Blatter opposes Old Firm switch

03-08-2008, 03:15 AM #1 (**permalink**)

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has spoken out against the possibility of the Old Firm moving to England's top flight.
The idea of Celtic and Rangers moving down south has often been mooted but world football's governing body would not endorse it.

"It would be detrimental to Scotland if the two best teams leave to try and play in England," he told BBC Sport.

"It is also good for the political aspects that the British Associations keep their different leagues."

Blatter and his Uefa counterpart Michel Platini are in Scotland for the International Football Association Board meeting in Gleneagles.

And Blatter has promised to hear Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith's proposals to make use of video evidence to punish players for diving.

This season, Fifa regulations prevented Scottish referees from taking part in a scheme where they could penalise players retrospectively if they felt they had dived or feigned injury.

But Blatter said: "This is an item which is on the agenda.

"Gordon is a former footballer, so he knows what he's talking about and I am eager to hear his argument.

"However with the subject of diving, it is a delicate matter.

"It is easier to see a pull of the leg or a kick at somebody or an elbow but I am happy to discuss it."

Blatter added that he was happy with the Scottish FA's decision not to participate in a GB Olympic team.

And he encouraged the Scots to bid for future Fifa youth events.

"The Under-16 World Cup was a big success here in 1989 and generated huge interest," said the Swiss.

"Scotland is a good candidate and has three outstanding stadiums in Glasgow.

"But it's a small country and organising a major tournament on its own would be a little bit difficult."

Blatter and Platini will make the Scottish Cup semi-final draw on Saturday, which will be broadcast live by BBC One Scotland and BBC Radio Scotland at 1705 GMT.