England’s 2018 World Cup bid team has lodged an official complaint with FIFA over comments made by the head of Russia’s rival campaign.
Russia 2018 chief executive Andrei Sorokin was quoted as saying England had the “highest crime rate” and the “highest level of alcohol consumption among young people.”
England’s bid team has demanded an apology. Sorokin said his comments were lost in translation.
'Mr Sorokin regrets if his statements have led to an erroneous interpretation and understanding,' his spokesman said
FIFA has strict guidelines for bidding candidates that outlaw any criticism of opponents.
Apart from England and Russia, joint bids by Spain and Portugal and Belgium and the Netherlands are also in the running.
Under a FIFA rotation policy, the 2018 event will most likely be held in Europe, with Russia a serious contender after the Kremlin pledged billions of dollars for infrastructure work ahead of the tournament,.
FIFA will appoint hosts for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups on December 2.
MOSCOW, October 26 (RIA Novosti)
