England has some of the finest stadia in the world and the football infrastructure which could host the 2010 World Cup at short notice, if asked to by FIFA."
The spokesman added that he did not believe hosting the 2010 tournament would affect a prospective bid for the 2018 event.
FIFA remain confident South Africa will have all necessary facilities ready in time but Blatter clearly feels alternative arrangements need to be in place in case there are any unforeseen problems.
Asked if England or Australia were fall-back options should the South African organisation falter, Blatter told the BBC's Inside Sport programme: "Yes, but there are other countries that are ready to organise tomorrow morning or in two days, or two months, a World Cup.
"The United States of America, and Mexico, they can do it, Japan, they can do it. They have enough stadia.
"You say England can do it, and I am sure. Spain, they can do it. There is a lot of countries, but they don't need to be ready."
The FA's willingness to make themselves available in an emergency is understandable considering Blatter does not favour a European bid for the 2018 tournament.
FIFA will make a decision on which continent stages the event later this year but Blatter favours a World Cup in Asia, which could include Australia now they are part of the Asian Confederation.
"Personally, I think that we should maintain a rotation," Blatter said.
"At least with four continents. To take North and South America as one continent, Europe, Africa and Asia. This would mean that the next World Cup after 2014 would go to Asia."