World Football News: Russia deny any role in corruption scandal, Hodgson declares Dalglish not a threat to his job
Yesterday it was the Iberian bid chief executive, Mr. Lopez who came out and criticized the English bid for having “below par” hotels; but this time is the Russian bid who has attempted to clear their name from the corruption scandal that has plagued FIFA
since the last three weeks. Russia’s 2018 World Cup bid which is in competition with England and Spain/Portugal’s 2018 bid offered their view on the matter that has reportedly suggested that they have exchanged votes for bribes. On Saturday, Andreas Herren,
the international officer of communications and media chief and representative of the Russian 2018 bid came out in the open regarding the alleged claims from the British news paper Sunday Times.
As a result of the claims two of FIFA’s executive committee members have already been suspended. One of those members is Amos Adamu; Adamu is a member of the executive committee which is supposed to decide the final host of the 2018 World Cup bid. The Sunday
Times journalist has suggested in an email that Adamu told him that the Russians had offered them cooperation and help in building training facilities and offering training to players in Nigeria. The email that was sent privately to the Russian 2018 bid also
stated, “The suggestion that such offers would be made in exchange for his vote”, implying that the Adamu’s vote was being polarized through such tactics.
Andreas Herren responded to the journalists email stating, "The Russia-2018 bid committee is indeed promoting Russia's bid among the members of the international football family and the FIFA executive committee members. As part of this effort, representatives
of the bid committee travel to major international football events presenting the merits of Russia's bid. An essential element of this job is welcoming FIFA executive committee members to Russia which is not prohibited by FIFA bidding regulations and has always
been done in conformity with FIFA rules i.e. with due notification of the FIFA secretary general. Mr. Amos Adamu was indeed visiting Russia on August 28-31 this year. During his stay in Moscow he was introduced to the key elements of Russia's bid through a
series of presentations and venue tours. However, we would like to categorically state that never was he approached with any offers of assistance in pitch construction or players' training or any other partnership."
The Sunday Times newspaper has yet to reply to these clarifications from the Russian 2018 bid. Herren added to the bid’s stance by saying that the suggestions from the English newspaper were “speculative and unfounded”. England are also competing against
Russia to capture the 2018 World Cup, other potential hosts with well established bids include, Netherlands/Belgium and Spain/Portugal. Australia, Qatar, Japan, South Korea and the United States are bidding to host the 2022 World Cup.
In other news, Liverpool’s manager has also made a statement clearing up the situation surrounding his job security at the Merseyside club. It has been speculated due to Liverpool’s poor start to the season that Roy’s days as the Reds first team manager
are quite numbered. Kenny Dalglish is being touted as many as the successor to Roy’s position at Anfield. However, the ex-Fulham manager was quick to dismiss these rumours as he said, “I'm not prepared to pass up on quality people who can help because of a
fear the day may come the club decides they want Kenny as manager. That wasn't the case in the summer, but that's not to say it won't be the case forever. I don't know. I have no fears in that respect because I know my qualities and I'm not a political person.
He is doing a great job alongside us and we involve him in our scouting while he still works at The Academy and plays an ambassadorial role. That's what he's good at.”
Liverpool play their next league match against Bolton Wanderers on Sunday, the 31st of October 2010 at the Reebok Stadium, winning the match is essential for the Reds as they currently occupy a spot in the bottom three teams of the English Premier
League table.
op-alt�{ om��g @�f -bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal;background:white'>According to reports, Hodgson has a list of five to six targets, whom he wishes to bring to the club. The Reds boss made it clear that he wanted to add more striking options to
his squad, the main reason for which was to reduce the dependency on star striker Fernando Torres
Hodgson said, “I’m prepared to accept that a number of players we’re looking to sign do make five or six – but I don’t wish to specify positions other than one is obviously a front player. In January we should be really looking to solve one or two situations.
We are desperately short of players. Front players.”
He added, “Having three front players at the club, and that’s if you include Ryan Babel, is nowhere near good enough. If Fernando isn’t playing one week, you have got to get someone in who has got the same level of quality.”
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