While celebs in England (like Sting) show support for England’s 2018 bid, the US may have just bolstered their chances (for 2018 or 2022) by changing the MLS schedule next year, and Australia may have serious issues…

Story via WorldFootballInsider Image of Sting via ChronicleLive

USA:

“A decision by Major League Soccer to stop league play during the group phase of the 2010 South Africa World Cup could boost the US bid for 2018 and 2022 editions of the FIFA World Cup.

“The last thing the bid committee needs to deal with is having its competition argue that the U.S. does not deserve to host the finals since its Top Flight League’s schedule plays on as if the World Cup finals are not occurring,” said one MLS analyst.”

England:

Meanwhile, England’s 2018 bid seems very organized – with the selection process of cities in full swing.  Check it out here.

Australia:

Australia seems to have suffered a setback in their bid, based on funding shortfalls and stadium upgrade issues.

“(WFI) Australia’s bid for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups could be jeopardized by a shortfall in funding to finance new stadium and renovate existing venues.

Despite backing the campaign, state and federal governments have yet to decide who will fund the multi-million dollar development of stadia infrastructure to meet FIFA’s exacting standards for the tournament.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) must submit details of at least 12 host venues in a bid agreement to FIFA by Dec. 11. The FFA is still seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in funding commitments to build or revamp facilities.

The bid is reportedly struggling to find potential host venues of at least 40,000 capacity which could also meet requirements for corporate, media and broadcast facilities.

Melbourne’s new 32,000-seat stadium was expected to be a host venue but a design gaffe means a roof revamp to expand the venue to 40,000 is not financially viable. Melbourne Cricket Ground is earmarked as a World Cup venue but the multipurpose Etihad Stadium would likely be needed for AFL games during the proposed event period.

New-build projects are planned for Townsville and Canberra. In line for upgrades are Newcastle’s current stadium, Sydney Football Stadium and ANZ Stadium.

But there appears to be a lack of other options due to problems with stadium expansion projects. Renovations of the Adelaide Oval and Perth’s Subiaco could make the bid list of venues but both still require funding commitments.

Australia’s bid would be over if the 12 venues cannot be secured, including funding agreements, by mid-December.”