'Jack' to have lunch with British PM

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC): David Cameron will host FIFA vice-president Austin 'Jack' Warner for lunch next Thursday in the Swiss city of Zurich.

The British prime minister's invitation to Warner has been described as part of England's "charm offensive" to convince the CONCACAF and Caribbean Football Union president to support the country's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

"He called me to ask me for my support for the English bid, and he asked me to join him for lunch next Thursday," Warner told reporters late Thursday.

"He also hoped David Beckham was a good ambassador [when he was in Trinidad and Tobago recently], and said that if there was anything he can do for T&T he will be prepared to do so."

Cameron personally called Warner, also the Trinidad and Tobago minister of transport and works, to extend the invitation ahead of the crucial vote on the 2018 World Cup next month.

boost chances

Media reports indicate that England are seeking to boost their chances of getting the nod of approval from the sport's World governing body amid fresh concerns of a FIFA Executive Committee backlash against the British media.

The FIFA Executive Committee are upset about the reporting on the recent World Cup bid scandal involving two of its members by the British media.

A BBC documentary to be aired this weekend in Britain may also be less than flattering to the FIFA Executive Committee, including Warner.

Cameron's call and his lunch invitation are an attempt to appease Warner, but the football boss believes the British PM should worry less about him, and more about the rival bid from Russia.

"If he can overcome the Russian bid, which I think is gaining momentum, he doesn't have a problem," said Warner. "I don't think he has to worry too much about the other countries."

Cameron has also indicated his intention to make an official visit to T&T to meet with Warner and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

The FIFA Executive Committee will meet on December 2 in Zurich to decide which countries will be granted the rights to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Australia, Japan, Qatar, South Korea and the United States are bidding for 2022.