FIFA rejects Triesman’s claims

An investigation by FIFA has concluded that there was no basis to the allegations made by Lord Triesman concerning a plot to bribe World Cup referees.

Triesman stepped down from his posts as chairman of the Football Association and England's 2018 World Cup bid less than a fortnight ago after a national newspaper published his comments.

FIFA immediately launched an investigation, headed by Ethics Committee chairman Claudio Sulser, with a statement from world football's governing body saying:"Following the publication of these reports, the FIFA Ethics Committee asked Lord Triesman and the Football Association to provide their comments on the matter.

"According to the statements received by FIFA from both parties, Lord Triesman commented on "speculation circulating among journalists in Europe about conspiracies around the worl" in a private conversation with a friend that was taped – unbeknown to him – and then passed to a UK newspaper.

"In his letter to FIFA, Lord Triesman explained that this speculation was not an allegation on his part but was reported to him in a private capacity and was not known by either the Football Association or the England 2018 FIFA World Cup Bid Committee. This was confirmed by the Football Association.

"Lord Triesman added that the speculation expressed does not reflect his view or that of the Football Association or the England 2018 FIFA World Cup Bid Committee, and that the comments reproduced in the UK newspaper were never intended to be taken seriously.

"By means of letters sent to FIFA and to the football associations of Spain and Russia, the Football Association and the England 2018 FIFA World Cup Bid Committee have unreservedly apologised for and expressed their "bitter regre" at the declarations made by Lord Triesman in his private capacity.

"In addition, FIFA has been in contact with the Russian FA and the Spanish FA and received correspondence from both associations on this matter.

"FIFA has also examined all of the information received from various sources. Following this thorough investigation, FIFA has found no indication that there is any basis to the allegations reported by Lord Triesman.

"In the light of the above-mentioned circumstances, the chairman of the FIFA Ethics Committee has decided not to pursue this matter any further."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email