It later turned out that their FA Cup sacrifice was in vain, as FIFA suggested that their participation in the competition would have no bearing on the vote to host the 2006 World Cup, which was ultimately won by the German Football Association.
It later became clear that their FA Cup concession was unnecessary, as FIFA suggested that their involvement in the competition would have no bearing on the decision to host the 2006 World Cup, which was ultimately won by the German Football Association.