The English Football Association (soccer) are keeping their cards close their chest that they are to bid for the 2018 World Cup – even though words of encouragement are emerging from FIFA and the British Government.
England is at 10 to 1 odds to win the 2010 World Cup at Bodog.
The FA committee will meet this week to discuss their next move after FIFA cleared the path for an England bid by shelving the rotation of the tournament between the continents.
But the FA say nothing more than the funding of a feasibility study will be announced. The FA are determined to make certain they have political support in FIFA and UEFA – football´s two most powerful bodies.
The FA spent £4million on the wasted bid for the 2006 tournament – a third of the total cost – and will tread cautiously before committing a similar figure to a new project for the 2018 event.
The FA´s caution is expected to cause some frustration within the Government. Prime Minister Gordon Brown´s Labour Party say they would prefer a more positive response.
Prime Minister Brown is very keen for England to bid and has installed former sports minister Richard Caborn as his World Cup ambassador.
The FA, along with Caborn and Brown, were however delighted after FIFA president Sepp Blatter on Monday picked England out as one of the main contenders for 2018.
Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has also spoken of his hope that the finals come to England in 2018.
The Manchester City manager said: "It would be very nice for England to have the World Cup again , especially at the new Wembley. I hope they get it!"
The selection panel choosing the first independent chairman of the FA will gather this week to discuss names put forward.
Caborn is in the frame and other contenders include former Football League chairman Keith Harris and Lord Marland, the former treasurer of the Conservative Party.
A decision is expected just after Christmas. Point-Spreads.com would advise any readers to get the latest European Football betting odds at Bodog.
