Final Push for the Line: INSIDER's 4th World Cup Bid Power Index

With two days to the FIFA vote on the 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosts, the final INSIDER World Cup Bid Power Index reveals major developments since the last review two months ago.

England, Russia and the USA were ranked in the top three places in the Sept. 29 index. But as Tuesday’s edition shows there have been some significant moves as the nine bidders hit the home straight in the bid race.

The controversies of the past two months have shifted the balance of power in the bidding race, says INSIDER editor Mark Bisson.

"With the cash-for-votes scandal rocking FIFA and throwing the bid process into chaos, and ongoing rumors of collusion between Spain-Portugal and Qatar, only one thing is certain: there are plenty more twists and turns to come. There's no doubt this race is going right to the wire."

"Our final World Cup Bid Power Index reflects how the issues have impacted the bidders and the progress they have made in their bid campaigns. It will give a strong indication of the countries FIFA executive members will choose on Thursday to stage the two World Cups," he continued.

All will be revealed when the new analysis of the World Cup bidders is published on Nov. 30 on www.WorldFootballinsider.com.

Twenty-two FIFA Executive members - or 23 if the OFC gets a vote - will take part in the secret ballot on Dec. 2. Earlier this month, the 24-man executive was cut to 22 after FIFA banned Amos Adamu of Nigeria and Reynald Temarii of Tahiti following its investigation into bribery claims made in the Sunday Times newspaper. But the Oceania Football Confederation may still be allowed a vote if FIFA allows a replacement for Temarii.

The bids are now preparing to roll out their high-profile backers to pitch FIFA's decision-makers on Dec. 1 and 2 as lobbying in the final hours of the bid campaign steps up. Among those descending on Zurich this week are Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, former US president Bill Clinton and England legend David Beckham. Bisson and UK correspondent James Corbett will provide in-depth coverage on the scene of the vote.

The fourth and final INSIDER World Cup Bid Power Index assesses the strengths and weaknesses of each bid. England, Holland-Belgium, Russia and Spain-Portugal are fighting it out for the 2018 World Cup. Australia, Japan, Qatar, South Korea and the USA are in the running for the 2022 tournament.

INSIDER's World Cup Bid Power Index is the only regularly published review of World Cup bids that is based on expert analysis and first-hand contact with the bid nations, including interviews with bid leaders and information and figures from each of the nations.

In the final analysis, the bids are scored across 10 categories are: bid operations/leadership; wow factor and unique selling points; relations with FIFA Executive Committee members; cost and funding resources; government and public support; international PR; venue plans; security; transport and accommodation; and legacy.

In addition to coverage on www.WorldFootballinsider.com, readers can keep up to speed on breaking World Cup new by following INSIDER on Twitter - twitter.com/WorldFBinsider.

WFI editor Mark Bisson is available for interviews. Contact Sheila Scott Hula Sheila@worldfootballinsider.com or call +1-404-874-1603

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