World Cup bid: England's 2018 hopes boosted
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England's improving prospects of hosting the 2018 World Cup received a fillip yesterday when Japan decided to concentrate on securing the 2022 finals having reportedly been informed by Sepp Blatter that the former is destined for Europe.
Russia and England are the only sole competitors for 2018 with Spain/Portugal and Netherlands/Belgium making joint bids. Key figures in the Japanese bid met Blatter, the president of Fifa, in Zurich earlier this week and were told to focus their efforts on 2022.
"President Blatter told us European countries would be involved in a fight to host the 2018 World Cup," said Motoaki Inukai, president of the Japan Football Association. "The atmosphere was that they want to bring the 2018 tournament back to Europe." Fifa will make a final decision in December.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments