HOSTING World Cup matches could be worth as much as £200m to Liverpool’s economy, according to experts working on England’s bid to hold the tournament in 2018.

The final touches are being put to Liverpool’s bid to be a host city with the last paperwork to be submitted to the FA on November 26.

But the city will have to spend between £10m and £15m to host World Cup matches, although it is hoped that up to £5m could be raised through sponsorship.

The use of Lottery funding is also been looked at to help shoulder the cost.

The FA and Everton FC and Liverpool FC would also be expected to put in money.

Manchester, Newcastle, Sunderland, Leeds, London, Bristol, Portsmouth, Nottingham, Milton Keynes, Hull, Plymouth, Sheffield, Leicester, and Birmingham are also in the running.

The city’s bid is based on two new stadiums for Liverpool FC and Everton FC, although a fall-back position around Anfield is also part of the proposal. Chiefs believe Liverpool is well placed because many other bid cities also need to build new stadiums.

“Many do not have Liverpool’s extensive experience of hosting major football and other outdoor events,” a council report states.

Liverpool Council’s ruling executive board is being asked to commit to spending the money should its application be successful at its meeting on Friday, November 6.

“The economic benefits to Liverpool of hosting World Cup matches as part of an England World Cup are considerable,” the council stated.

“The economic benefits to hosting cities have been estimated at between £130m and £200m.

“The city has commissioned a more detailed independent assessment of the costs and benefits which is expected to be available before November 6.”