Russia Win Bid for 2018

December 5th, 2010 | by: nick | No Comments »

At a FIFA meeting in Zurich, Switzerland this week, Russia was chosen to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Russia was selected among four other bidders which included England, Spain-Portugal, and Belgium-Netherlands. The same meeting also selected Qatar as the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This will be Russia’s third major sporting event after the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow and the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Russia’s successful bid was not too surprising because the other bidders had recently hosted European Championships. Portugal recently hosted Euro 2004, Belgium and Netherlands hosted Euro 2000, and England was home to Euro 96. Since the selection of South Africa for the 2010 tournament and Brazil for 2014, it was evident that Sepp Blatter and FIFA were in favor in selecting developing countries as hosts.
The World Cup will undoubtably help Russia’s infrastructure and economy. Stadiums and transport systems will be improved which will increase the efficiency and of the host cities after the World Cup. Economically, Russia will profit highly from the large influx of foreigners which will likely boost Russia’s already expanding economy.
Russian football will also benefit with new stadiums and facilities as well an increase in the number of foreign players in the Russian Football Premier League. In addition the increase and growth of the RFPL will open opportunities for Russian players to move abroad.