October 10, 2011
English FA spent big on failed World Cup bid
LONDON, England (AP) — Figures released by England’s Football Association (FA) reveal that its failed bid to host the World Cup in 2018 cost £21 million (US $33 million).
Annual accounts show the FA spent £14 million (US $22 million), with the bidding cities providing £2.5 million (US $4 million) and the remaining £4.5 million (US $7 million) coming from sponsors.
England won just two of the 22 votes cast by FIFA members in the first round of voting last December. Russia was selected as the host country for the tournament.
Overall, the FA returned a profit after tax of £9 million ($14 million) compared to a loss of £3 million (US $4.7 million) in 2009, enabling the organisation “to increase its reserves for the first time since 2006”.
