Spat between England and Russia over World Cup bids intensifies
The war of words between England and Russia in the contest to host the 2018 World Cup has intensified, with some fearing that the English bid team's complaints over Russia's conduct will only worsen the
situation.
The English team lodged a complain with FIFA after Alexei Sorokin, head of the Russian bid and sports minister of the country, was quoted as criticizing London's suitability as a host city.
FIFA officials will meet in Zurich on Friday, 29 October to discuss the incident, as well as tackling allegations of corruption in the campaign to host the 2022 World Cup.
Following the English team's complaint, Russia's Viacheslav Koloskov, a former FIFA and UEFA executive member, said that the English bid team have shown signs of weakness by complaining to the body.
"There is no reason for Russia to fear sanctions. There won't even be an investigation," Koloskov, who is also honorary president of the Russian Football Union, told reporters. "It's a comical situation.
The English are afraid of how badly their bid is going. Instead of talking about their own advantages and merits, they try to disorient their rivals."
Complaint may irritate FIFA
Concerns have been raised that the English complaint could be seen as petty by football's governing body, which is reported to be unimpressed with the actions of the bid rivals.
"It is damaging, this war of words," said James Pearce, BBC Sport's correspondent in Zurich. "Until a couple of days ago England were keeping a dignified silence, but now they have been dragged into it
as well. I think there are some people at FIFA who aren't very impressed with what England have done, whereas before they were when England were keeping quiet."
The host country of the 2018 World Cup will be announced by FIFA on 2 December. Aside from the English and Russian bids, Spain/Portugal and Belgium/Netherlands are also bidding to host the tournament.
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