Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Thursday he believes the World Cup should return to England when Europe next gets its turn to host the tournament.
Blatter has arrived in Moscow to attend matches at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin despite being banned from the game for alleged corruption during his 17 years at the head of world football.
The Swiss denied his presence at the World Cup would embarrass his successor, Gianni Infantino.
"We have good contacts with Mr Infantino. He should not be embarrassed because I am going to watch some matches," Blatter told reporters.
"I am not here to mix sport and politics." Blatter, 82, said he had dined with Putin on Wednesday and congratulated him on Russia's organisation.
"I dined with Mr Putin. You have to congratulate Russia for the organisation of the World Cup, and naturally the head of state himself."
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