Nottingham launches World Cup bid

The city of Nottingham has launched a bid to host matches if the 2018 football World Cup comes to England.

Nottingham is one of a number of cities to offer bids to be part of the Football Association's drive to host the tournament.

Officials in the city said a delegation from the FA was due to inspect the facilities and plans on 16 July.

The city's bid will be based on its football heritage and the facilities it could offer to the FA.

'Complete package'

City council leader Jon Collins admitted Nottingham did not have a World Cup standard stadium but insisted the issue was being dealt with.

He said: "There are a number of options and they range from a new site... to improving the Forest ground where it is, and we will discuss that.

"But it is not just about the stadium, it is the complete package and the FA will be looking to understand the totality of what we have to offer."

He added: "We have a track record of hosting big sporting events like the World Twenty20 cricket matches and in terms of the transport, the facilities, restaurants and venues for fan parks, we are ahead of the game."

So far 15 cities have expressed an interest in being among the 12 which are part of England's bid.

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