The latest argument involving England in the 2018 World Cup voting process has resulted in their bid being “significantly harmed”, according to new reports.

It follows newspaper investigations by the British media into possible corruption surrounding two of the members of FIFA. A spokesperson originally said that there would be no consequences, but it seems now that the opposite could be true.

The England team was already struggling after last week’s squabble with Russia over remarks made by one of their representatives, who supposedly criticised the English bid.

That did no favours to the cause, but these more recent revelations appear to be far more damaging, and with the actual vote taking place in less than a month, on 2 December, England has a lot of work to do to have any hope of being chosen to host the tournament.