Backing the bid: Sir Alex Ferguson says England
should host the World Cup in 2018
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has pledged his
support for the England 2018 World Cup bid on the eve of the FIFA
inspectors visit to Old Trafford today.
Fergie, backing the campaign despite being a proud Scotsman who
is often at odds with the English FA, will join his fellow football
knight Sir Bobby Charlton and United chief executive David Gill in
showing the FIFA team around the stadium.
Ferguson said: ‘The facilities for players and fans are
magnificent, from training grounds to stadiums, and the passion of
the English people for the game would ensure that everybody would
be made to feel welcome.
'It would be a memorable occasion and would inspire people all
over the world.’
Before his 2018 endorsement the United boss had already helped
the England bid by having lunch with FIFA powerbroker Jack Warner
at Old Trafford and recording personal video messages to FIFA ExCo
members being courted by England during their global lobbying
trips.
A United spokesman said: ‘As a passionate Scotsman, Sir Alex
won’t suddenly become a supporter of the England team, but why
wouldn’t he want to see the World Cup being played in his own
stadium?’
Rise from the dead: The FA hope they can soften the
blow of England's World Cup failure by delivering the 2018
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It is ironic that United’s top administrator Gill, an England
2018 adviser, can help persuade Scot Fergie to support the England
cause but not end his six-year snubbing of another national
institution, the BBC, which puts United in breach of new Premier
League rules regarding managers talking to TV rights holders.
Meanwhile, Samantha Cameron giving birth yesterday fully
explained why her PM husband excused himself from welcoming FIFA
inspectors in Downing Street the day before.
Inspection team leader Harold Mayne-Nicholls told guests at a
Millbank dinner on Monday night that Cameron’s absence would make
no difference to his report.