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Ex-FA chairman David Bernstein calls for 2018 World Cup boycott

Former FA chairman David Bernstein calls on European nations to boycott the 2018 World Cup unless FIFA undergoes major reform.

Former chairman of the Football Association David Bernstein has called on European nations to boycott the 2018 World Cup in protest against FIFA.

The world governing body has been heavily criticised after a report by the chairman of the adjudicatory chamber of FIFA's ethics committee cleared Qatar of any wrongdoing in their bid to host the 2022 World Cup.

Last Thursday, the Gulf state was given the green light to continue hosting the tournament, despite allegations of corruption.

In response to the report, Bernstein has told BBC Sport that the UEFA nations should turn their backs on the next World Cup unless FIFA undergoes major reform.

In the interview, Bernstein said: "England on its own cannot influence this - one country can't do it. If we tried to do something like that we'd be laughed at.

"I think England within UEFA undoubtedly have the power to influence FIFA, but to do so they would have to consider withdrawing from the World Cup, the next World Cup, unless proper reform, including president Mr [Sepp] Blatter not standing [for a fifth term], is carried out at FIFA.

"If I was at the FA now, I would do everything I could to encourage other nations within UEFA, and there are some who would definitely be on side, others may be not, to take this line. At some stage you have to walk the talk, stop talking and do something."

The 42-page report also accused the English FA of failing to comply with rules during their bid to host the 2018 World Cup, and also claimed that they tried to give FIFA a bad image.

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FA Chairman David Bernstein attends an England training session with local school children on June 9, 2013
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