FIFA's six-man inspection team of the England 2018 World Cup bid have issued a glowing closing statement at the conclusion of their four-day visit, with just one question mark - accommodation.
- World Football / Fifa inspection underway
The FIFA team, led by Chilean federation president Harold Mayne-Nicholls, praised England's readiness to host the tournament, the level of government support, the world-class stadia, the passion for the game in the country, the social projects of clubs and the involvement of youth.
Mayne-Nicholls told England 2018 chief executive Andy Anson in Manchester on Thursday that a number of aspects of the bid were "perfect", before departing for Manchester Airport.
But with a decision of who will host the 2018 and 2022 tournaments set to be voted on by FIFA's executive committee in Zurich on December 2, Anson and his team must prove the required level of accommodation is present.
Mayne-Nicholls said: "All the needs and objectives of our visit were met and we are positive that the World Cup in England in 2018 or 2022 would be a great experience with a long-lasting legacy for the country and its people as well as for football worldwide.
"The concept you are coming up with that every single participating team will be hosted by a domestic professional team makes perfect sense to us. It will guarantee that all the teams will be able to practise in perfect conditions.
"Concerning public transportation and event facilities, there seems to be no problem in hosting an event of such scope.
"This also counts for safety and security matters. One thing FIFA are particularly focused on is accommodation as we need a very high number of quality rooms.
"This is why we ask all bidders for a certain number of contracted hotel rooms.
"We trust that you will be able to fulfil the necessary requirements."
Source: PA
