Only England can meet Fifa sales targets

A study has concluded that only England can meet Fifa’s sales targets for the 2018 World Cup.  However, Spain and Portugal – the real competitors – can meet 91 per cent of the targets.


Indications from Zurich suggest that this is increasingly a contest between England and the Iberian countries.   Belgium and the Netherlands were never front runners in my view and Russia has been falling away fast.

A study has concluded that only England can meet Fifa’s sales targets for the 2018 World Cup.  However, Spain and Portugal – the real competitors – can meet 91 per cent of the targets.


Indications from Zurich suggest that this is increasingly a contest between England and the Iberian countries.   Belgium and the Netherlands were never front runners in my view and Russia has been falling away fast.


There is no doubting the technical quality of the English bid or its ability to deliver commercially.  There would also be real enthusiasm among fans, but that also applies to Spain and Portugal.   Whether the combined lobbying efforts of the somewhat ill assorted trio of HRH Prince William, David Beckham and Dave Cameron will make a difference is hard to say.