Triesman claims England bid is regarded higher overseas than at home

By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

July 22 – Lord Triesman has claimed that England’s World Cup bid has been better received abroad than at home.

The Labour Peer was forced to resign as the leader of the bid in May after he was taped telling a woman he was having an affair with that England’s rivals Russia and Spain were colluding to bribe referees during the World Cup in South Africa.

He was also forced to step down as the chairman of the Football Association.

The scandal was a further blow to England’s chances of hosting the World Cup for the first time since 1966 and it meant it lost further ground to Russia.

There had been pressure even before the Mail on Sunday revelations for Triesman to resign and let someone else take over the bid.

But, speaking for the first time since the scandal, he has claimed that under him England were making progress persuading members of FIFA’s Executive Committee to back their campaign.

Triesman said: ”I think we were generating a very good campaign, often better received outside this country than inside.

“We were able to show the depth of passion, amazing stadiums and great support from the football market.”

Triesman, who was speaking after a special ceremony at Essex University where he was awarded an honorary doctorate, claimed that his period as chairman of the FA had been a success, particularly implementing the Respect programme.

But he claimed that England’s performance at the World Cup in South Africa was a major disappointment.

Triesman said: ”There is a great desire and hunger in England to see our national team do very well.

“I was disappointed by the elimination and the fact when we did leave, it seemed to happen too easily.”

University officials defended the decision to give the special award to Triesman, who had studied economics at Essex, despite the scandal.

Dr Martin Sellens, director of the centre for sport and exercise science, told graduates: “It is entirely right the university recognises the achievements of this remarkable man.”

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