Blatter impressed by England's 2018 bid
Thu 14th Oct 2010 | FIFA
Yesterday’s visit by FIFA president Sepp Blatter may have boosted England’s hopes of winning the race to host the 2018 World Cup after signaling that the country has ‘made football safe.’
Speaking after meeting Prime Minister David Cameron in Downing Street, Blatter credited England for eradicating hooliganism in football.
Blatter said that he was impressed by England’s bid and urged other national associations to replicate the all-seater stadiums and lack of fences at the country's top clubs.
Blatter said: ‘England is the motherland of football. England has given so much to football and England is going on to carry on giving much to football.’
He added: ‘You have given to the world security in the stadiums. You have built all your stadia, there are no fences and everyone is sitting.’
‘If only all the national associations in the world, and their leagues [had stadiums like this], we would have more fair play in our game.’
'You did it. It's a question of organisation and it is also a question of discipline and respect. You did it here and now we say where are the hooligans?'
Blatter watched Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons before going to Number 10 for the presentation and lunch with Cameron, who was unable to meet him on his last visit in August as his wife was having their baby.
Cameron, meanwhile, pushed England’s global legacy plans, which include matching FIFA's estimated £75m annual investment in grassroots football.
Blatter added: ‘Now England can organise the World Cup, that's not a problem, but what you are doing is a World Cup for the world.’
‘The situation is such that your bid has impressed me personally. I will report to the executive committee when they meet before the 2nd December.’
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