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London Bridge and the Tower in capital's pitch for World Cup
Matthew Beard, Olympics Editor16 Dec 2009
Landmarks including London Bridge, the Tower of London and the O2 Arena could play a key ceremonial role if England wins the bid to host the 2018 football World Cup, it was revealed today.
City Hall today proposed using the venues as it put its case to football chiefs for the capital to play a central part in the World Cup.
A City Hall delegation called "London United" made its pitch to the Football Association which will later today announce a shortlist from the 15 UK cities vying to be included in the bid.
FA bosses will be told that a pivotal role for London, which is guaranteed to make the cut because of Wembley stadium, can boost their chances of beating off international rivals to bring the competition to England for the first time since 1966.
They will say: "The World Cup needs a world city. Let's proudly tell that message to FIFA [the world governing body] and the world, and let's make that city London."
Four competition venues - Arsenal's Emirates stadium, Tottenham Hotspur's proposed New White Hart Lane, Wembley and the Olympic stadium -have been proposed.
Proposals include a penalty shoot-out on London Bridge at the launch of the official tournament ball; the arrival of the draw balls at the Tower of London; and the draw which will group the 32 qualified teams to be staged at the O2 Arena - decorated as a football.
Bid chiefs will also propose the Olympic media centre, Earl's Court and ExCel as potential venues for the international broadast centre.
Reader views (2)
- Dave B, Beckenham
Its a ploy, they are trying to sell it to the yanks (again).
- Dc, London, 16/12/2009 15:52
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Are you sure its London Bridge rather than Tower Bridge?
- Dave B, Beckenham, 16/12/2009 11:44
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