LONDON. July 6: Martin Edwards. the chairman of English Premiership champions Manchester United, on Thursday expressed his disappointment over England's failed 2006 World Cup bid. reports AFP.

And he also denied suggestions that his team's withdrawal from the FA Cup last season - a move which was hoped would improve England's bid - was pointless.

FIFA, football's governing body, awarded the most glittering prize in football to Germany over pre-race favourites South Africa, while England and Morocco fell by the way side in the early rounds.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter gave the verdict of his 24-man FIFA executive committee to a packed Press conference Thursday at the Hallenstadion in Zurich.

United pulled out of the FA Cup to compete in FIFA's inaugural Club World Championship in Brazil after the British government and the Football Association made it clear that England's chances would be harmed by their nonparticipation.