Nigerian FIFA executive committee member Amos Adamu, currently suspended pending the outcome of an investigation into alleged corruption, suggested that Russia’s bid team offered him “co-operation” in building facilities and offering training to players in return for his support.
Alexei Sorokin, head of the Russian bid, attacked the claims on Saturday night and suggested the newspaper had deliberately targeted Russia in an attempt to damage England's main rival in the bidding process.
"Mr Adamu was indeed visiting Russia in August," he said. "During his stay in Moscow he was introduced to the key elements of Russia's bid through a series of presentations and venue tours.
"However, we would like to categorically state that never was he approached with any offers of assistance in pitch construction or players' training or any other partnership. We consider statements by Mr Adamu as speculation and unfounded."On Friday FIFA confirmed that the final vote for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups will go ahead on December 2 as planned.
