FIFA President Blatter Gives Backing To Spain-Portugal World Cup Bid

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has thanked Angel Maria Villar, president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), and Gilberto Madail, president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), after the duo presented their joint candidature for either the 2018 or the 2022 World Cup.

After conducting a 45 minute interview at FIFA's headquarters in Zurich with the two chiefs, Blatter told AS that he wished the Iberians every success in their bid.

"Two countries with a huge football tradition have visited FIFA in order to present a project that unites them by hosting a World Cup," Blatter proclaimed.

"What's more, Spain and Portugal are two countries with great organisational experience. Spain organised the first World Cup with 24 countries [in 1982] and Portugal hosted the European Championships in 2004."

The president went on to wish them success "on the long road that they have yet to go".

The joint bid by Spain and Portugal is one of 11 submissions to host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cups. Holland and Belgium have also submitted a joint bid after the success of Euro 2000, while Australia, England, the USA, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico and Russia are also in the running. Qatar and South Korea have submitted individual bids for the 2022 World Cup.

The FIFA Executive Committee will choose where both World Cups will be hosted in December 2010.

Anthony Wright, Goal.com

Want more from Goal.com delivered right to your door? Introducing "Goal.com Magazine." Subscribe now!