BBC SPORT | 2006 WORLD CUP DECISION

Franz Beckenbauer has angrily admitted Germany's bid to host the 2006 World Cup is almost dead.

The Germans were seen as the only realistic opposition for South Africa, with England's bid faltering and Brazil now out of the contest.

But Beckenbauer was close to admitting defeat after it emerged a deal has been struck between Brazil and South Africa.

Brazil and the other South American members of the Fifa Executive Committe will back South Africa for 2006 in return for a reciprocal gesture when the battle for 2010 begins.

The deal is offensive. It is horse trading

Franz Beckenbauer

Beckenbauer, who has worked tirelessly in his role as German ambassador for his country's bid, said: "The deal is offensive. It is horse trading and means that we have probably lost the bid."

Brazil failed to express their full reason for withdrawing when official confirmation arrived at Fifa headquarters.

But it seems clear a high-level agreement has been reached between the African and South American football confederations.

Pele failed to boost Brazil's bid
It means if Brazil, who were not even helped by the assistance of Pele, do decide to stand for the 2010 tournament, the four African votes on the Fifa executive, added to the three from South America, will put them in a very strong starting position.

This would mean the rotation of the World Cup, the brainchild of president Sepp Blatter - a keen supporter of the South African bid - had in effect been accepted.

The earliest Europe could then expect to host the tournament again would be 2014 and probably - if there is North American interest at that stage - four more years after that.


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