Letters: FA's spot of bovver

Sir: The FA's motive for allowing Manchester United to play truant from the FA Cup is apparently to improve England's chances of hosting the 2006 World Cup. But the club has nothing to do with the facilities offered by the country.

I suppose a bit of prestige could possibly rub off. That is, of course, if they do well. And if they don't get into any trouble on the field. And if the the hooligan element don't decide that Brazil deserves a bit of bovver.

Meanwhile the FA Cup competition, hitherto revered around the world as an example of football at its most passionate, is devalued beyond recognition, not only by the absence of a great club but also by the cynical contempt shown it by the very body that should be promoting it - the not so sweet FA. I'm appalled.

PHILIP TOWN

Sao Joao do Estoril

Portugal