England 4/7 to host the 2018 World Cup after early presentations
Published:Vladimir Putin’s Switzerland snub could be the key factor that sees England triumph in the race to host the 2018 World Cup finals.
Putin’s absence suggests the Russian president believes that his countries bid has stalled, and the fact that he hasn’t travelled to Zurich to join in the lobbying has seen Russia’s betting odds lengthen to 9/4.
Under the guidance of the three musketeers, England’s bid has grown momentum over the past 36 hours and they are now 4/7 to win the bid after lengthening to 3/1 following the Panorama expose on Monday night.
With a decision to be made today at 3.00pm, it seems Russia’s bid is flailing and the Spain and Portugal bid may emerge to be the biggest contender to England’s chances of hosting the footballing show-piece.
At 4/1, the Iberian bid offers plenty of value and with Spain having claimed at least four votes according to statements made by the FIFA executive members of South America and Qatar, they look certain to be up against either England or Russia after the first round of voting.
There are 22 votes to be cast from the 22 executive members that make up FIFA’s executive committee, and 12 votes are needed to gain an overall majority.
Should the secret ballot end in a tie, FIFA president Sepp Blatter will have the deciding say which could spell trouble for the Spain and Portugal bid as Blatter has admitted to not liking joint bids.
Despite the BBC efforts to undermine the bid, the effort that has been made by Prince William, David Cameron and David Beckham currently looks as if it will prosper and at 4/7, England are the overwhelming favourites to win.
The final presentations have been made and it is now down to FIFA’s executive committee to come to the best decision for world football.
A £10 stake on England hosting and winning the 2018 World Cup would return £130. New customers can sign up here for a free £10 bet.
