World Cup play-off plan could hit England hopes

FIFA are working on plans to block a 40-team World Cup by introducing a play-off system that could make it harder for England to qualify for the finals. FIFA are opposed to extending their showcase competition despite it being a manifesto promise of presidential candidate Gianni Infantino. Sheik Salman, the other main contender to succeed Sepp Blatter at Friday’s election, is in favour of keeping the finals to 32 nations. Europe could lose out in a revamped qualifying tournament aimed at giving Oceania, Africa, Asia and CONCACAF the chance of another finals place by having four play-offs with European teams finishing second in their groups. - KEVIN STEWART, the 22-year-old Liverpool midfielder who has impressed Jurgen Klopp since moving up to the first-team squad in January, has been rewarded with a new contract until 2020.

- POLICE have made an arrest as they investigate the incident in which West Bromwich Albion’s Chris Brunt was hit by a coin during Saturday’s FA Cup defeat at Reading. - WEST HAM’S Cheikhou Kouyate has won an appeal against his red card in Sunday’s FA Cup win at Blackburn. Kouyate was dismissed for bringing down Adam Henley but an FA hearing ruled the defender was not denied a goalscoring opportunity.

- ALEX McLEISH, the former Scotland and Aston Villa manager, has replaced Mido as coach of Egyptian side Zamalek.