Ex-England footballers call for investigation of FIFA vote for 2018 World Cup

LONDON - Former British footballers have called for a thorough probe of FIFA operations after England attracted just two of the 22 votes on offer in Thursday’s deciding vote to choose the host of the 2018 World Cup.

England’s bid, which was called “excellent and remarkable” by FIFA President Sepp Blatter, was dumped out of the running in the first round of the vote, which was held in the international governing body’s headquarters in Zurich.

“They don’t have to answer to anyone, particularly governments, because if governments get involved they suspend the nation concerned from all football activities,” the Sun quoted former England manager Graham Taylor, as saying.

“It is about time FIFA was really investigated. It sets itself above everything and is very secret. You can’t get the answers you are looking for on what decisions are made,” he added.

Taylor was backed by Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan, who said: “It’s time for FIFA to be more upfront, honest and transparent.”

Whelan, who called England’s bid “fantastic”, added: “There’s been all sorts going on and it’s wrong.”

Russia was eventually named as hosts, beating Spain-Portugal and the Netherlands-Belgium.

According to reports, one of England’s votes came from their own executive committee member Geoff Thompson.

Thompson and the England 2018 bid team believe that African football president Issa Hayatou was their only foreign backer. (ANI)