The attempts of England to bid for the 2018 or 2022 World Cup suffered another blow with the resignation of Sir Dave Richards. He announced his intention to resign in a letter to the Football Association [England] and Lord Triesman. The reason for the resignation was the feeling that promoting England could be done outside of the 2018 Bidding Committee.
The reasons behind the resignation bid that have been discussed in the football [soccer] world has been the sense of being ignored by Lord Triesman during the creation of the commitee. The scandal of the handbags in which the 2018 Committee gave handbags to the wives of the FIFA Voting Committee did not help the bidding cause and is a remote reason behind the resignation.
While Gerry Sutcliffe [who is the Sports Minister] expressed his disappointment at this recent turn of events,Sir Dave Richards announced that he will continue to promote the World Cup bid as the Chairman of the Football Association. The story will continue as countries such as USA and England continue their bid for the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.