Triesman steps down as FA, World Cup bid chairman

(News Today) - David Triesman resigned Sunday from his position as chairman of the English Football Association after an undercover tape-recorded conversation came to light in which he alleged that Spain and Russia were planning to bribe referees at this year's World Cup in South Africa.

Triesman also resigned as chairman of the World Cup Bid Board, the English team bidding to host the World Cup in 2018. The Mail on Sunday first reported on the conversation Sunday.

"A private conversation with someone whom I thought to be a friend was taped without my knowledge and passed to a national newspaper," Triesman said in a statement.

"... In that conversation, I commentated on speculation circulating about conspiracies around the world," Triesman's statement said. Those comments were never intended to be taken seriously as indeed is the case with many private conversations."

The views expressed "were not the views of the 2018 Bid board or the FA," he said. "... Entrapment, especially by a friend is an unpleasant experience for both my family and me but it leaves me with no alternative but to resign."

On Saturday, Triesman hosted Prince William at the FA Cup Final at London's Wembley Stadium.

"The Football Association would like to thank Lord Triesman for his efforts over the past two and a half years as the first independent chairman of the FA," said Barry Bright, FA board vice-chairman, in the statement. "The board expressed its considerable regret at the circumstances of his departure and wish him and his family well for the future."

The Mail on Sunday reported that Triesman, 66, suggested in the conversation that Spain may withdraw its bid to stage the 2018 finals if Russia -- which also wants to host the World Cup -- helps it bribe referees in next month's World Cup.

Citing anonymous sources, Mail on Sunday reported that the 2018 board had faxed letters of apology to the Spanish and Russian football associations.

Source : CNN

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