Wimbledon fans set to take Milton Keynes complaint to FIFA

January 7 – Wimbledon supporters are threatening to take the row over the choice of Milton Keynes as a venue for the 2018 World Cup if England’s bid is successful to world governing body FIFA.

The Wimbledon Independent Supporters Association (WISA) are unhappy over stadium:mk being chosen and have written an open letter to Lord Triesman, the chairman of England’s bid and the Football Association, and Ian Watmore, the chief executive of the FA, to make their feelings known.

The MK Dons’ Supporters Association have since replied defending their club’s position, which has led Simon Wheeler, chairman of the WISA, to send a second open letter.

In his original letter, Wheeler wrote: “WISA remains mystified as to why the Football Association has once again decided to so publicly punish Wimbledon supporters, renewing the hurt and pain caused by the shameful decision of the Football Association Commission to allow Wimbledon FC to relocate to Milton Keynes, a decision which at the time seemed certain to destroy another community’s football club.”

Wheeler said: “We’ve written to the FA and if we don’t receive a response in due course, we will be following it up.

“Wimbledon supporters camped outside their offices for three weeks when we faced losing our club so we’re not averse to making sure our opinions are heard.

“If our concerns aren’t addressed by the FA then we will be contacting FIFA.

“Having Milton Keynes on the list of venues has, I believe, damaged the credibility of the World Cup bid.

“Our supporters are deeply upset about this.

“The World Cup is supposed to be open to all but this choice will put a lot of Wimbledon fans off going to games.

“I can’t see many Wimbledon supporters travelling to Milton Keynes to watch matches.”

Earlier this month AFC Wimbledon fans started an on-line petition on the Downing Street website which calls for the “Government to withdraw all backing for England’s 2018 World Cup bid until the town of Milton Keynes is withdrawn from the bid”.

So far it has attracted 1,104 signatures.