Insider Media Limited

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce has expressed its disappointment that England has not been chosen to host the 2018 World Cup. George Cowcher, chief executive, described the news as “a huge blow”.

The executive committee of football’s governing body, FIFA, yesterday (2 December) voted to award the privilege of hosting the tournament to the rival bid from Russia.

Prior to the announcement, the Chamber had pledged its support for Nottingham’s bid to become a 2018 World Cup host city – a move which could have unlocked local economic benefits of more than £130m, according to official estimates. It also wrote to FIFA President Sepp Blatter in 2009 to support England’s – and Nottingham’s – bid.

Chief executive, George Cowcher, said: “This is massively disappointing news, given that should England’s bid have been successful, it would have come as a huge boost not only to the economy, but to the country as a whole at a time when growth is sluggish and concerns are heightened about the effects of government spending cuts on jobs.

“Apart from generating huge financial benefits, hosting the World Cup in England would have created thousands of jobs and opportunities for companies of all sizes up and down the country.

“It’s a huge blow locally as well, as should Nottingham have been granted host city status, it would have unlocked potential economic benefits in excess of £130m, created hundreds – if not thousands – of jobs across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and generated business opportunities for a host of construction firms, manufacturers and supply chain companies.”