Bribe accusation could end England’s World Cup hope
Opinion is split over whether the bribery claims said to have been made by the former chairman of England’s World Cup 2018 bid will damage the country’s chances of hosting the tournament, according to the latest Marketing Week online poll.
Former chair Lord Triesman resigned his post after the Mail on Sunday recorded him accusing rivals Spain and Russia of planning to bribe referees.
Almost half (47%) said the bid would be damaged by the story, 40% said the bid would be unaffected and 13% were unsure.
Observers believe that the news could damage England’s chances of hosting the 2018 World Cup ahead of a vote by FIFA members in December.
The England 2018 team has been trying to convince FIFA that fans and business are behind the bid. Partners including Umbro, npower, British Telecom and Morrisons have all launched campaigns this year aimed at gaining the public’s support for the bid.
The Football Association has apologised to FIFA and the football associations of Russia and Spain. It has also appointed former FA chairman and FIFA and UEFA executive committee member Geoff Thompson to replace Lord Triesman.
