A FIFA ethics investigation has dismissed claims from England's former FA chairman that Spain and Russia were colluding to bribe referees at the World Cup.

FIFA said Friday that a thorough investigation "found no indication that there is any basis to the allegations reported."

Ethics panel chairman Claudio Sulser decided not to pursue the matter further.

English official David Triesman resigned as chairman of the FA and 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.

FIFA said Triesman claimed the remarks were not meant as an accusation.

"Triesman explained that this speculation was not an allegation on his part but was reported to him in a private capacity," football's world governing body said in a statement.

Triesman told FIFA that the claim did not reflect the view of any other English football officials.

The FA and England's 2018 bid team had "unreservedly apologised for and expressed their bitter regret" to officials in Spain and Russia, FIFA said.

Sulser's ethics team also received statements from Spain and Russia.

"Following this thorough investigation, FIFA has found no indication that there is any basis to the allegations reported by (David) Triesman," FIFA said.

FIFA said Sulser's committee would "remain vigilant to ensure that ethical conduct and fair play is respected in the bidding for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups."

FIFA's 24-man executive committee will choose the two hosts in December.

The 2018 tournament is expected to be awarded to a European bid. England and Russia are leading contenders, with joint bids from Spain-Portugal and Netherlands-Belgium also competing.

Australia and the United States are bidding for 2018 and 2022. Japan, Qatar and South Korea are in the 2022 race only.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP