Morrisons puts the boot into FIFA

Morrisons is considering legal action against FIFA over England’s failed bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

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The supermarket, which sponsored the 2018 bid, is angry at the “unfair” decision-making process that led to FIFA awarding the 2018 World Cup to Russia.

It has been suggested that some FIFA executives reneged on earlier promises to vote for England, while others had decided to vote for a developing country despite England’s being the strongest bid.

Morrisons claims it spent £1m on backing the bid and wants FIFA to “do the right thing” and invest the same amount in grassroots football.

Michael Bates, Morrisons marketing director, says: “The Football Association team put together a fantastic bid. On behalf of our customer we are disappointed that the merits of the bid were not recognised by FIFA, which clearly was intent on locating the 2018 World Cup in an emerging country.”

He adds: “As we think the decision making process was unfair, we have instructed lawyers in Switzerland to examine our options under Swiss law. We hope FIFA will do the right thing and offer £1m to be invested in grassroots football.”