New Zealand could net Football World Cup, reports say
Martin Snedden believes New Zealand could bid to host world sport's showpiece event, although realistically in dual role with Australia
New Zealand could strike a part-hosting deal for the multi-billion dollar Fifa World Cup, the 2011 Rugby World Cup organising committee’s former head says.
Martin Snedden believes co-hosting the tournament is a realistic goal given New Zealand’s success with the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and this year’s co-hosting of the ICC Cricket World Cup.
But he says the football equivalent, which according to an EY report was worth an extra $62 billion to the Brazilian economy in the four years to the tournament last year, would realistically need to be co-hosted with Australia.
Mr Snedden told The New Zealand Herald he could see New Zealand hosting two or three of the eight pools and some knockout games.
He has reportedly already spoken informally with Sport and Recreation minister Jonathan Coleman and associate minister Murray McCully.
NZ Football chief executive Andy Martin and Sport NZ boss Peter Miskimmin have also been told of the idea.
Mr Snedden led New Zealand’s hosting of the Rugby World Cup in 2011, was formerly the boss of New Zealand Cricket and the Tourism Industry Association, and currently works for promotions company Duco Events.
New Zealand is about to host the Fifa Under-20 World Cup, which kicks off late next month.
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New Zealand could net Football World Cup, reports say
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