Thursday, December 2, 2010

Russia, Qatar named World Cup hosts


AP
FIFA sent the World Cup into uncharted territory on Thursday, handing the 2018 edition to Russia and going to Qatar in 2022.
Russia's selection came despite the no-show of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, but his clout still had an impact on FIFA's 22 voters as it beat England, Spain-Portugal and Belgium-Netherlands.
Qatar brings the World Cup to the smallest host ever but one which has unparalleled financial power to stage the world's biggest single-sport event.
It overcame objections about holding the games in desert heat and asked FIFA to take a "bold gamble".
The United States and Australia had been tipped as favourites alongside Qatar.