It seems there’s dispute off the pitch as well as on this World Cup as far as England are concerned; though it’s not the players but their wives and girlfriends who have found themselves at the centre of a controversial outburst.

Whilst their other halves are working in host country South Africa this summer, WAGs such as Michael Carrick’s wife, Lisa and Emile Heskey’s fiancé, Chantelle Tagoe, join them whilst also being invited to the finest of parties during their travels.  Problem is they are being offered up to £9,000 worth of goodies in gift bags merely for turning up.

“It should be ashamed of itself”, said campaign director Ruth Tanner, as she expressed her outrage on the matter and organisations involved.  The main upset from campaigners comes from the extravagance in the showering of gifts in a country where half the population lives below the poverty line and the unemployment rate remains above 20%.

Ruth further described the showering of gifts as ‘disgusting’.  The idea of WAGs accepting such presents is overall seen as being unnecessary and feelings of disgrace are cast on companies such as South African cosmetics company, Optiphi (who are hosts to an upcoming cocktail party) for being involved in such an activity.

Optiphi state their choice to give away designer jewellery, clothes, shoes and holidays is all part of showing hospitality towards England.  Nothing more.

Following this outburst, somehow I don’t think any WAG will be eager to receive such offerings any time soon.