Share

Britain open to alternative World Cup

London - Britain could back the holding of an alternative football World Cup but only with the support of European partners following last week's arrest of FIFA officials, a government minister said on Monday.

John Whittingdale - Culture, Media and Sport Minister - told parliament that "if there were any serious attempt to organise an alternative to the existing World Cup, that could only be done if there were a strong agreement across the European nations, and preferably with other football associations from around the world.

"But I do think that this is a matter in the first instance for football to decide," he added.

UEFA Executive Committee member Allen Hansen last week mooted the suggestion of holding a European Championship every two years, open to those outside the continent, and the matter will be discussed when Europe's football chiefs meet later this week, Whittingdale said.

The British politician stressed the importance of unseating FIFA president Sepp Blatter, saying the Swiss administrator's credibility "has been utterly destroyed."

"Momentum against him is building, we must now increase that pressure still further," he added.

"It is up to everyone who cares about football to use whatever influence they have to make this possible.

"FIFA's sponsors need to think long and hard about whether they want to be associated with such a discredited and disgraced organisation."

Whittingdale said the English Football Association was "trying to find allies across Europe in order to join us in making that case."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE