The England 2018 bid team has decided against becoming involved in the recent row over promotion opportunities at the Confederation of African Football congress, that follows the African Nations this month.

The dispute comes after 2022 bidders Qatar have sealed a sponsorship deal with CAF that gives them exclusive rights to present their bid to African football delegates. As a result, the deal means that no other nations are able to use the tournament to promote their bid.

Africa are the only continent without a nation in the running for the 2018/2022 tournaments. Therefore, the votes of the four African voters could be crucial towards the eventual outcome.

In particular, Australia have reacted angrily as they are one of Qatar’s main rivals to the 2022 World Cup. The Aussies are primarily focusing their bid on 2022 as it is likely that the 2018 tournament will go to a european nation.

On the other hand, the English bid has reacted calmly to the restrictions put in place by the CAF. The party are confident that they will still be able to influence voters behind the scenes and the national team’s upcoming pre World Cup friendly with Egypt will give them the perfect opportunity to secure crucial votes for the 2018 bid.