If England don't qualify in 2010 it will be a disaster
FOOTBALL'S MOST POWERFUL MAN ADMITS.. SEPP BLATTER EXCLUSIVE
Paul Smith
Fifa president Sepp Blatter believes it will be a disaster for football
if England fail to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The most powerful man in world football is stunned that England failed
to qualify for Euro 2008 and feels their absence from any major tournament
is a massive blow to the game.
Blatter, 71, said: "It would be unthinkable to stage the World Cup
finals without England, it would be a monumental disaster.
"I'm shocked England haven't qualified for the European
Championship finals.
"Financially it's a disaster for the country and the organisation.
"Nations like England bring massive support and interest even from
people who aren't actually associated with them.
"The public want to see the best nations compete and they want to
se the best players. The English Premier League is so strong now it's
worldwide coverage is second to none so naturally it has dire consequences
when they don't qualify.
"It would be the same if Brazil, Italy, Argentina or Germany weren't
present.
"It would weaken the competition in some respects because people
travel from all sides of the globe to watch these nations in action.
"If they don't qualify there is bound to be disappointment.
"Failure also has enormous consequences financially." Blatter
is convinced England will make it to South Africa in 2010 despite facing
a qualifying group rematch with Croatia, who dumped them out of Euro 2008
on that disastrous night at Wembley.
He said: "Big nations draw strength in adversity and I believe England
will bounce back and take their place alongside the other great nations
at the next World Cup
"Look at France. They failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup but
won it four years later. It's not all doom and gloom."
After presiding over the World Cup draw, Blatter attempted to allay increasing
fears that crime and security risks could blight the 2010 finals.
And he again reiterated FIFA plans to introduce restrictions on foreign
players in European football.
He said: "We intend to push the changes through for the good of the
game. It's rubbish to say the European Union will challenge us because
footballers aren't like normal workers.
"We want the restrictions in place. It's no good for football when
11 foreigners are playing in one team and the organisation needs to address
these issues."
Blatter wants teams restricted to just five foreigners in their starting
11 - a move that has been widely criticised and brought the threat of
legal action by clubs.
,
02/12/2007
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