England’s 2018 World Cup bid team are to withdraw their complaint over comments made from the Russian bid following an apology from their rivals.
Russian bid leader Alexei Sorokin had angered England’s campaigners following remarks over the level of crime and alcoholism in London. However, Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko apologised for the comments made on behalf of Sorokin.
An England spokesman said: “Mr Mutko approached the bid team with a genuine apology in an honourable manner. We, of course, accepted this apology and appreciate the gesture. We now wish to move on from this matter.”
Sorokin was also relieved to see the whole saga brought to a close. He said: “I’m glad this whole thing is finally over to our mutual satisfaction and we can now proceed with our normal work.”
Aside from the English and Russian bids, Spain/Portugal and Holland/Belgium are also in the running for the 2018 tournament to be decided on the 2nd December.
