Andy Anson takes over as the new chief executive of England's 2018 World Cup bid tomorrow just as Spain and Portugal have entered the fray with a rival joint bid.
FIFA and UEFA figures have been expecting a joint bid from the two countries for some time but it has only been confirmed in the last week.
The Portuguese had initially been the more enthusiastic but now Spanish FA president Angel Maria Villar Llona, also a UEFA vice-president, has given his backing to a combined campaign.
Villar Llona said: "I would like to make a joint bid with Portugal. We need to present a strong and consistent bid in order to win the organisation of the 2018 World Cup."
Portugal's sports minister Laurentino Dias has responded positively, saying: "We are available to receive plans for a bid."
He also pointed out that Portugal has some of the best stadia in Europe as a result of the 2004 European Championships.
Spain and Portugal would be tough rivals as they could expect full sport from the three South American representatives on FIFA's 24-man executive committee who will make the decision in December 2011.
Anson, who will travel to Zurich tomorrow to be at FIFA's world player gala, has made it clear that England's tag as early favourites is no advantage.
He said recently: "Being favourites is great but actually doesn't mean anything.
"For me that's one of the biggest dangers and that's one of the key risks I want to be sure we are aware of.
"There is a danger in being the favourite that it can lead to complacency and I don't think we can afford to be at all complacent."
England also face rival bids from Australia and Belgium/Holland, while Qatar, Russia, China and Japan are also considering entering the race.
FIFA's executive committee announced last month there would be a simultaneous bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, with the hosts for both events revealed in December next year.
The Portuguese had initially been the more enthusiastic but now Spanish FA president Angel Maria Villar Llona, also a UEFA vice-president, has given his backing to a combined campaign.
Villar Llona said: "I would like to make a joint bid with Portugal. We need to present a strong and consistent bid in order to win the organisation of the 2018 World Cup."
Portugal's sports minister Laurentino Dias has responded positively, saying: "We are available to receive plans for a bid."
He also pointed out that Portugal has some of the best stadia in Europe as a result of the 2004 European Championships.
Spain and Portugal would be tough rivals as they could expect full sport from the three South American representatives on FIFA's 24-man executive committee who will make the decision in December 2011.
Anson, who will travel to Zurich tomorrow to be at FIFA's world player gala, has made it clear that England's tag as early favourites is no advantage.
He said recently: "Being favourites is great but actually doesn't mean anything.
"For me that's one of the biggest dangers and that's one of the key risks I want to be sure we are aware of.
"There is a danger in being the favourite that it can lead to complacency and I don't think we can afford to be at all complacent."
England also face rival bids from Australia and Belgium/Holland, while Qatar, Russia, China and Japan are also considering entering the race.
FIFA's executive committee announced last month there would be a simultaneous bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, with the hosts for both events revealed in December next year.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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