EXCLUSIVE: FA get into another fine mess over 2018 World Cup bid

Having not hosted a World Cup since 1966, the FA are desperate to put together a convincing case ahead of FIFA votes being cast in October 2011.

Chelsea Chief Executive Peter Kenyon arrives back at Gatwick Airport after the Champions League final

But just eight months after Soho Square formally launched their bid, it is understood that the chief executives of Manchester United and Chelsea, David Gill and Peter Kenyon, have some reservations about the project.

It had been predicted that both would be asked to take seats on a bid company put together by the FA in October this year, but Gill last night suggested that the demands of his role at Old Trafford would prohibit that, while Kenyon is believed to have some reservations.

It is also understood that Gill and Kenyon, who once worked side by side at United, have been disappointed at the manner in which recently appointed FA chairman Lord Triesman sidelined Peter Hargitay, formerly a special adviser to FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Hargitay was initially given a short-term deal to lead the bid but applications for this role have now been put out to tender by the FA.

Soho Square were criticised at the weekend by FIFA executive for CONCACAF Jack Warner over the manner in which Hargitay was sidelined and it is known that Gill and Kenyon were equally disappointed.

Hargitay was thought to be the man who could unlock the door to many of the 24 votes to be cast by FIFA's executive committee in three-and-a-half years' time and the two Premier heavyweights feel that the FA's chances are the poorer for his absence.

Gill and Kenyon are well respected throughout world football and both will be wary of being associated with a failed bid. But, on the surface, the chief executives continue to back the FA's efforts.

Last night Gill said: 'I was a member of the FA board that decided to make a bid to host the 2018 World Cup and remain fully supportive of the bid.

'While there has been no approach to play a formal role in the bid, I have a full-time job at Manchester United but will support the bid where time and opportunity permit.'