London – The acting chairman of the Football Association (FA) revealed Saturday that he won't now apply for the position on a permanent basis in the wake of England's failed bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
Roger Burden, who was appointed to the post in May, said he reached the decision because he can no longer trust the members of Fifa following Thursday's vote, which saw Russia awarded the event.
“I recognise that an important part of the role is liaison with Fifa, our global governing body,” said the 64-year-old.
“I'm not prepared to deal with people whom I cannot trust and I've withdrawn my candidacy.”
England's bid received just two votes out of a possible 22 from Fifa executive committee members although the 2018 bid officials believed up to six were in favour of England. – Sapa-dpa