The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has become an easy target in latter years much to the joy of other governing bodies, who always prefer the heat to be somewhere else. But the English Football Association may well look at their current tactics in their efforts in trying to host the 2006 World Cup finals.

As part of an enormous PR drive the FA has invited 12 boys and girls from all 203 national associations of FIFA to attend the World Cup as their guests if the World Cup finals are hosted in England. The FA have offered to bear the cost of travel and other costs for a two-week stay for almost 2,500 youths. The offer has reminded some observers of the accusations of bribery aimed at certain members of the IOC. Given, however, that this little PR exercise would cost in the region of £2 million, the Olympic gents have a lot to learn.