FIFA has begun a two-year bidding process to choose the hosts of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups by sending a circular letter to the member associations eligible to bid. The bidding process for each competition will take place simultaneously and the winners will be announced in December 2010.
There are 145 member associations eligible to bid for hosting rights for the 2018 competition, and 198 eligible to host the 2022 competition. Eligible member associations can enter bidding for both competitions, but the circular letter says that FIFA will not appoint a host member association for the 2022 competition from the same confederation as the host of the 2018 competition.
The letter sets out some of the basic requirements for host countries: “Approximately 12 stadiums with minimum capacities of between 40,000 for group matches and 80,000 for the opening match and final are required to host the FIFA World Cup, which is expected to be contested by 32 teams. In addition, the very highest standards of TV broadcasting, information and telecommunications technology, transport and accommodation are an absolute must.”
Expressions of interest from eligible bidders are due in by February 2nd.
