FIFA chief will 'fight England's 2018 World Cup bid to the bitter end'

One of world football's most powerful figures has launched an astonishing attack on England, accusing them of being 'an irritant' and vowing to oppose any move to bring the 2018 World Cup to these shores.

Controversial FIFA vice president Jack Warner made his comments in an interview with the BBC World Service. Warner, who in the past has needed to defend himself against accusations of corruption, said: "If by chance in 2018 the World Cup were to go to Europe, I'm quite sure - with the English luck as it is - they won't get it.

"It'll be Italy, Spain, or it might even be France. Nobody in Europe likes England. England invented the sport but has never made any impact on world football. England at no time has had the love and support of Europe. For Europe, England is an irritant."

The president of CONCACAF - which controls Caribbean, north and central American football and holds 35 FIFA votes - added: "There are moves to give it to England. I must fight that. I really don't believe that we should just lie down and play dead to anyone who wants to take the World Cup from CONCACAF.

"I know in FIFA there are those who believe the rules should be changed to satisfy Europe but I tell you this today we shall fight it to the very end.' Warner was cleared by FIFA last year of selling thousands of tickets at inflated prices during the 2006 World Cup, while his son Daryan was ordered to pay $1million (£500,000) to charity.

Daryan allegedly sold the tickets through the travel agency Simpaul, which was owned by the Warner family. FIFA will have to change their own rotation rules to allow the World Cup to return to Europe in 11 years but Warner's comments still stunned FA officials, who had long considered the Trinidadian an ally.

The FA contacted FIFA yesterday and FA chairman and fellow FIFA vice-president Geoff Thompson said: "I have written to Jack Warner to clarify the accuracy of the quotes and request an explanation as to why he made them if they are accurate.

"We were shocked and disappointed to read the views attributed to Mr Warner. Until we have all the facts in front of us, we are unwilling and unable to pass any comment regarding these potentially explosive remarks.

"However, the FA, with the full support of the Government, have already indicated that should FIFA award the World Cup to Europe in 2018, we will give serious consideration to making a bid."

Thompson was supported by Richard Caborn, the newly-appointed World Cup ambassador, who said: "'I think it is very unfortunate what Jack Warner is saying.

"He is not speaking on behalf of FIFA, who will decide later this year whether to continue with rotation."

A FIFA spokesman said: "As the views expressed in the article are reflective of Mr Warner's opinion, there is nothing for the institution of FIFA to comment on in this respect."