Fifa corruption scandal: Andy Burnham says England should boycott Russia 2018 World Cup

Mr Burnham said: 'I believe there is a pretty overwhelming case for England taking a stand'

Andy Burnham, the favourite to become the new Labour Leader says England should boycott the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Mr Burnham, MP for Leigh, said that someone needs to take a stand against corruption in Fifa and military aggression by Russia.

Speaking on the BBC’s Pienaar’s Politics, he said: "I’ve long had my doubts about Russia holding the next World Cup.

"Now with all of this, I believe there is a pretty overwhelming case for England taking a stand and saying we should not participate in the next World Cup given the current appalling state of Fifa."

The FA have faced growing pressure to do more to condemn Fifa, following the US indictment and arrests earlier this week. Mr Burnham commented on the association: "Maybe they should just be a bit stronger."

He joins the Duke of Cambridge, president of the FA, in being vocal on the controversy. Prince William called on Fifa to "show that it can represent the interests of fair play and put the sport first."

Greg Dyke, the chairman of the FA, said it was "ridiculous" to suggest England could act without the support of other footballing nations.

Dyke also said he thought Blatter would not last another four years as president of Fifa.

He recommended putting pressure on sponsors and other countries to take collective action against Fifa.