Initial problems for FA

THE number of people travelling to Russia in the official Fa World Cup party is still to be announced, but surely the figure will not reach the ridiculous level it did in Brazil four years ago.

as a result of negative publicity over the 90-plus Fa personnel there, kit suppliers Nike will no longer identify travel bags with numbers, but use initials instead so as not to draw attention to how many people are on the trip.

But this brings its own complications. If there are two RS’s, for example — an old-fogey Fa blazer and Raheem Sterling — what’s to stop them picking the wrong bags off the bus?

FIFA

desperately needs a transparent 2026 World Cup hosting ballot a week tomorrow after the utterly corrupt vote in 2010. Yet the latest FIFA shenanigans have seen South American confederation CONMEBOL refuse a presentation request from Morocco because they are committed to supporting the rival bid of the USA, Canada and Mexico. All the other confederations will allow both sides to present in Moscow.

FORMER FIFa referee Mark Halsey has finally received an England cap to recognise his career achievements. Lesser match officials had been given the coveted caps, which are handed out now by Fa referees chief David Elleray. Halsey complained about his snub to Fa chief executive Martin glenn, who intervened on his behalf.

lHARLEQUINS

are expected to make the low-key appointment of Australian Billy Millard as general manager after going over budget to recruit England defence coach Paul Gustard as head coach. Millard filled the same role at Cardiff Blues until April 2017.