By Andrew Warshaw
May 16 – English FA chairman David Bernstein has admitted that the latest corruption claims against FIFA Executive Committee members may be impossible to prove.
Bernstein concedes that the startling allegations against four of the six FIFA members currently under the spotlight could be thrown out if there is no firm proof.
On a BBC radio programme Sunday, Bernstein was grilled over claims by his predecessor Lord Triesman at a parliamentary hearing that four FIFA Exco members, including senior vice-president Jack Warner, wanted kickbacks to vote for England’s 2018 World Cup bid.
At the same hearing, it was alleged that Qatar paid two other FIFA officials to vote for their 2022 World Cup campaign.
Bernstein has appointed a prominent judge, James Dingemans, to specifically examine Triesman’s claims and to talk to anyone who was present on the occasions referred to by Triesman.
Dingemans will report back to the FA and FIFA by May 27, with his findings made public.
“Allegations have to be substantiated and if there is no evidence clearly it will be difficult,” said Bernstein.
He admitted that England alone could not change the way FIFA operates and tried to play down expectations.
“There are over 200 nations in FIFA and we’re one of them.
“People talk to the FA as though we can change FIFA ourselves.
“We are around half a per cent of the voting population within FIFA, so we will use what influence we have but we have to talk and we have to work with them as well.
“There are clearly issues with FIFA.
There’s been too much around, there is the whole question of openness.
“It’s a very difficult balance to try and push for reform, to push for change, and at yet the same time be inside the tent and not outside.”
All six FIFA officials at the heart of the recent scandal have denied any wrongdoing and while he has no doubt Triesman was telling the truth, Bernstein admitted proving the claims were not just hearsay could be tough.
“I know Lord Triesman extremely well and have great respect for him.
“[But] allegations are one thing, finding a basis for them is another.
“I’m sure he believes what he said but we need to see whether these allegations can be backed up, and it’s up to the QC to decide how he handles this.”
Bernstein also gave another clear signal that the Football Association will not back Blatter in the forthcoming FIFA presidential election against Mohamed bin Hammam, and might well decide to abstain at a board meeting on Thursday.
“It may be what my board decides,” Bernstein said.
“I have to have an open mind, I’ve got 11 colleagues who are very knowledgeable about football and we’ll hear what they have to say.”
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1735267669labto1735267669ofdlr1735267669owedi1735267669sni@w1735267669ahsra1735267669w.wer1735267669dna1735267669