AFTER THE LAST week saw controversy after never-ending controversy play out in Zurich, it looks like one good news story may be on the horizon for FIFA.
The town of Macclesfield in the north west of England have announced their desire to bring the 2026 tournament to East Cheshire, with the bid launched on Macclesfield Town’s official website.
Hoping to fight off competition from the likes of USA, Australia and New Zealand, as well as their own country England, Macclesfield are hoping to cram the whole tournament into east Cheshire.
It may sound preposterous, but when you consider that the 2022 World Cup final will be played in the Qatari city of Lusail, a city which doesn’t actually exist yet, anything seems possible.
Macclesfield cite the recent troubles in FIFA as the reasons for the “bid”.
“Given the current predicament that FIFA finds itself in, we feel it is vital that a sensible bid is submitted for the next World Cup.”
They’ve submitted an incredibly detailed proposal of stadia, training grounds and amenities for the tournament, with the jewel in their crown being the 6,335 capacity Moss Rose stadium.
However, the detail in their bid is remarkably impressive, as they even provide information on how many dogs can visit the grounds.
There is also ample space in the area for sides to train, although teams must take responsibility to make sure their pitch is clean before using it.
With the so many fans around during a tournament of this size, it’s also vital that they’re catered for, and the bid assures FIFA that there are, “up to six hotels in Macclesfield, as well as 16 B&B’s”.
It’s estimated that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar cost as much as £150bn, but Macclesfield are confident they can do the job for much less. £149,999,999,750.01 less, in fact.
“We predict a total cost of £249.99 for the tournament. This include supplying new nets in all of the training facilitates.”A budget of £40.00 has also been set aside for gifts to the FIFA Family.”
The bid also guarantees free WiFi at Macclesfield library, and air conditioned stadiums, due to the sweltering average daily temperatures of 14.1°C.
Beat that.
Originally published at 17.13 on 3 June
