Don't upset Blatter if you want the 2018 World Cup, Beckenbauer warns England

The German legend, who masterminded his country's successful bid to host the 2006 tournament, warned that the scheme will cost them vital goodwill with FIFA when the decision is made.

Although Beckenbauer does not share in the widespread international distaste for Richard Scudamore's concept, he believes it is damaging England politically.

Scroll down for more

"The decision is going to be made and England are one of the favourites so at this time I wouldn't be so cocky and go against FIFA," said Beckenbauer, speaking at the Laureus World Sports Awards.

"If FIFA is against playing the extra match or a cup final outside the country then I wouldn't do so much. In this period if you want to be the host of the World Cup you have got to be hand in hand with FIFA, otherwise you don't have a chance."

Beckenbauer also believes that England's interests would be best served by UEFA deciding to nominate just one country from Europe to stage the event in 2018.

"You have Holland and Belgium interested and Russia as well and England have a good chance, but 2018 is such an open race that it would be best for UEFA to put forward just one candidate. You could have Mexico and Australia going for it, the competition is going to be very tough."

It may come as some relief to Scudamore to find that one of the game's most influential figures did not join in the condemnation of his scheme.

"I think it's a good idea maybe to play a match or a cup final in somewhere like Beijing, Shanghai or Tokyo. Sepp Blatter doesn't like it because he thinks these games might hurt the domestic market. I think it's a great promotional idea but I'm not sure if it's practical or if it would work."

Where Beckenbauer does stand right behind Blatter - and Michel Platini - is in their drive to introduce a limit of five foreigners at any one time in club teams.

"They are fighting for the 'six and five' idea and I think that would be a good principle. Perhaps there are too many foreigners. England is suffering and it's the same in Germany, too," said Beckenbauer.

"You could argue that the game is global and this would be going back to the old status. That's one argument but you have to save the domestic market.

"Clubs like buying foreigners and the youngsters have the problem that clubs aren't patient enough to wait for a 16-year-old to make the first team."