The FIFA president has spoken out against Premier League Chairman Richard Scudamores plans to take Englands national game abroad, by declaring if the plans go ahead he will block our bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
Blatters statement is a stunning public humiliation for under fire Scudamore, placing his job in extreme jeopardy as Blatter is the most powerful man in world football today.
Blatter said "We will say the national associations must not accept it (Scudamores proposal), we must maintain football as a sport. It is not a show or the Harlem Globetrotters or a circus act. There is not an chance at all of changing my mind."
Blatters comments would carry enough wet to scupper the plans anyway, but with England bidding for the 2018 World Cup it places the plans in an extremely precarious position. Blatter continued;
"If Mr Scudamore says this will help Englands bid let him say it. There are many candidates for 2018 and I can't imagine when you go against the decision making body for the World Cup with an initiative that will not be accepted by that body that it will enhance your chances. It will not be diplomatic. If you don't accept the authority of FIFA then you can't expect to win that favour".
Hopefully this will finally lay to rest the plans that have shocked and disgusted the footballing world.
Blatters statement is a stunning public humiliation for under fire Scudamore, placing his job in extreme jeopardy as Blatter is the most powerful man in world football today.
Blatter said "We will say the national associations must not accept it (Scudamores proposal), we must maintain football as a sport. It is not a show or the Harlem Globetrotters or a circus act. There is not an chance at all of changing my mind."
Blatters comments would carry enough wet to scupper the plans anyway, but with England bidding for the 2018 World Cup it places the plans in an extremely precarious position. Blatter continued;
"If Mr Scudamore says this will help Englands bid let him say it. There are many candidates for 2018 and I can't imagine when you go against the decision making body for the World Cup with an initiative that will not be accepted by that body that it will enhance your chances. It will not be diplomatic. If you don't accept the authority of FIFA then you can't expect to win that favour".
Hopefully this will finally lay to rest the plans that have shocked and disgusted the footballing world.