Dutch World Cup host cities want guarantees on finances

Tuesday 07 September 2010

Councillors in the five Dutch candidate World Cup host cities are only willing to support the joint Dutch Belgian bid if the government gives a cast iron guarantee on costs, Nos tv reports.

So far, caretaker sports minister Ab Klink has only committed to talking to the local authorities about money and has said these talks can only take place if the Dutch bid to stage the 2018 or 2022 event is successful.

But questioned by Nos reporters, officials in the cities say they want more certainty. The total cost of staging the event in the Netherlands is put at €476m. But, after subtracting the benefits, the net cost of the event is likely to be €150m, which the councils say the state should pay.

Doubts

Amsterdam, Heerenveen and Enschede have the most doubts. 'Without cast-iron guarantees, the World Cup will not happen,' said Enschede mayor Peter den Oudsten.

And Amsterdam city councillors want to know who is going to pay for the €100m improvements needed for the city's Arena stadium.

Nine candidates, including England and Australia, are competing to stage the event with the winning entry due to be announced on December 2.

MPs have also raised their doubts about the Dutch bid following revelations that officials have made a number of far-reaching pledges on tax, marketing and privileges for Fifa officials.

© DutchNews.nl

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