FIFA inspectors who are deciding the host of the World Cup in 2018 will be leaving Manchester with a good impression, according to Sir Richard Leese, leader of the city’s council. Leese hosted officials from FIFA at a town hall dinner following a tour of Old Trafford and Eastlands.
Over 300 VIPs and several former football heroes participated in the reception that was held in honour of the FIFA inspectors. Norman Hunter, Kenny Dalglish, and Peter Reid were all in attendance.
The delegation for Manchester City, which included executive chairman Garry Cook, as well as Roberto Mancini, the team boss, was also joined by players from the Timisoara team of Romania.
The delegation’s visit at Manchester was their last stop on their mission to determine whether or not England will be a good fit for the 2018 World Cup. Although they will not be deciding until December, Leese was very confident that Manchester had done the country good during the delegation’s tour. Sir Richard said that he is “absolutely certain” that the team will be impressed with the city.
The delegates’ feedback was reportedly quite positive, but the inspectors were silent when asked about England’s chances of winning the bid. England is up against five other countries for the 2018 cup.
During the tour, the inspection team was given a tour of Old Trafford by Sir Bobby Charlton as well as Sir Alex Ferguson, and Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand also made an appearance. They were also shown around Eastlands by the city chief, and children were also playing a well-timed football game outside the town hall.