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FA did seek 'background information' on rival World Cup bids

The Football Association has admitted that "media and corporate affairs consultants" were used to gather background information on the bidding process for the World Cup.

The Sunday Times has published claims that officials received information from former MI6 staff about the Russian and Qatari World Cup bids.

In a statement the FA said all its activities had been declared to Fifa ethics investigator Michael Garcia as part of his investigation into the bids.

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Coca-Cola criticises 'disappointing' Fifa World Cup report

Coca-Cola have hit out at Fifa over the handling of a controversial report into how the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments were awarded.

Ethics investigator Michael Garcia disagreed with the conclusions reached by German judge Hans-Joachim Eckert, whose report exonerated the bids made by Qatar and Russia for the respective tournaments.

Coca-Cola hit out over the World Cup report. Credit: Reuters

The drinks company, which is one of Fifa's longest-standing and biggest sponsors, issued a statement criticising the furore:

Anything that detracts from the mission and ideals of the Fifa World Cup is a concern to us. The current conflicting perspectives regarding the investigation are disappointing. Our expectation is that this will be resolved quickly in a transparent and efficient manner.

– Coca-Cola spokesman

Read: Fifa lodge criminal complaint over World Cup bidding

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FA did seek 'background information' on rival World Cup bids

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