Football Association wants Fifa to delay election

Football is not in crisis - Blatter

The Football Association wants Fifa to postpone its presidential election scheduled for Wednesday 1 June.

Current Fifa president Sepp Blatter is the only candidate in the running after the withdrawal of Mohamed Bin Hammam.

The FA recently chose to abstain from voting following allegations of corruption against world football's governing body.

It now wants the vote delayed and an independent body to recommend "improved governance" of Fifa.

FA chairman David Bernstein said in a statement: "On 19 May, 2011 the Football Association announced it would be abstaining in the forthcoming election for the Fifa presidency.

"There were two main reasons for this decision. First, a concern, that a series of allegations relating to Fifa ExCo Members made it difficult to support either candidate.

"Secondly, a concern about the lack of transparency and accountability within the organisation, contributing to the current unsatisfactory situation.

"Events of the last few days have reinforced our views, and we call on Fifa and ask other national associations to support us with two initiatives.

"First, to postpone the election and give credibility to this process, so any alternative reforming candidate could have the opportunity to stand for president.

"Secondly, to appoint a genuinely independent external party to make recommendations regarding improved governance and compliance procedures and structures throughout the Fifa decision-making processes for consideration by the full membership.

"This has been a very damaging time for the reputation of Fifa and therefore the whole of football.

"To improve confidence in the way the game is governed at the very top, we believe these requests would be a positive step forward and the minimum that should take place."

The FA has made its move in the wake of concerns from sponsors Coca-Cola and Adidas over the damage the ongoing allegations of corruption are having on Fifa.

More to follow.