- My Account
- Logout
- Register
- Login
Barwick fury over England criticism
Related Articles
10 January 2007
Warner has said he will battle to stop England hosting the 2018 World Cup, describing the country as an "irritant" and unliked by the rest of Europe. The FA have written to Warner, also president of the CONCACAF federation, to explain his attack.
Barwick told BBC Radio Five Live: "On UEFA, we are - alongside Germany - the most well-represented country in football across committees and working groups. I think frankly they are personal remarks. I think FIFA will distance themselves from them very quickly."
Chairman Geoff Thompson, who is also a FIFA and UEFA vice-president, added in the Daily Telegraph: "I find that rather surprising to be honest. I think we are popular in Europe and we have made a significant contribution to UEFA and we have very good connections."
Warner said in an interview with BBC World Service that he will "fight to the very end" to stop FIFA changing the rotation rules and allowing Europe to host the World Cup in 11 years' time.
He believes England are unlikely to win the race to be hosts.
"If by chance, in 2018, the World Cup were to go to Europe, I'm quite sure, with the English luck as it is, they won't get it," Warner of Trinidad and Tobago said.
"It'll be Italy, Spain, or it might even be France. Nobody in Europe likes England. England - who invented the sport - has never had any impact on world football. England at no time has had the love and support of Europe. For Europe, England is an irritant.
"There are moves to give it to England. I must fight that. I really don't believe that we should just lay down and play dead to anyone who wants to take the World Cup from CONCACAF.
"I know in FIFA there are those persons who believe the rules should be changed to satisfy Europe but I tell you this - we shall fight it to the very end."
Top stories in Sport in brief
Sport in brief in Pictures
Top stories in Sport in brief
Sport in brief in Pictures
-
No end to Tube nightmare as commuters warned of MORE chaos tonight
-
Double dip recession is worse than feared as UK faces ‘hurricane’
-
They attacked "like a pack" raining fists on a defenceless legal secretary. Yesterday they walked free from court. No wonder their victim says she has been denied justice.
-
Mayor demands report from Transport for London into Jubilee Line nightmare that left hundreds of commuters trapped for hours underground
-
David Cameron: I don’t regret giving Jeremy Hunt BSkyB role
The O2
Check out the cool stuff happening under our tent such as the hottest gigs, comedy, sport, films, clubs, bars, restaurants and much more.
Can you imagine a career in teaching?
Be inspired to teach - let real teachers show you how rewarding the job can be.
Playing a game-changing role during the Games
Cisco is providing the solutions for London 2012's complex IT needs.
Win a Silverstone track day with Zantac 75
Feel the burn of a different kind - 20 Silverstone motoring experiences to be won
Reader Offers email A fantastic selection of
offers, giveaways and
promotions.
Cannes Film Festival - in pictures
Biggest ever image of the Queen, and she also appears made out of stamps, cheese and BEER
Man v Woman v Food: the big burger challenge
New kids from the Bloc: new wave of Russians settling in London
London drug dealer pictured himself with bags of cannabis and wearing crown of £20 notes
BarChick: Janet's Bar