Jack Warner gives England’s 2018 FIFA World Cup bid much needed boost after Panorama debacle
FIFA's Vice President Jack Warner has given England’s bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup a much needed boost. Warner met British Prime Minister David Cameron, praising the development work England has done to help the growth of football internationally.
Warner’s support comes in the midst of the Panorama fiasco which has significantly hampered England’s chances of winning the bid.
The 20-minute meeting between the two was held at Baur au Lac Hotel in Zurich. After the meeting, Warner said, “The British Prime Minister understands the importance and power of football. He reiterated his government's commitment to the World Cup and spoke
extensively about England's legacy program.” Warner, who is also a government minister in Trinidad, is vital for England’s hopes of winning the bid. He is the President of CONCACAF and should be able to guarantee at least 3 votes for his country.
Warner’s support is even more critical to England’s chances, after the Panorama documentary aired on BBC accused three FIFA officials of corruption. The accused officials include Ricardo Teixeira, head of the Brazilian Football Confederation, CONMEBOL President
Nicolas Leoz and FIFA Vice President Issa Hayatou. Warner also featured in the documentary as he was blamed for attempting to sell tickets for the 2010 World Cup in the black market.
Many have dismissed these allegations as baseless as the events highlighted in the video were more than 20 years old. FIFA has already rejected any action on the issues brought forward. A statement issued by FIFA read, "The matters concerning the case 'ISL/ISMM'
which are referred to date back many years ago and were investigated by the relevant authorities in Switzerland. No FIFA officials were accused of any criminal offence in these proceedings. The investigation and the case are definitely closed."
England’s bid team has lashed out at the BBC for the broadcast just days before a decision on the World Cup bid is to be made. England is still hopeful of winning the bid based on the potential high profits proposed in their bid. FIFA has also acknowledged
England’s bid as the most profitable out of the four bids presented. The FA has announced its support for Russia’s bid if England fails to bring the World Cup home. FIFA’s 22-member executive committee will cast its votes on the bids on Thursday.
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