GERMANY PULL OUT OF WORLD CUP RACE by Graeme Bailey

GERMANY have pulled out of the race for the 2006 World Cup, after the head of the German bid, Franz Beckenbauer said that he was sick of all the trading amongst the continents.

The Germans have withdrawn just days after Brazil pulled out of the running, it now just leaves South Africa, England and Morocco as the bidders for the tournament.

"That deal is offensive," said Beckenbauer. "It is horse-trading and means that we have probably lost the bid."

Fifa are due to make their decision in Zurich on Thursday and the African bid remains firm favourite, although England should now receive a major shift in support from Uefa.

Brazil pulled out of the bidding on Monday - Click here for story - in return for African support for the 2010 bid, and this will certainly place the South American's in a very strong position against any potential European bid.

-- Anonymous, July 04, 2000