October 11 - FIFA vice-president Jack Warner (pictured) has today defended himself against personal attacks following his criticism of England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.


Warner has come under fierce attack in some quarters after describing England's World Cup bid as "lightweight", with suggestions that his trip to London was at the FA's expense.

The CONCACAF president said last week he was commenting on England's bid as a "critical friend" and in an email to FA chairman Lord Triesman said of the attacks on him: "They do not know what they do."

Warner said: "Do kindly let your media know that I paid my own airfare and that of my colleagues and that I was prevailed upon by your staff not to pay my hotel expenses.

"Time will tell whether I have been right or wrong in the unsolicited advice I have given."

Warner is an influential member of the 24-man FIFA executive committee who will vote on the 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosts in December next year.

England World Cup officials have said they will listen to Warner's advice but have a long-term game-plan that they will stick to.


Related stories
October 2009: Warner claims England are off the pace in 2018 race and need Beckham
August 2009: Warner given the red-carpet treatment on visit to Sheffield
May 2009: Warner hits out at England World Cup 2018 BNP error