Greenest of credentials for Belgium and Holland World Cup bid

Belgium and Holland would host the "greenest" World Cup in the tournament's history, according to bid chief executive officer Harry Been.

The pair jointly hosted Euro 2000 and are now vying to attract the World Cup in either 2018 or 2022, for which FIFA are currently undertaking their inspection programme.

The Holland-Belgium bid team have highlighted their environmentally-friendly concept in an attempt to lure the tournament, boosted by research that suggests Feyenoord's new 82,800-capacity venue could become the first energy neutral stadium in the world.

"A FIFA World Cup in Belgium and Holland will be the greenest ever," said Been. "In addition to the compact nature of our bid, which means minimum travel distances, sustainable stadiums such as the new Rotterdam stadium play an important part in making this happen.

"The Eneco research is in line with one of our seven great goals: to provide a new vision for the construction of sustainable stadiums, with a positive effect in every way on their surroundings, including the clubs themselves, their supporters and the environment.

"The new Rotterdam stadium could set the standard. We are enthused to let our fans enjoy the world's best footballers in 'green' arenas such as these."