Robertson: 'Entirely right' that Triesman goes

Reports of Lord Triesman's resignation as 2018 World Cup bid chairman have been welcomed by Sports Minister Hugh Robertson.

Triesman is also under considerable pressure to step down as chairman of the Football Association following comments he is alleged to have made about the Spanish and Russian football federations, who are among England's rivals to host the 2018 tournament.

"It's entirely right that he should stand down and that the action should have been taken as quickly as is the case," Robertson told Sky Sports News.

Triesman's comments, reported in the Mail on Sunday, were made in a private conversation taped without his knowledge.

He reportedly alleges that the Spanish were planning to bribe referees at this summer's World Cup and offer their support to the Russians if they were to help.

England, Russia, joint Spanish-Portuguese and Dutch-Belgian bids, Australia and the United States are the countries in contention.

Robertson added that Triesman's reported decision to stand down is only appropriate given the timing of the allegations.

England presented their bid book for the 2018 tournament to FIFA in Zurich on Friday and a decision on who will host the showpiece event is expected in December.

"It's very sad for him on a personal basis, but I think it's entirely the right decision," Robertson said.

"Clearly the bid is at a crucial stage. The bid book was handed in on Friday, that was judged to be a huge success."