Fifa launches Triesman probe 18/05/2010 |
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Fifa is to investigate former Football Association chairman Lord Triesman’s alleged comments about the bidding process for the 2018 World Cup.
Triesman stepped down as chairman of the FA and England’s 2018 bid committee after reports claimed he suggested Spain could drop its bid if rival bidder Russia helped bribe referees at this summer's World Cup.
Fifa has also written to the FA asking for a report on the Triesman case.
The FA has vowed to co-operate fully with Fifa, whose rules prohibit bidders from commenting on rival campaigns.
A Fifa statement said: "Fifa can confirm that secretary general Jerome Valcke has requested its Ethics Committee to examine the alleged statements made by Lord Triesman in relation to the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
"In addition, Fifa has sent a letter to the Football Association asking the FA to provide a report on this matter, including Lord Triesman's position.
"Fifa will not make any further comment on this matter until it has been dealt with by the Fifa Ethics Committee."
The FA's acting chief executive, Alex Horne, responded: "It's important that we can demonstrate to Fifa and the rest of the world at this time that we are serious about our bid for World Cup 2018. The gossip and the nonsense doesn't matter."
The FA has apologised for Triesman's claims to the Spanish and Russian governing bodies, with copies of the letter obtained by a number of news agencies.
"England 2018 unreservedly apologises for these comments, for any suggestions of any improper behaviour on the part of any members of the Russian football family, our fellow bidders and for any express or implied criticism of the Russian Football Federation or of Fifa," part of the letter read.
"The comments reported to have been made by Lord Triesman in no way represent the views of England 2018, any employee, director, ambassador, consultant or adviser to the bid.
"England 2018 bitterly regrets any damage to the integrity of the Russian football family, Fifa or any of its member associations caused by these comments. We are available to discuss this matter at your convenience."
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