The Daily Telegraph revealed on Saturday that Adam Crozier falsified sales figures when working as an advertising representative for the paper 12 years ago.

But Mr Crozier immediately apologised for his conduct, and the FA released a statement dismissing the matter as "youthful indiscretion".

And the matter looks unlikely to threaten England's bid to stage the World Cup 2006 tournament.

Spokesman Roger Kelly, speaking at a time when Fifa delegates are in this country to assess the merits of the England case, said: "I do not think this has any connection with the World Cup bid. We have nothing to say."

Mr Crozier, from the Isle of Bute in Scotland, is currently joint chief executive of Saatchi & Saatchi. He formally takes over the FA post in January.

The Telegraph said he came close to losing his job in the 1987 incident, and was moved from the paper's main London office to Scotland, leaving the company soon afterwards.

Crozier has been involved in the Birthplace of Football 2006 World Cup campaign

Mr Crozier, 35, said on Saturday: "I stupidly falsified some notes regarding advertising sales in order to enhance my reputation.

"It was the mistake of a young man which resulted in absolutely no personal gain whatsoever.

"My explanation was accepted by my employers of the time, the Daily Telegraph, and shortly afterwards they transferred me to run their Scottish office. What happened was never repeated again.

"Seven months later in July 1988 I was offered a job by Saatchi & Saatchi and they employed me knowing fully the situation and saw it fully for what it was.

Graham Kelly resigned last year

"Having made this mistake, I have spent the last 12 years developing an impeccable record - and have dealt with the Daily Telegraph on many occasions.

"I realise I should have mentioned this to the FA because of the high profile organisation it is, but all this was a long time ago.

"I have apologised unreservedly for any embarrassment I may have caused to the FA but I am very proud of my reputation among my staff and clients for integrity and honesty."

The FA immediately backed Mr Crozier.

In a statement, it said: "The FA's chairman Geoff Thompson has discussed all the circumstances of this matter with Adam Crozier.

"He has talked with the majority of the selection panel who he has been able to contact. They regard what happened as a youthful indiscretion.

"They regard Adam Crozier's record of achievement over the past decade as testament to his outstanding ability and integrity."

Mr Crozier was appointed to the FA on Wednesday, following a turbulent period for the FA in which former chief executive Graham Kelly left in a row over a £3.2m loan to the Welsh FA.

He was followed out of Lancaster Gate the following month, in January 1999, by the then chairman Keith Wiseman as a result of the same affair.