Blatter backed England 2018 action over Triesman claims Coe

By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

May 21 – Sepp Blatter has backed the action England 2018 took over Lord Triesman’s allegations that rivals Spain and Russia were colluding together illegally to bribe referees at next month’s World Cup in South Africa, Sebastian Coe has claimed.

Coe, the chairman of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, who is also a member of the England 2018 Board, spoke to the FIFA President earlier this week in the wake of Triesman’s resignation to replaced by Geoff Thompson following the allegations reported in the Mail on Sunday.

He revealed the details of the conversation in his regular column in The Daily Telegraph.

Coe wrote: ”The conversation with Blatter was friendly and helpful.

“He gave good counsel, understood the action taken and welcomed the appointment of Thompson, who he has known for many years.

“He was also saddened by the situation the FA finds itself in.

“Many underestimate Blatter’s passionate belief in the traditions of the game.

“He is a student of the history of football and has huge respect for the role the FA has played in the development of the game.”

Coe is optimistic that Thompson will prove a capable replacement for Triesman.

He wrote: “In Geoff Thompson we have the right man to lead us into the next stage of the campaign.

“As a vice-president of both FIFA and UEFA, the European game’s governing body, he is our most senior international football administrator and has earned respect around the world.”

Coe claimed that the events of the past few days have actually strengthened England’s bid.

He wrote: “The past few days have re-emphasised the fantastic support there is for this bid. In many ways the last difficult few days has galvanised and hardened that backing.

“There is support from a magnificent set of ambassadors: football clubs, players and governing bodies; our vibrant candidate host cities; the Government and local councils; the diverse population of this country and vast majority of the media.

“Over the past few days people have stopped me in the street seeking reassurance that the bid is still on track. I sense more than ever, and maybe even because of recent events, that the country is behind us.

“Our passionate footballing public has, and will, energise this bid. It will drive it on and help it overcome whatever obstacles it faces as we work towards a single goal - a World Cup in England.”

Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734829941labto1734829941ofdlr1734829941owedi1734829941sni@y1734829941akcam1734829941.nacn1734829941ud1734829941