Source: Daily_Mail
Rio Ferdinand: Triesman row should not derail England's bid for 2018 World Cup
Rio Ferdinand insists the scandal surrounding departed Football Associationchairman Lord Triesman should not be allowed to derail England's 2018 World Cupbid.[LNB]FIFA have launched an official investigation into Triesman's allegations Spain indicated a willingness to withdraw from the contest in exchange for Russian-backed assistance from 'friendly' referees.[LNB]The FA have already sent formal letters of apology, as well as accepting Triesman's resignation, both as head of the 2018 bid and the organisation as a whole.[LNB] Flare enough: But Rio Ferdinand insists Lord Triesman's comments should not wrap a smokescreen around Enlgand's 2018 World Cup bid[LNB]However, the fear lingers that when they come to cast their votes later this year, FIFA's 24-man executive committee will deliver its own verdict, and the results will not be pretty.[LNB]But Ferdinand is refusing to lose heart and insists England's claim is far stronger than any individual.[LNB]'People will come and go until the decision is made,' reflected the Three Lions skipper.[LNB]'Hopefully one person going is not going to alter the committee's opinion about whether we should get it or not.[LNB]'Obviously a lot has been said about what happened over the last weekend. But it is bigger than any one individual.[LNB] Overshadowed: Lord Triesman's bribery quips led to his resignation from the FA[LNB]'Now is the time to refocus on what the bid is all about. It needs to get back on track to get the World Cup to this country because we would be great hosts.'[LNB]Ferdinand was a raw teenager, just starting life as a professional with West Ham, during Euro 96 and had the good fortune to be asked to train with Terry Venables' men as part of their preparations.[LNB]The Manchester United defender remembers what a novel experience it was, which is why he is so sure FIFA can entrust England with the honour and have no fears about the eventual outcome.[LNB]'We have all the tools required to host a major tournament of that kind,' he said.[LNB]'I was fortunate enough to be able to train with the England team at Euro 96 before a couple of games and the atmosphere was just ridiculous.[LNB]'The whole nation gets behind it. My backing is 100 per cent and fingers crossed we can get it.'[LNB] Capello insists Triesman affair won't cost England the 2018 World CupTriesman probe must be swift, insist FIFA after 'crazy' bribe allegationsFA's 2018 team can survive Triesman gaffe, says UEFA president PlatiniCHARLES SALE: Russians stir it up on FA 'late' emails Lord Triesman scandal a 'traumatic' blow to England's World Cup 2018 bid, concedes Seb Coe[LNB] [LNB][LNB]
