Fifa has dismissed the claims of Lord Triesman that Spain and Russia's 2018 World Cup bid teams were planning to bribe referees at this summer’s finals.
Former English FA chairman Triesman stepped down from the role after a newspaper published his comments, a high-profile incident that England’s own bid team feared would ruin their hopes of hosting the finals in eight years’ time.
Apologies were quickly sent to Fifa, as well as the two accused nations after the newspaper sting led to the damaging publicity, which saw Triesman
suggest that Spain may drop their bid if the Russians helped to bribe referees in South Africa.
Though the FA distanced themselves from the comments, Fifa felt the need to launch an investigation into the claims. However, after a short probe they say they have "found no indication that there is any basis to the allegations reported” while also reminding all bidding teams that they are responsible for maintaining the "highest standards of ethical behaviour".
England, Russia, a Spain/Portugal joint bid, a Belgium/Netherlands joint bid, Australia, the United States, Japan, Qatar and South Korea are all keen to host the 2018 finals.