THE North-East stands to lose out on millions of pounds if, as expected, England fails today in its bid to stage the 2006 World Cup.

South Africa is the clear favourite to win the backing of the 24-strong Fifa executive committee vote, which means the North-East will lose millions of pounds in revenue from match tickets, accommodation, transport and entertainment. With Newcastle United, Sunderland FC and Middlesbrough all tabling bids to host group matches if England won the vote, the expected rebuff will come as a big blow to the region's economy and regeneration hopes.

Although the final outcome is still undecided, tourism bosses at Sunderland are bracing themselves for the worst. Tourism development officer Sue Henderson said: "We have lost an awful lot if they choose to vote for South Africa - financially we are talking millions. It would have raised awareness about Sunderland and the North-East around the world and you can't put a price on that.

"It's been very sad the way a minority of people have behaved in Belgium in recent weeks, but unfortunately that may be a true reflection of how they perceive people in England.

"It would be a great shame if we lost the vote, because the national bid team, as well as ours in Sunderland, have put a very good package together.

"The World Cup would have done the region the power of good. We could have made so much money from accommodation, transport, shopping, bars and restaurants, and we all know how much football supporters like to drink."

Like Newcastle United and Middlesbrough, Sunderland are to undertake major works on the Stadium of Light to increase the capacity from 48,000 next year to 60,000 in 2006 - just in time for a World Cup that might never be staged here.

Despite rumours from FIFA that South Africa has all but won the bidding war, the English bid team remains defiant that it can tip the balance before the crucial vote later today.

In a bid to clinch the tournament, they have suggested that the Germans, who have conceded defeat, should give England its seven votes to make it a straight fight between England and South Africa.