Mayor Boris Johnson has called for a “close examination” of how FIFA award the hosting rights for the World Cup.
Johnson was part of a heavyweight English delegation in Zurich yesterday which included Prince William and Prime Minister David Cameron – their 2018 bid garnished just one non native vote and was knocked out in the first round by eventual winners Russia.
According to bid Chief Andy Anson five Excon members lied to him, promising to cast their vote for England – but did not. He added that England will not bid again until FIFA reform.
Johnson said:
“If one of the results of what has happened today is that we proceed to a closer examination of how these decisions are taken, at how World Cups that are worth billions of pounds are awarded around the world, I don't think that would be a bad thing.
This [the World Cup] is a great, great world institution. I think what President Blatter had to say about the importance of football is absolutely right, I think that people will now wonder if the conclave of the oligarchy that decides where the World Cup should go, I think people will think its days are now numbered in its current form.”
A Japanese FIFA executive member says the media “killed” England’s bid and President Sepp Blatter’s pre vote speech to voters on the “evils of the media.” Despite this, Johnson does not see the critical British media as having a negative effect on the bid.
“We have a free press in our country, I think it's one of the things that makes Britain great. The media shine a light on things that need to be exposed – then that's a fantastic thing," he added.
Former FA Chief Executive David Davies has expressed fears that English football could enter an "isolationist period". Sunderland manager Steve Bruce today said FIFA “do not like the English.” Premiership managers, including foreign coaches have been expressing their dismay at the decision to effectively sandbag England’s' Word Cup bid.
Johnson is adamant that the capital will continue to “provide a strong voice in football and world sport”
Adding:
“We remain 100 per cent focused on developing London as the most exciting sporting destination in the world, and we have a lot to offer other countries from putting together our bid and from planning the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Three London stadiums were part of the failed campaign with Wembley, the Olympic Stadium and Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium all proposed venues.
...sorry Borris but no one outside of the Capital gives two hoots about the Olympics... it is well overrated and would have been happier if France were to host it...
...the World Cup is a different story, as the venues were to be spread out across the country... that's me finished with Internationals and I won't be updating to FIFA 2011 or purchase any product that could put money in those lying, corrupt bigots...
...and can someone on here do something about those stupid Security Codes...
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