Triesman allegations won't harm England claims Jack Warner

By Andrew Warshaw

May 20 – FIFA vice-president Jack Warner is the latest Executive Committee member to comment on Lord Triesman’s controversial resignation as leader of England’s 2018 World Cup bid and the damage it might cause.

Warner, who a few months ago criticised the bid for being too lightweight, causing a storm a protest at the time, believes the speed with which the bid committee dealt with Triesman’s allegations of collusion between rival bidders Spain and Russia could yet save the English campaign.

The Trinidadian has yet to decide who to vote for if the United States, the only contender from the North and Central American Confederation that he heads, opts for 2022 and 2018 comes down to a straight choice between the four European candidates.

“It’s unfortunate but the English FA dealt with it appropriately and quickly and therefore I don’t believe there’ll
be too much negative reaction from it,” Warner said.

“We are still looking at all the nations involved and we are looking to make sure what the best case is for football.”

Warner’s comments followed those of Cypriot Executive Committee member Marios Lefkaritis who described the sting by the Mail on Sunday newspaper, which reported a private conversation between Triesman and a former colleague, as “evil”.

He said he simply did not believe Triesman’s allegations that referees might be bribed at the World Cup this summer even though FIFA’s ethics committee have launched an investigation.

“I don’t think any referee at this level from whatever country or continent can fall into such a trap or be lured with
any kind of money,” Lefkaritis said.

“I feel it’s too much by saying this.

“England of course have to distance themselves and have some private talks with the members.

“They have the opportunity to have private talks with the members to explain this was an unfortunate isolated incident.”

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