Dyke backs Infantino

GREG DYKE has persuaded the FA Council to throw their weight behind the candidacy of FIFA presidential candidate Gianni Infantino ahead of the elections a week tomorrow.

However, the introduction of reforms to bring the organisation more into the 21st century looks to be a far harder task.

While the need for change was recognised at a meeting at Wembley yesterday , there needs to be some skilful negotiating if Dyke, inset, is to leave wholesale change as his legacy.

Meanwhile Franz Beckenbauer, Germany’s World Cup- winning captain and head of their successful 2006 hosting bid, escaped a ban from football when FIFA’s ethics committee handed him a £ 4,900 fi ne and formal warning for “failing to co- operate” with the inquiry into the 2018 and 2022 bidding process.

FIFA claim he did not co- operate during an interview and in response to written questions, but his change of heart saved him from suspension.

In October, Beckenbauer said he made a “mistake” in the 2006 bidding process but denied votes were bought after Der Spiegel claimed more than £ 5million was used to sway decision- makers. BOLTON’S new owners could be unveiled tomorrow .

Three separate parties are in the running to take over the cash- strapped Championship club .

Billionaire investment banker Roger Tamraz has emerged as the latest party keen to take control while the Sports Shield consortium, fronted by former striker Dean Holdsworth, and Bolton Wanderers Supporters Trust, have also held talks.

Bolton are scheduled to appear in the High Court again on Monday after being served with a winding- up order over £ 2.2 million of unpaid tax.