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We can trust Fifa says David Beckham

Pa
Wednesday 01 December 2010 11:40 GMT
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David Beckham has faith that FIFA's executive committee will judge England's 2018 World Cup bid on its merits.

England's bid is thought to be running behind those of Russia and Spain/Portugal ahead of tomorrow's vote of the committee's 22 members in Switzerland.

There have been fears the actions of some of the British media in exposing corruption within the world governing body could jeopardise hopes, but Beckham has tried to allay concerns.

The former England captain, part of the bidding team's final presentation party in Zurich, said: "I think we can trust every one of the members. At the end of the day they are football people.

"They are going to want a World Cup in the best country that they think could host the biggest sporting event in the world. Without a doubt we can trust them."

Beckham, along with Prince William and Prime Minister David Cameron, has been lobbying hard this week.

He said: "I have met a few members. I would rather keep who I have actually met private, but I met a few of the members last night.

"I was working with the Prime Minister and Prince William until late last night.

"I know this morning Prince William was up at 7 or 7.30 having breakfast with one of the members.

"Everything has been positive so far. We have obviously listened to the feedback and the ideas we feel we need to be pushing in the next few days and we are working on it."

Beckham has compared the task of winning the vote to some of his toughest challenges as a player.

He said: "I have had a few throughout my career. It is another one of those things where, when you represent your country, you give everything you have can.

"I have obviously done that on the field a few times and now I am trying to do it off the field."

Beckham says the team are receptive to the feedback they have been receiving from members throughout the process.

The Los Angeles Galaxy star, who was also part of the team which helped secure the 2012 Olympics for London, said: "We have definitely got time. That is one of the reasons why we have got Prince William here and the Prime Minister.

"To have that weight behind the bid is a huge thing for us.

"I saw that in Singapore when Tony Blair was there for the whole (Olympic) bid process. You feel how important it is to have them there.

"We have obviously been listening to the feedback and what they feel we need to push.

"They've said about the legacy part, which is a big thing for us."

Beckham does believe, however, that the team have already presented a comprehensive case.

He added: "It is just putting the icing on what we have done so far. "We've done everything to put ourselves in the best position possible."

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