DECIDING the destiny of the World Cup was nothing but a blatant diabolical con trick, and why our hierarchy fell for it leaves me totally bemused.

As well as geographical rotation, if FIFA have a sympathy policy this should be made public so that all nations will know ad infinitum when they will be chosen.

By proving that we are capable of holding the event at any time we are now destined to be always the bridesmaid and never the bride! Then, if someone cannot complete their commitment we can be used as a reserve.

The expenses incurred in these futile bids should be passed on to FIFA because they caused the chaos and will be the ultimate beneficiaries. All the turncoats should give themselves belated red cards for “ungentlemanly conduct”.

J Sayers, Spennymoor