England's 2018 World Cup bid team have faxed letters of apology to the Spanish and Russian football associations as well as FIFA following comments alleged to have been made by Football Association chairman Lord Triesman, Press Association Sport understands.

The bid team, which enjoys support from the Premier League and new Prime Minister David Cameron, will today attempt to limit the damage caused by the reported claims made by Triesman about the Spanish and Russians who are also hoping to host the 2018 tournament.

The comments were made in a private conversation taped without Triesman's knowledge and reported in the Mail on Sunday this morning.

England, Russia, joint Spanish-Portuguese and Dutch-Belgian bids, Australia and the United States are the countries in contention.

Triesman reportedly alleges that the Spanish were planning to bribe referees at this summer's World Cup and offer their support to the Russians if they were to help.

League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan on Triesman.

Bevan told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "I think it's very difficult and very embarrassing for Lord Triesman. But his position to me is secondary.

"The most important thing is to make sure we win the 2018 bid."

Asked if the bid could be won with Triesman still in his position, Bevan said: "Personally I doubt it."