Top clubs are 'helping England's opponents,' says Blatter
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England's failure to reach Euro 2008 was partly due to Premier League clubs helping overseas players reach the peak of their game and benefiting their own countries, the Fifa president, Sepp Batter, said yesterday.
Blatter, speaking in Zurich, said: "It is a fact that in the strongest English teams the best players are not always English. So where are the best English players coming from? They are coming from the less strong teams, which is weakening the English national team. What is happening in England is that the best teams are preparing the national team players for England's opponents."
Fifa yesterday announced it will not wipe England's friendly against Trinidad & Tobago from the record books despite a mistake over substitutions. The game's world governing body did not give special dispensation for seven rather than the maximum of six substitutions, but said that it had been a mistake by the referee Enrico Wijngaarde.
Several England players made their first appearances in the 3-0 win which helped England move back inside the world's top 10 teams. The decision will be a relief for the FA.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments