FIFA probe finds no evidence to back up Triesman claim of Spain, Russia bribing World Cup refs

FIFA: No evidence of plan to bribe WCup refs

ZURICH — A FIFA ethics investigation has dismissed claims from England’s former soccer federation chairman that Spain and Russia were colluding to bribe referees at the World Cup.

The soccer governing body said Friday that ethics panel chairman Claudio Sulser had decided not to pursue the matter. FIFA said it “found no indication that there is any basis to the allegations reported.”

English official David Triesman resigned as chairman of England’s 2018 World Cup hosting bid after his claims were published following a tabloid newspaper sting.

Triesman was recorded saying that Spain could drop its 2018 campaign and support Russia’s bid in exchange for help to bribe referees at the World Cup.