What Fifa's report says about England and the 2018 World Cup bids

Fifa has published executive summaries for each nation bidding for the 2018 World Cup on its website , but also sent a more comprehensive confidential report on operational matters to each executive committee member Russia Strengths 10 of 15 operational areas ranked as low risk Weaknesses Transport identified as a potential major problem, with the "vastness and remoteness" of the country putting pressure on the air transport system. Any delay in a major programme of upgrades could impose a high cost burden on Fifa. Four categories – stadium construction, stadium operations, ground transport and accommodation – ranked as a medium risk and one, air travel, as a high risk Overall legal risk Low Overall operational risk Medium England Strengths 13 of 15 operational areas ranked as low risk Weaknesses Contractual issues surrounding the number of "venue specific" training sites and the contractually guaranteed number of hotel rooms. There is also an issue around the UK's "listed events" legislation. Two areas – stadium operations and accommodation – ranked as medium risk. Overall legal risk Low Overall operational risk Low Spain & Portugal Strengths 13 of 15 operational areas ranked as low risk Weaknesses Criticised for not specifying "a clear operational concept" for safety and security and not providing sufficient details of its IT plans. Co-hosting presents an added potential risk, the report warns. Two areas – stadium operations and safety and security – ranked as medium risk Overall legal risk Low Overall operational risk Low Holland & Belgium Strengths Seven of the 15 operational areas ranked as low risk Weaknesses Concerns raised about a lack of government guarantees. Venue-specific training sites and team hotels are also below the required levels, as is the number of contracted hotel rooms. Eight categories ranked as medium risk Overall legal risk Medium Overall operational risk Low