England could pull out of the 2018 World Cup if Sepp Blatter remains as FIFA president (Read Why)

England could pull out of the World Cup because of the FIFA scandal.

UEFA president Michel Platini said his organisation would be “open to all options” when quizzed on whether they would consider boycotting FIFA’s flagship tournament.

Platini, who represents the 53 European countries including England, Spain, Germany, France and Italy, is ready to take drastic action if Sepp Blatter remains in charge of crisis-hit FIFA.

FIFA president Blatter is coming under increasing pressure after allegations of widespread corruption but is determined to stand in today’s election against Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein.

When asked whether UEFA could pull out of FIFA, former France World Cup star Platini said: “Of course. If Blatter wins UEFA will meet to decide our future relationship with FIFA.

“We will surely have a meeting in which we will be open to all options. If Mr Blatter wins, UEFA will meet in Berlin to discuss the future of our relations with FIFA. We cannot continue like this with FIFA. Enough is enough.”

That UEFA meeting will take place in Berlin next month ahead of the Champions League final and Platini believes a boycott is something some nations will be considering because they are sickened by the latest FIFA scandal.

“There may be proposals,” said Platini at a UEFA press conference in Zurich. “I honestly don’t wish that.”

It would be unthinkable for England’s players and fans not to take part in football’s greatest show piece.

But it is clear that Platini - who insists he is still friendly with Blatter despite their organisations being at loggerheads - is determined to take a stand after this week’s incredible developments.


FIFA executive David Gill joined the alliance against Blatter by insisting he will walk away if Blatter gets back in.

FA vice-chairman Gill received a round of applause and strong support after making an impassioned speech at a UEFA meeting full of the 54 European countries who will be among the 209 nations to have a vote in Friday’s elections.

Gill said: “Given what’s happened, as head of that organisation, you have to resign. I can categorically state that I will never attend another meeting while Blatter remains in charge. This is about the game, not individuals.”