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Talking Point Has England blown its cup bid?
Soccer in England has been plunged into crisis over the resignation of the Football Association's chief executive Graham Kelly.
Not only has it rocked the musty corridors of power at Lancaster Gate, it may also have destroyed England's dream of hosting the 2006 World Cup.
Kelly fell on his sword after a unanimous vote of no confidence in FA chairman Keith Wiseman, who is so far refusing to resign.
The row centres on allegations that the FA of Wales had been promised a £3.2m loan by the FA, in return for helping Mr Wiseman to win a place on the top table at Fifa, the sport's governing body.
Kelly and Wiseman insist they have done nothing wrong. Kelly, known for his integrity if not his charisma, says he is leaving with head held high, and the government line is it is an internal FA matter and has nothing to do with the wider World Cup bid.
But is this right?
Will Fifa officials really want to see headlines about an FA crisis, blood on the carpet and loans to helpful associations when they are pondering the 2006 venue?
South Africa are already favourites, but can England hope to carry on a realistic campaign across the world without its own house in order? Can England really try to divorce this turmoil from up-beat claims about having the best facilities for 2006?
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