Geoff Thompson to hold World Cup 2018 bid
Lord Triesman’s comments of high-scale bribery would have done England few favours in their bid to host the World Cup in 2018. Triesman accused Spain and Russia of dishonourable work, claiming they were trying to find out which referee’s were assigned to their World Cup games so they could bribe them. A rash comment at a crucial time, the Englishman’s attempt to ruin Spain and Russia’s chances of hosting the tournament may have inadvertently cost his own nation their first opportunity of hosting the tournament since 1966.
Lord Triesman subsequently resigned following the allegations and Geoff Thompson becomes his successor as the chairman of England’s World Cup bid. Thompson has reigned as F.A chairman previously with 9 years of experience to his impressive résumé. Fans and officials may fear the damage has already been done. The allegations were revealed just two days after Triesman and David Beckham handed over the hearts and souls of a nation crying out for a World Cup in their football loving country. The last time the three lions hosted the tournament was also the last time they prevailed as Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick secured a 4-2 final victory over West Germany. Yet after years of creating the stadiums and meeting the standards of the FA’s requirements Triesman’s rash comments now need to be rectified and overshadowed.
Sebastian Coe headed England’s Olympic bid and has assured FIFA that despite of this set-back England still have: “the best venues, the most passionate fans, the best market for sponsors and an unparalleled ability to deliver this tournament in safe surroundings”. A European host are tipped for the tournament with England the previous bookies favourites ahead of Russia and joint bids from Spain and Portugal, Belgium and Netherlands. Now, however, England are grovelling in their own misery as the board look to quickly overcome their bleak situation as letters of apology were sent to Spain and Russia. A major feat of embarrassment for all those involved, the country must now rely on their talisman David Beckham to salvage any dying credibility. The England International has saved England in the past, usually on the pitch, with his late goal against Greece securing qualification back in 2001, now however his services are required to persuade Sepp Blatter and co. that England are worthy hosts.
Russia, England’s biggest threat for the tournament, will now look to sympathy as they suggest they are constantly victimised with claims similar to Triesman’s. The country are unlikely to accept Triesman’s claims that his comments were not serious and that they were said in a light hearted manner - this is unlikely to cut the mustard for a hopeful England organisation.
The foundations are already in place, and although much focus is on the approaching 2010 World Cup , England fans will be eager to hold the biggest International football tournament in history regardless of Triesman’s foolishness.
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