Fifa have added to the controversy over Manchester United's failed trip to the World Club Championship by insisting their participation has not helped England's 2006 World Cup bid.

United have always insisted their decision last year to drop out of England's FA Cup in order to travel to Brazil was as a result of pressure to win favour from Fifa for the 2006 campaign.

And England's campaign team have been claiming this week that United's presence has gone a long way to winning the tournament.

But Fifa president Sepp Blatter claims that the World Club Championship would have no bearing on the decision where to award the finals.

"This competition has no influence on the decision for the World Cup 2006, nor has the performance of any of the teams representing countries which are on the bidding list," said Blatter.

"All competitions which have been organised so far, and which will be organised in the future, have no impact and no influence on the decision for the World Cup in 2006."

England are vying with Germany, South Africa, Brazil and Morocco to host the 2006 World Cup.

Blatter has made it clear he wants an African nation to stage the world's biggest tournament.

"I believe the World Cup should go in rotation around the continent," he said.

"I have identified one continent, but I will not identify a candidate because I have to preside over the decision-making committee on July 5 and 6 in Zurich."

Blatter was speaking in Brazil on the eve of the World Club Championship final.

Dozens of people passed out in the heat and at least four were injured when police hurled teargas as supporters tried to buy tickets for the match.

49,000 tickets were put on sale at the Sao Januario stadium for Friday's all-Brazilian final between local side Vasco da Gama and Corinthians from Sao Paulo.

The stadium is the only place in Rio where tickets can be bought.