Blatter keeps an eye on Ferdinand affair

England will discover this evening who they will have to beat to qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals – but Sven-Goran Eriksson’s attention may be diverted by FIFA’s promise to review Rio Ferdinand’s punishment for failing to attend a drugs test.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has made the Ferdinand case something of a personal crusade and made it clear he will be watching the outcome of the December 19 disciplinary hearing closely.

He could even instruct FIFA’s special committee for doping issues to increase any suspension if he believes the sentence is not severe enough – and in the worst case scenario that could threaten the Manchester United defender’s participation in Euro 2004.

Blatter said: “I cannot presume what the FA will do but the case will have to be submitted for appreciation by FIFA’s special committee for doping issues, then we will see.

“Football should remember respect and discipline is necessary at all levels from clubs up to confederations.

“The executive committee has given me a mandate jointly with our disciplinary committee to be stricter than before, and to act.

“Otherwise we run the risk of seeing football lose its way or at least go in a different direction that is not in keeping with our objectives – as a game and as a value in life.”