England suffer 2006 blow

South America are set to back South Africa's bid

England's bid to host the 2006 World Cup has suffered a blow, with the news that South America may back South Africa's campaign.

If Brazil pull out or lose the first round of the ballot to host the event, their representatives may support South Africa in return for a similar favour in 2010.

The Financial Times newspaper claims Brazil will help South Africa gain the votes of the three South American members on Fifa's 24-man executive committee.

If this report is true it would be nothing but good news for us

England's 2006 World Cup campaign director Alec McGivan

South Africa campaign director Danny Jordaan said: "Zico (the former Brazilian star chairing Brazil's 2006 bid) has said Brazil is prepared to withdraw on the basis that CAF supports them in 2010."

And Fifa's former Brazilian president, Joao Havelange, has also backed the idea.

"We had a meeting with the chief executive of the South African bid, Danny Jordaan, along with the Brazilian federation chairman, Ricardo Texeira, and we reached agreement to support South Africa," he is quoted as saying in this month's African Soccer magazine.

England are competing for the event against South Africa, Germany, Brazil and Morocco.

A decision will be made by Fifa's executive committee on 5-6 July.

'Good news'

England's 2006 World Cup campaign director Alec McGivan has described the rumours as "nothing but good news".

With three votes at stake in the South American region, McGivan believes Argentina and Paraguay may join the England campaign if Brazil are eliminated.

South Africa are not the only ones who have been campaigning hard.

Alec McGivan

Even more importantly he feels the three Concacaf votes, vital to the overall outcome of the vote in Zurich, are now almost certain to come England's way.

"If this report is true it would be nothing but good news for us," McGivan said.

"Not only would it simplify the whole process but I feel certain it would increase our support.

"South Africa are not the only ones who have been campaigning hard.

"We have had discussions with Argentina and Paraguay on our own and we have good reason to believe we will get those votes if Brazil do pull out.

"More than ever, I am convinced that there are only three serious runners in the race and that Germany are in third place.

"If England make the final two I am confident we will win."