American FIFA chief takes step back from World Cup bid process

FIFA’s chief ethics investigator says his assistant will lead the review of the Russian and American bids for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to avoid any conflict of interest.

Michael Garcia, an American attorney, is investigating the bidding process for both World Cups and wants to speak to all bid teams – he is starting with representatives from England’s 2018 World Cup bid this week and has warned that officials can face disciplinary measures if they refuse to co-operate.