England to withdraw Russia 2018 complaint

England’s 2018 World Cup bid team is to withdraw a complaint to Fifa about Russia’s campaign following an apology from their rival bidder.

The Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko has apologised for comments made by bid chief Alexei Sorokin.

England’s official complaint was that Russia had broken bidding rules when he made disparaging comments about London.

“Mr Mutko approached the bid team with a genuine apology in an honourable manner,” said an England spokesman.

“We, of course, accepted this apology and appreciate the gesture. We now wish to move on from this matter.”

Fifa’s committee met on Thursday to receive reports on the bids.