UK: England prepared to host the 2022 World Cup - British Culture Secretary

England has the facilities and had made “a very impressive if unsuccessful bid” previously to host the upcoming World Cup, Culture Secretary John Whittingdale stated at the House of Commons on Thursday. In the wake of corruption and bribery allegations against several senior FIFA officials, questions have been raised regarding the allocation of the upcoming World Cup finals to be hosted in Russia and Qatar. Whittingdale said it is unlikely another European country would host the World Cup in 2022 if the 2018 finals take place in Russia, but added that England would be prepared to consider stepping in, should Qatar be stripped of the tournament. 14 FIFA officials and executives were arrested on corruption and bribery charges in May. In addition the FIFA headquarters were searched and electronic data connected to the World Cup allocation was seized.