FIFA World Cup 2018: Zlatan Ibrahimovic throws open challenge to FIFA

Ibrahimovic challenges FIFA
Ibrahimovic challenges FIFA

XtraTime Web Desk: Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic once again makes a significant as well as controversial statement ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Russia in coming June.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has declared that he will not be prevented from playing at the World Cup, as long as he wants to.

Sweden’s all-time top scorer, 36, retired from international football in 2016, but has repeatedly claimed that he may return to feature in Russia this summer.

But it has been reported that Fifa rules will ban the LA Galaxy striker from returning, due to his partnership with Malta-based gambling company Bethard.

However, Ibrahimovic – who has yet to officially announce his availability – insists the governing body will not get in his way.

He said: “FIFA can’t stop me. If I want to be there, I’ll be there.

“Just as with the national team, if I want to play, I’ll play. This is not a question for FIFA, it’s a question for me and what I want.