Gary Lineker reveals he refused to work with Fifa after Vladimir Putin request

Gary Lineker has revealed that he decided not to work with Fifa again after being asked to meet with Vladimir Putin while hosting the draw for the 2018 World Cup.

The former England striker conducted the ceremony in December 2017 ahead of the tournament in Russia, with fellow ex-professionals Pele, Diego Maradona, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho all meeting the Russian president during proceedings.

Lineker had previously outlined how he declined the same encounter, Lineker has now explained that it was a moment that made him realise he wanted to "distance" himself from football's governing body.

"I made the decision quite a few years ago to not be associated with Fifa in any way, deliberately, because particularly with the fact that I'm in the media," the former Match of the Day presenter said on The Rest is Football.