England’s bid to host the 2018 football World Cup has been dealt a blow after one of the sport’s most influential figures branded the campaign lethargic.
FIFA vice-president Jack Warner believes England’s team, who are competing against eight other bids – including from Australia and the US – for 2018, are “creeping along”.
“It’s better than standing still but I would have thought they would be galloping by now,” Warner told the Guardian.
“I am not being unkind. I have been a FIFA executive committee member for 27 years, I have seen many other bids, and while England has all the attributes to be a worthy host country I am not convinced they are making the most of those attributes.”
Indonesia, Japan, Mexico and Russia are also hoping to host football’s showcase event in 2018 along with joint Spanish-Portuguese and Dutch-Belgian bids.
Qatar and South Korea are in the running to host the 2022 event, along with those bidding for 2018.
The joint bid from Spain and Portugal is regarded as England’s main European rival.
“Spain is doing quite well and some people have even expressed the belief to me that if the vote were taken now they would win,” Warner said.
“There is of course a long time to go and many things can change.”
Football Association chairman Lord Triesman said England’s governing body would take Warner’s criticism on board.
“We always take what Jack has to say seriously, he is a serious world figure,” Lord Triesman told Sky Sports News.
“We have got great stadiums, terrific fans and an amazing history.
“We have understood by talking to people from around the world, by listening, how we can use those assets to the greatest effect. That’s useful, to hear good advice and use it in a good spirit.”
FIFA will announce the hosts of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments in December next year.
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