Boris Johnson under fire over spiralling bill for failed World Cup bid

Boris Johnson spent nearly £50,000 more than he pledged on the failed bid to host the 2018 World Cup, it was revealed today.

The cost spiralled over budget as Fifa delegates received VIP treatment during a four-day inspection, which included a visit to Wembley to meet England coach Fabio Capello and a stay at the Dorchester Hotel.

City Hall spent £295,000, with another £150,000 coming from the Mayor's London Development Agency. However, Mr Johnson originally committed to £250,000.

A further £55,000 came from Visit London - the tourism agency part-funded by the Mayor's office - and another £10,000 from the Olympic Park Legacy Company, both of which receive public money.

The Mayor criticised the choice of Russia as tournament host. Liberal Democrat Assembly member Mike Tuffrey said: "Having committed London to paying £250,000 in support of the bid, it cannot be right that taxpayers were forced to stump up additional money."

Neale Coleman, Mr Johnson's Olympics adviser, said that City Hall left it to England 2018 to make the arrangements. "There was a very big prize at stake. It would have meant billions for London."