As well as hosting an Olympic Games “we cannot afford”, Yvonne Whitfield asks: “How can the 2018 World Cup be viable?” (How can we afford this sporting joy?, Letters, May 18).

With the country suffering economic hardship and imminent cutbacks, attempting to host these events may seem foolish to some, but surely it’s a great way to stimulate the economy and restore some credibility to the country?

The cost for the Olympics is huge, but many of the benefits will have a knock-on effect should we host the World Cup.

We’ll pretty much be getting two global events for the price of one. The improvement in public transport and infrastructure (which has been criticised as part of our 2018 bid) as well as the creation of jobs, regeneration of deprived areas, sponsorship opportunities, boost for local businesses and global exposure can only be positive.

We already have the world-class stadia in place, the domestic audience to fill them, the world audience to broadcast it to and a multicultural mix to create a great atmosphere and inspire the country.

Only in Britain could we be so negative about such a great opportunity.

So, how can we afford to host the 2018 World Cup? How can we afford not to?

Brendan Ledgeway, Heworth, York.


• In response to “How can we afford this sporting joy?”, what people need to recognise is the prosperity that the World Cup and the Olympic Games bring to Britain, and around the world.

The cost of the Olympic Games is a lot but it has been estimated that £2.1 billion will be coming in from tourists.

What we spent on this will have long-term effects on tourism in England. The World Cup will be the same, something which people should be positive about, and support our England team. Farrell Eden, York.


. AS a rule the FA Cup Final heralds the end of the football season, and for most women, a blessed soccer-free three months – but not this year. June 11 is the start of the World Cup, so that’s another month of fighting for the remote, having dates broken and plans put on hold.

But don’t despair, ladies. Sit down and watch it with them. I promise you’ll find more humour, pathos and drama than anything you’ll ever see on any soap.

What could be funnier than watching 22 men in their knickers prancing around a field wearing pretty pastel slippers and, when they score, rocking an invisible baby or sucking their thumbs?

The acting when a player is writhing round the field in apparent agony is worthy of an Oscar, and better than anything you’ll ever see on Emmerdale or EastEnders. What is genuine is the tears when they lose a match – you thought Blanche’s funeral on Corrie was sad? No contest!

However, if you’re still not convinced, you can only hope England are knocked out in the early rounds, leaving you free to watch Federer, Nadal and (hopefully) Murray slogging it out in the second week of Wimbledon – but don’t tell anyone I said so!

Cynthia Glasby, Southfield Road, Strensall, York.