Two cities with one dream

Jun 28 2009 by Michael Kelly, Sunday Sun

Both played up the fact it would not just be Sunderland or Newcastle which would be the winners, but the region as a whole.

There are a number of permutations of how both Sunderland and NewcastleGateshead could be chosen. The first scenario is that one host group games while the other stages a last 16 and a quarter final match. A second is that they each host games from separate groups, linking up with a city out of the region.

There is little likelihood of them hosting a group between them as matches would be expected to kick off on the same day. Even though they would start a couple of hours apart - except the final game when qualification for the next stage is decided - the logistics on transport and policing them would probably be too much.

In all 15 cities are competing for around 10 places. Final submissions have to be in by November 6 and the decision about which will be the Host Cities will come on December 14.

Then, in December 2010, comes the big decision when FIFA will choose which country will actually host the 2018 World Cup.

The stakes are high. If either bid is successful the profile of the winning city or cities would increase enormously. The World Cup is one of the biggest - if not the biggest - global sports events.

It was estimated at the last World Cup there was a cumulative TV audience of around six billion at an average of 93 million a match.

Those behind the Newcastle Gateshead bid estimate the financial benefit to the local economy would be about £24.9million, with thousands of high-spending tourists visiting the North East during the month-long tournament. And if both cities were chosen it would indeed be game on for the region as a whole.

:: By logging on to www.sunderland2018bid.com, and selecting ‘Sunderland’ as preferred host city, members of the public can show the FA that they want Sunderland to host matches in the World Cup in 2018.

:: By visiting www.england2018bid.com and sign up for the NewcastleGateshead bid members of the public can show their support for the Newcastle bid.