Sport: Football World Cup 2018

Debate between Lord Shutt of Greetland and Lord Griffiths of Burry Port

Monday 26th July 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord Shutt of Greetland]

My Lords, obtaining a bid of this nature is a tricky process in that the Government are asked for a range of guarantees, and FIFA has asked for details all to be dealt with in confidence. These are to do with visas, work permits, tax treatment, security, foreign exchange operations, intellectual property and telecommunications. The bid book, as it is called, has been submitted. The Government of the noble Baroness, Lady Billingham, made this country’s best offer in May, in order that this country is in the best place to get this World Cup.

[Lord Griffiths of Burry Port]

My Lords, can the Minister answer the question put by his noble friend? Have any discussions taken place with the Premier League and is it possible that money might come from sources other than the taxpayer?