Blatter talks of giving to 2018 World Cup to Europe

• AP , Tuesday, January 26, 2010 12:30 PM

The United States is one of seven bidders to host the 2018 World Cup, but FIFA president Sepp Blatter talked on Monday about a plan to limit bids to the four European bidders.

"From what I've discussed with the president of UEFA, Michel Platini, in the last few days in Moscow is that only a European candidate will be evaluated for the 2018 World Cup," Blatter said. "It's still not decided, but it's an idea to help facilitate the work of FIFA and its executive committee."

It has been anticipated that the 2018 World Cup will go to a European country, and the 2022 would go to a Concacaf or Asian country. England, Russia, Spain/Portugal, and Belgium/Netherlands, as well as the Australia, Japan and the United States, are competing to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup. South Korea, Indonesia and Qatar are eyeing the 2022 tournament only. The FIFA executive committee is scheduled to pick the 2018 and 2022 hosts in December 2010.

 

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