The Sunday Times have made claims that suggest Vladimir Putin really went out of his way to ensure Russia were granted the 2018 World Cup. If these allegations are stood up, it pisses over every bribe or inducement offered since the Middle Ages.
The paper, long time scourge of Europe's football administrators are claiming that Putin gifted UEFA President Michel Platini a 'painting believed to be a Picasso' in exchange for his support.
Platini denies the allegations.
'Allegations' in the Sunday Times relating to my actions in the 2018 and 2022 bidding processes are total fabrications. The matter has now been passed to my legal advisers.
Another FIFA voting member, Michael D'Hooge was offered a Belgian landscape painting though the paper contends he considered it ugly and did not vote for the Russian bid.
Rumours that John Delaney offered Platini some Don Conroy sketches of owls in exchange for a few games at Euro 2020 have yet to be confirmed or denied or indeed circulated.
