DEPUTY Prime Minister Nick Clegg highlighted England’s “passion” for football as he met the Fifa team inspecting the country’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
Welcoming the team to Downing Street Mr Clegg emphasised the coalition Government’s commitment to the bid.
Mr Clegg told the delegation: “I believe this is an exceptionally strong, unbeatable bid.
“We in this Government believe in it, we hope that you will believe in it.”
The day also saw a delegation from Liverpool, along with the 10 other potential host cities, presenting their credentials to Fifa inspectors, each hoping to benefit from an estimated £200m windfall if successful.
Liverpool City Council staff and Merseyside Police Chief Constable Jon Murphy joined Mr Clegg in supporting the bid by swapping their office wear and uniforms for more sporty attire.
Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Hazel Williams, said: “No city is more passionate than Liverpool about football and that means we don’t need much of an excuse to pull on our team’s shirt!”
Mr Clegg said the coalition fully backed commitments to the bid made by the previous Labour government.
He told the inspection team: “Our job during your visit is to show you that we already have the infrastructure and facilities to host a fantastic World Cup.
“I’m an MP from a city, Sheffield, which is one of the many cities hoping to host some games during the World Cup and I know from that city that the excitement and the passion which is behind this bid really is very considerable.”
The competition would have the power to “inspire so many people” across England.
“I think there really are very few nations that can claim the same passion that we have in England for the game of football.”
Mr Clegg welcomed the international delegation to No 10 because Prime Minister David Cameron is on holiday.
But Downing Street rejected suggestions that David Cameron should have broken off his family holiday to meet the Fifa team.
Mr Cameron’s official spokesman said: “The nature of the visit is technical. The Prime Minister is fully behind the bid and will be involved as the bid progresses.”
Mr Clegg met the Fifa team, led by Chile Football Federation president Harold Mayne-Nicholls, on the first day of their four-day visit to inspect the bid.
The inspection team later met Fabio Capello at Wembley.
England 2018 chief executive Andy Anson said the country had the facilities, expertise and experience to deliver a successful tournament.
FoR more information about Liverpool’s plans to be a World Cup Host City visit www.liverpool.gov.uk/Leisure_and_culture/world_cup
