FIFA says it is in advanced talks with companies to replace a number of sponsors whose contracts have expired.

Fifa says it is concerned about recent violence in Brazil less than two months before the country hosts the World Cup, but football’s governing body is still confident Brazil will stage “the biggest party on Earth”.

Fifa last night vowed to keep empty seats to a “strict minimum” at the next World Cup.

FIFA have vowed to keep empty seats to a “strict minimum” at the the next World Cup.