Could England now host the next World Cup?

THE resignation of Sepp Blatter will spark new questions over whether the next World Cups will go ahead in Russia and Qatar.

It raises the possibility that England – controversially beaten by Russia to the role of 2018 host – could step in as a replacement.

European nations are due to meet on Friday to discuss splitting from Fifa for a breakaway World Cup in 2018.

They and some invited South American teams would boycott the official tournament, which last week Fifa officials insisted would go ahead. Questions have been raised over the awarding of the Cup to Russia and Qatar, due to host in 2022, with allegations of under-thetable deals and vote-rigging.

A Swiss investigation is looking into the two bids. England had been told their campaign, backed by Prince William and David Beckham, was ‘outstanding’. But they received two votes in a secret ballot, with a majority of 12 needed. Then sports minister Hugh Robertson compared the bidding process to the ‘Wild West’.

Major figures have now suggested England could replace Russia if there is a new vote.

It is one of the few nations with infrastructure and stadiums ready to use at short notice, and has the recent experience of hosting a successful Olympic Games.

Lennart Johansson, former president of European football’s governing body Uefa, said the votes in favour of Russia and Qatar must be reviewed – and the 2018 finals should be played in England, with a new process to choose the 2022 host.

A Football Association spokesman said: ‘We absolutely could [host in 2018] but I don’t think that anyone realistically expects the World Cup will be anywhere else but Russia.’

Alexey Sorokin, Russia 2018 chief, rejected the idea of re-vote because ‘our country has done so much already for the preparation’.