Yet it seems inconceivable that England would support Blatter in the election on June 1 after his pivotal role in England 2018’s demise.

Blatter’s last words to the FIFA ExCo before they cast their votes was to remind them of the part the English media played in the bid campaign.

Blatter also did an interview for French TV yesterday claiming the BBC cost England the World Cup.

And giving Blatter, who supported Russia for 2018, a presidential welcome will not go down well with the sizeable FA faction who favour turning their backs on FIFA for good.

Snub: Blatter has said the BBC were to blame for England's failure

Meanwhile, the FIFA election dirty tricks have kicked off. A rogue letter on official Qatar FA paper was sent to Blatter announcing the supposed withdrawal from the race of his rival Mohamed bin Hammam.

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