Political Correspondent Paul Rowley says England's chances are receding

The Financial Times says Prime Minister Tony Blair has withdrawn his active support for the bid after indications that football's top tournament will be awarded to South Africa.

Last week the ruling body of international football, Fifa, appeared to tone down its support for England's bid.

After a visit to Downing Street, its president Sepp Blatter said he thought England would make a "very professional bid", but he felt there was a "natural logic" in the competition going to Africa.

The Financial Times says Mr Blair has therefore been warned by his aides to keep his distance, in order not to associate himself with failure.

Sepp Blatter: Hard words for England

South Africa is thought to be the likely front-runner to host the game in eight years, as an emerging nation on both the international and football arenas.

But there are worries that it may not have adequate infrastructure and facilities to stage the prestigious event.

The country has until March 2000, when a formal decision will be made, to prove itself.

The Financial Times quotes a Downing Street official as saying: "Mr Blatter has made it clear that if South Africa's facilities are not up to scratch, the games will come to us." But Fifa has denied this.

Political correspondent Paul Rowley says England's chances of winning the World Cup bid are clearly receding.