Blatter to use ‘influence’ for British Cup bid

SEPP Blatter has said he will use his “influence” to help a British bid to win the right to stage the 2030 World Cup, providing his help is wanted.

The disgraced ex-Fifa president was in Moscow, where he is a guest of president Vladimir Putin despite being banned from all football activities.

Blatter, much to Fifa’s obvious unease, attended the Portugal-Morocco game at the Luzhniki Stadium and then had dinner with Mr Putin.

The 82-year-old said he and Putin exchanged “small talk” and the president reminded him of

Big ask: Sepp Blatter

telephone conversation they had on December 2, 2010, when Russia won the right to host the 2018 World Cup, beating, among others, a bid from England.

Blatter, who has been suspended by Fifa since October 2015, backed Russia’s bid then, but believes it is time for England to try again, and he is willing to help.

“I still feel that England, the motherland of football, should have a World Cup when it’s the turn of Europe,” said Blatter, pointing out that 1966 was a long time ago.

“There will be a lot of contenders (for 2030) but they will deserve it. So good luck for England.”

Asked if he would use the influence to support a British bid, he said: “OK, I will use my influence, if England will accept my influence.” NEMANJA Matic is expecting a “hellish” match against Switzerland as Serbia seek to qualify for the World Cup knockout phase in Russia.

Serbia face the Swiss today, knowing victory would seal their passage from Group E after edging Costa Rica 1-0.

Switzerland held World Cup favourites Brazil to a shock draw last week and Manchester United midfielder Matic expects them to provide another tough challenge.

“We’re aware of what’s in store for us,” Matic said. “They have quality throughout. Great

Tough match: Nemanja Matic

individual players. We expect a hellish game but we’re ready for anything.”

Matic, who believes Serbian football is enjoying its best mothe ment for almost a decade, added: “Of course we’re aware that if we win we would progress. We will do our best but we are facing a very good team in Switzerland. They will also try to be a threat, to win three points.

“They have a lot of quality. We respect them. We will give our best until the end. We have the quality to be a threat against them.”

A draw could be enough for Serbia to advance but Matic and his team-mates have no plans to settle for a share of the spoils.

“I never start a match hoping for a draw,” he added. “We always want to win. It’s not always possible. They are a very good team. They’re the favourites.”