Source: Daily_Mail
Portsmouth ditch plans to host World Cup 2018 matches after council snub
Portsmouth have pulled out of the contest to be chosen as a potential host city for the 2018 World Cup.[LNB]Around 10 cities containing between 12 and 18 stadiums will be selected by England 2018 in December, but Pompey's Fratton Park is no longer in contention.[LNB]Thursday is the deadline for all cities to make their official submissions for inclusion.[LNB] No silver lining: Fratton Park won't be holding World Cup matches[LNB]Portsmouth City Council refused to provide the necessary financial guarantees, fearing it was too much of a risk.[LNB]The club had put forward a plan to redevelop Fratton Park to a 37,000-seater stadium, with additional temporary seats to bring it up to FIFA's required capacity of more than 40,000.[LNB]An England 2018 spokesman expressed sadness and surprise at the decision but said bid leaders were confident they have a strong array of potential host cities.[LNB]The spokesman said: "Naturally, we are disappointed at Portsmouth's withdrawal from the process. [LNB] Star backers: David Beckham (left) and Wayne Rooney back England's 2018 bid with the Prime Minister Gordon Brown at Wembley in May[LNB]"Along with the other cities involved, Portsmouth had shown great enthusiasm for the project and the council's decision not to approve their application at this stage is a surprising and sad outcome.[LNB]"The Host City process still has an extremely strong candidate list and we are confident we have an array of cities, stadiums and general facilities that will support an exceptional bid to FIFA next May."[LNB] Portsmouth edge closer to appointing Avram Grant with director of football set to win work permitPompey backtrack as it's revealed Hart could yet take technical director roleSpurs boss Harry Redknapp backs old pal Avram Grant for Portsmouth jobEXCLUSIVE: England's 2018 World Cup bid rocked as Sir Dave Richards quitsPORTSMOUTH FC
