Councillors have urged residents and businesses to show their support for England s World Cup bid despite Lord Triesman s bribery allegations, which have threatened to derail the application, writes Kate Ferguson. Wembley Central councillor Jayesh Mistry

Councillors have urged residents and businesses to show their support for England's World Cup bid despite Lord Triesman's bribery allegations, which have threatened to derail the application, writes Kate Ferguson.

Wembley Central councillor Jayesh Mistry said major sporting fixtures provide an invaluable boost to businesses around Wembley stadium - which would most likely host the World Cup Final if England's bid is successful - and would unite the community.

Cllr Mistry said: "We really need to back the bid. It is absolutely crucial for the area - its schools, businesses and residents.

"England is the home of football and Wembley is the home of English football.

"The World Cup could really bring the community together. We have parks where we could put up big screens to show the matches to children and adults from across the community.

"People across Brent and Wembley should unite to back the bid."

Cllr Ann John, leader of Brent Council, said hosting the games would 'be fabulous for Brent'.

She said: "We would love to hold the World Cup. It is such a fabulous stadium and it would be a fabulous event to match. The idea of repeating what happened in 1966 is just too tempting for any of us to resist.

"We fully support this bid and urge residents to do the same."

Lord Triesman stepped down as England's 2018 World Cup bid chairman earlier this month after it emerged he had accused Spanish and Russian football federations of conspiring to bribe referees.

The scandal cast doubt over the future of England's World Cup bid, and Fifa, the football's world governing body, has ordered its ethics committee to carry out an investigation into the matter.

Prafula Shah, a spokeswoman at Brent Council for Wembley regeneration, said "Brent Council's vision of a new Wembley places Wembley Stadium as the catalyst helping to transform the area into a new international destination.

"This would bring benefits for the local community, including new jobs and playing host to fantastic world class events like the football World Cup.