Cameron talks to Blatter ahead of World Cup inspection

LONDON (AFP) – British Prime Minister David Cameron will miss next week’s visit by the FIFA inspection team assessing England’s bid for the 2018/2022 World Cup but has already spoken with FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

A statement released by England’s 2018/2022 World Cup bid team on Tuesday said: “England 2018/22 is delighted to confirm that Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Secretary of State for Culture, Media, Sport and Olympics Jeremy Hunt will welcome the FIFA Inspection Team to England next week to assess the country’s 2018/22 Bid for the FIFA World Cup.

“The Prime Minister David Cameron spoke to FIFA President Sepp Blatter yesterday (Monday) to discuss the (British) Government’s plans for the visit.

“During the conversation the Prime Minister reiterated his personal, and the coalition Government?s, full support for England?s bid.

“He asked for his apologies to be passed on to the FIFA Inspection Team for his absence from the visit due to a long standing family holiday and said he was looking forward to welcoming Blatter to Downing Street in the autumn.

“He has recorded a personal video message for the FIFA Inspection Team.”

The support of then prime minister Tony Blair was widely regarded as vital in London winning the race to host the 2012 Olympics.

And the backing of Aston Villa fan Cameron could be equally important if England is to stage the World Cup for only the second time after 1966, the only occasion it has won the tournament.