Dempsey defends decision

2:00 PM

Oceania soccer boss Charlie Dempsey has given a spirited defence of his World Cup decision.

He told a media conference in Auckland of the reasons behind his decision to abstain from last week's FIFA vote, which saw the 2006 tournament go to Germany.

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) had wanted him to support the South African bid.

Mr Dempsey says he came under intense pressure immediately before the vote, receiving phone calls and a letter offering a bribe if he voted for Germany.

He says it has also been made clear to him by influential European interests, there would be adverse effects for OFC and FIFA if he supported South Africa.

Mr Dempsey says he was advised a majority of the OFC executive had agreed he was free to act as he thought in casting his vote.






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