England Bid chiefs ask FIFA not to 'negatively judge' because of media

Mon 15th Nov 2010 | FIFA

Worries over the potential harmful impact of the BBC’s Panorama investigation into corruption at FIFA, football’s world governing body has prompted England bid chiefs to write a letter asking them not to negatively judge England’s bid because of the media.

The letters to FIFA President, Sepp Blatter and members of FIFA’s executive committee, signed by bid chairman Geoff Thompson and international chairman David Dein, asks FIFA not to "negatively judge" England as a result of allegations made against some FIFA members by the British media.

BBC’s Panaroma will air just three days before the vote, which takes place on December 2.

The letter, a copy of which has been seen by selected newspaper and press agencies, states: "We are alerting you to the fact that the programme appears in part to be raking over allegations some of which are 10 years old and have already been formally dealt with by FIFA and Swiss courts.

“We hope England's bid will not be judged negatively due to the activities of individual media organisations. We hope you appreciate that we have no control over the British media."

England’s chances are looking increasingly slim due to the allegations being made by the UK media. FIFA’s Ethics Committee meet today and are expected to give their verdict on the two exco members, Dr Amos Adamu and Reynauld Temani who were both suspended following an investigation by the Sunday Times.

Bu t the fallout of the allegations is expected to be very damaging to England’s bid hopes and regardless of the outcome it seems to most that England will lose out as many FIFA committee members feel they are being targeted.

As expected however, Prime Minister David Cameron confirmed he will travel to Zurich next month to support final campaigning in England’s bid to stage the FIFA World Cup^TM in 2018.  .

England 2018 Chief Executive Andy Anson said: “It's great news the Prime Minister will be with us in Zurich as he has been an integral part of the campaign for several months.

“The coalition government has been extremely supportive since it came into power and shortly after taking office, Mr Cameron telephoned FIFA President Sepp Blatter to re-affirm that government support.

“He also hosted President Blatter for talks at Downing Street last month. ‘England United’ is a key phrase within our proposal to FIFA and Mr. Cameron’s presence in Zurich is a perfect reflection of the country’s collective commitment to a successful bid. We are delighted he will be with us during an extremely important week in Zurich.”

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