Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has backed a possible UK and the Republic of Ireland bid to co-host the 2030 World Cup.

Speaking to Sky Sports earlier today, Blatter emphasised the importance of more than one country hosting in the future.

 "I think that England deserve to organise the World Cup. They have had it in 1966 so it is a long time ago. With Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland they will be candidates I am sure. With 48 teams [in a World Cup], you need more than one country [to host]."

Blatter was also very critical of the process of selecting the hosts of the 2026 World Cup, but was happy with the result regardless.

"Elections should be made by secret ballot, this is in the statute of FIFA and in the regulations. You should not announce who votes for who. “It is normal that it goes back to North America because they should have been in [the bidding] for 2022."

Blatter is understood to be attending games In Russia, in spite of serving a six-year suspension. "It is good for me because when I came back, I had the impression that it is my World Cup. I have been actively involved in 10 World Cups and this time I am only a guest.

"But it is good to be here to smell football and to smell the ambience.”I feel a little abandoned because I am suspended, but I am still the elected president."