England should take a stand against FIFA corruption and military aggression in Russia by boycotting the 2018 World Cup, says Andy Burnham – the frontrunner in the Labour Party leadership contest.

In the wake of the FIFA corruption scandal – which saw six high-ranking officials arrested in Zurich last week just hours before the FIFA Congress – Burnham told the BBC’s Pienaar’s Politics, it is time to take decisive action. He was speaking after Sepp Blatter won re-election as FIFA president last week, prompting widespread dismay from European football chiefs, who feel FIFA needs a new leader as it seeks to rebuild its tarnished image.

"I’ve long had my doubts about Russia holding the next World Cup,” said Burnham.

"Now with all of this, I believe there is a pretty overwhelming case for England taking a stand and saying we should not participate in the next World Cup given the current appalling state of FIFA."

Burnham also suggested that the Football Association (FA) could be more vocal in expressing its disapproval over the FIFA controversy, adding: "Maybe they should just be a bit stronger."

As key World Cup sponsors moved to distance themselves from FIFA, there have been several calls for some form of protest – particularly from European nations – over the state of football’s governing body.

However, FA chair Greg Dyke said it was “ridiculous” to suggest that England could go it alone in a protest without the support of other footballing nations. He advocated rallying sponsors and other countries to take collective action against FIFA.

Burnham outlines Labour vision for activity-focused NHS

Andy Burnham to headline ukactive National Summit 2014

Burnham unveils physical activity proposals

Bradshaw replaces Burnham as culture secretary