Fifa have moved to deny claims that the bid to host the 2018 World Cup could be hindered by the British Government's rule that games must be shown on terrestrial TV.

World Cup finals are among sport events that cannot be shown on satellite broadcasters in the UK, to ensure the broadest possible access for the public.

John Grogan, a Labour MP, said in a Parliamentary debate on Tuesday that the bid's chances of success were reduced by the finals being on the list and Fifa have expressed this to the Football Association.

Fifa, the game's worldwide governing body, have said that is not the case but said they do not believe group games should be restricted from subscription TV.

"Fifa has never asked the UK to remove the World Cup from the list of sports events that must be shown on free-to-air television," read a statement.

"It is Fifa's view that, in accordance with European Community law and in line with most member states who notified their lists to the European Commission, only the opening match, semi-finals, final and national team matches of the World Cup should be listed.

"In addition, no mention has ever been made by Fifa of relating this matter to the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bid process. The bid process has no relation whatsoever with the list of sports events to be shown on free-to-air TV."