FIFA Dismisses Concerns About Iberian Bid Disharmony

(ATR) FIFA casts aside doubts that disharmony between the Spanish and Portuguese governments could derail the joint Iberian World Cup bid, saying on Thursday that they are "sure" close cooperation between the two countries is "fully guaranteed."

Speaking on the last day of FIFA’s four-day inspection of Spain-Portugal’s bid, chairman of the inspection team, Harold Mayne-Nicholls, said that he was satisfied by the level of unity between Spain and Portugal.

FIFA is known to harbour doubts about joint bids, despite the promises of president Sepp Blatter that the Iberian and Holland-Belgium candidatures will receive a fair hearing.

Mayne-Nicholls promised the bid that it would receive a "very positive" report "because we have observed that they have a great sport, hotel and transport infrastructure, as well as a strong support from their political and sports authorities."

There was also mention of the proposed high speed rail link between Madrid and Lisbon. Earlier in the week inspectors travelled on the first leg of the route, which links Barcelona and the Spanish capital.

While lacking some of the verbal flourishes that set England’s summing up apart – and undermined Russia’s – Mayne Nicholls concluded that the Iberian bid has "many chances" of winning the right to host the 2018 or 2022 finals.

Local media suggested that he made mention of Spain and Portugal’s crippling unemployment problems and how preparing for a World Cup may help reduce such difficulties.

Mayne-Nicholls also promised that the current stand off between the Portuguese FA (FPF) and national manager Carlos Queiroz would not have a bearing on the bid’s chances. Queiroz faces a six-month ban after allegedly obstructing anti-doping officials. This, said the Chilean, was a "subject unique to the FPF."

Earlier in the day the inspection concluded with private presentations and a visit to Benfica’s stadium, where they were shown around by club legends Eusebio, Toni and Humberto Coelho. Benfica’s mascot, Victoria the eagle, was also flown around the pitch, which marks the Lisbon club’s traditional pre-match ritual.

Written by James Corbett.