As I calm down from a historic change of direction for FIFA it is a pleasure for me to announce that my first act as president will be to initiate the process so that the 2018 FIFA World Cup that can take place. Firstly Hosting and secondly, if needed Qualification.

Hosting

In accordance with FIFA's temporary continental rotation policy, nations who belong to the previous two hosting confederations (CAF for South Africa 2010 and CONMEBOL for Brazil 2014) will be the only nations prohibited from hosting the event. Interested nations should read the requirements below:

• At least 8, preferably 12 stadiums capable of hosting 40,000 spectators.

• At least 3 of these stadiums must hold at least 60,000 spectators (these will be used for the opening match, semis and final)

• Joint bids of up to 3 nations are allowed (for example, Scotland-Ireland-Wales) as long as they have 1 orginasation committee.

Technically these are the only requirements although nations/hosting committees should, after announcing intention to bid below, prepare a manifesto which deals with any problems that could arise (for example extreame heat) as well as having a legacy project and a commercial identity (logo). A debate will follow this phase and precede an executive committee vote.

Qualification

Any nation that wishes to participate in the 2018 FIFA World Cup should enter below. The qualification requirements depend on number of entries as shown below:

• If less than 32 nations enter, non-player nations will be added to make up the tournament.

• If 33 to 40 nations enter, the first 32 nations to enter will participate.

• If more than 40 nations enter, a qualification tournament will be held. The format depends on numbers.

• In all occasions, the host(s) receive automatic qualification to the finals.

Timing

If no qualification tournament takes place, the finals should take place in the first weeks of August. If a qualification tournament takes place, the finals will be in September.

Confirmed Host Bids

• 1) Australia (AFC) - /u/wwesmudge

Participating Nations

• 1) Scotland (UEFA) - /u/mg9500

• 2) Wales (UEFA) - /u/ViscountHoratio

• 3) Luxembourg (UEFA) - /u/jothamvw

• 4) Australia (AFC) - /u/wwesmudge

• 5) France (UEFA) - /u/AnthonyNice

• 6) Canada (CONCACAF) - /u/alexvan22