World Cup 2018 and 2022 bids five years on - what they said

01 December 2015 05:01

On December 2, 2010 the FIFA executive committee awarded the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 finals to Qatar.

Five years on, the bidding process is still the subject of an investigation by the Swiss authorities amid allegations of corruption.

Here is how some of the key figures involved in the bids reacted to the news at the time.

''Some of (our votes) didn't materialise, I don't know which ones. It would be nice to know because, when people look you in the eye and promise you something, you tend to hope they live up to their word, but clearly that's not happened."

Andy Anson, the chief executive of England's failed bid to host the 2018 finals.

''FIFA, for me, is full of people who say 'yes' to your face and 'no' behind your back. Their reputation has not changed for many years. We (England) have little or no influence; we are considered to be arrogant and know-alls and FIFA don't have to answer to anyone."

Former England manager Graham Taylor.

''Wow Russia will host the World Cup 2018soooo gutted. What more could we have done?'

Rio Ferdinand, then the England captain.

''It's unfortunate, it's sad, it hurts. I was hoping I might see a World Cup in my lifetime in England.' '

Former England captain Alan Shearer.

'We're disappointed but we wish Qatar and Russia the very best, they're two great countries and I'm sure they'll make FIFA very proud."

Former England captain and prominent 2018 bid team member David Beckham.

''Congratulations have to go to Russia, I'm sure it will be a very good World Cup. The guys are quite down at the moment but I'm immensely proud to be a part of it."

Prince William, president of the Football Association.

''Plates can smash in odd places and in odd ways in the opening rounds."

2018 bid board member Lord Coe, now the president of athletics' world governing body the IAAF.

"It is desperately sad. There hasn't been a World Cup in England in my lifetime. I was hoping we could change that, but not this time."

Prime Minister David Cameron.

''We acknowledge there is a lot of work to do and we stand by our promise and we will honour the sacred trust given to us today."

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al-Thani.

''Millions of US soccer fans worked hard to bring the World Cup to our country. To come up short is very difficult to take.''

United States Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati, whose country was a losing bidder for 2022.

Source: PA