TOKYO - FIFA president Sepp Blatter called England a 'strong candidate' to host the 2018 World Cup but said he expects the bidding process to be fair and highly competitive.

'England is a strong candidate because it is a strong country in football,' Mr Blatter said on Saturday after FIFA's executive committee wrapped up two days of meetings.

FIFA green lights British team for London 2012 TOKYO - FIFA gave the green light on Saturday for a British football team at the 2012 London Olympics, saying it would not have any effect on the individual status of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have voiced concern that taking part as as Britain would compromise their ability to compete in future international tournaments as separate teams. ... more

'They are strong but there are other candidates that are strong as well, Spain is also strong and if you look at all the candidates you see that the fight is open.' FIFA's executive committee confirmed that a simultaneous bidding process will be opened for both the 2018 and the 2022 World Cups.

Interested countries will be able to submit applications for either the 2018 or the 2022 World Cups, or for both tournaments.

Bid registration forms will be sent to countries in January 2009 and the two hosts will be decided in December 2010.

The 2010 World Cup will be held in South Africa. Brazil will host the 2014 World Cup.

Along with England, the confirmed bidders to host the 2018 World Cup are Australia, Qatar and Russia plus joint bids from Belgium/Netherlands/Luxembourg and Spain/Portugal. China, Japan, Mexico, the United States and Canada had also flagged possible bids.

On the subject of a British football team taking part in the 2012 London Olympics, Mr Blatter said that a single team representing Great Britain would not affect the existing individual status of the four British football associations.

The idea of a single team for Great Britain was opposed by the Scottish football association for fear it would set a precedent forcing the British teams to combine in FIFA competitions.

Mr Blatter said that the British associations will be invited to determine whether they wish for such a team to participate in the 2012 Olympics and present a proposal to FIFA's executive committee in March 2009.

Also at the meetings, FIFA agreed to lift suspensions on Kuwait, Samoa and Peru.

Mr Blatter described football's financial position as 'comfortable' but said the current economic crises is bound to effect the game.

'Everybody is concerned,' said Mr Blatter. 'It's like a tsunami, a tsunami has different waves and football will be touched by those waves. Clubs will be touched, then countries then continents so we have to have solidarity so we can help those who are most affected by this crises.' -- AP