Football
ESPN staff 9y

England may boycott 2018 FIFA World Cup if Sepp Blatter re-elected - Dyke

England and their UEFA counterparts should consider pulling out of the 2018 World Cup if Sepp Blatter is re-elected as FIFA president, according to Football Association chairman Greg Dyke.

Blatter will discover if he is to stay on as FIFA president for a fifth, four-year term as Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein goes up against the Swiss when the governing body holds its voting for the role on Friday.

Blatter's position has come under intense scrutiny in the wake of Swiss authorities arresting several top FIFA officials on Wednesday relating to federal corruption charges.

On Thursday, UEFA president Michel Platini said the European organisation will unite behind FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali.

Dyke told Sky Sports News HQ: "There would be no point pulling England out if everyone else stays in. It would have no impact. It would just be forgotten.

"But if you could pull UEFA out that might have an impact. If Blatter gets re-elected then that should be discussed.

"I thought the evidence the Americans produced was devastating and I don't think Blatter can survive that.

"He might survive this weekend but I don't think he can survive in the long-term. During his period in charge the level of corruption has been unacceptable. It's just frightening."

England manager Roy Hodgson described the corruption allegations against FIFA as "very disturbing" and "saddening."

He said: "Whenever clear signs of corruption have taken place at the very highest level how can any football lover not be disappointed?

"It is very saddening to hear and know these things have taken place and one hopes desperately that measures will be taken to make certain it doesn't happen again."

England could host the 2018 World Cup should Russia be stripped of the tournament, an FA spokesman added.

The spokesman said: "We absolutely could [host it], but I don't think that anyone realistically expects the World Cup will be anywhere else but Russia. Indeed, Roy is going to the draw there in July."

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