FIFA Ethics Committee to investigate Triesman bribery allegations

By Andrew Warshaw

May 17 - FIFA have asked the Football Association to look into the bribery allegations that forced Lord Triesman to resign as head of both the FA and England’s 2018 bid team – and confirmed its Ethics Committee would examine the case.

Amid the fallout over Triesman’s reported allegations of possible collusion between Spain and Russia, world football’s governing body issued a brief statement – and nothing else.

An English delegation had been planning to travel to Zurich later this week for face-to-face trouble shooting talks with FIFA after sending an apology for Triesman’s taped allegations, reported in a national newspaper.

But there must now be some doubt over whether that will happen following FIFA’s response.

“FIFA can confirm that FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke has requested the FIFA Ethics Committee to examine the alleged statements made by Lord Triesman in relation to the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups,” the statement said.

“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 said they would co-operate fully with FIFA’s inquiry.

Acting chief executive, Alex Horne, said: “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 the 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.

“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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