London, May 31 (AFP) The English Football Association called today for the scandal-tainted FIFA presidential election to be postponed to give "any alternative reforming candidate" to Sepp Blatter a chance to stand.

Football Association Chairman David Bernstein said the events of recent days had "reinforced" the FA's decision made earlier this month to abstain in the election, and he called for other national associations to support its stance.

Bernstein called for associations to push "to postpone the election and give credibility to this process, so any alternative reforming candidate could have the opportunity to stand for President".

The FA also called for FIFA to appoint an independent body "to make recommendations regarding improved governance and compliance procedures and structures throughout the FIFA decision-making processes for consideration by the full membership."

Bernstein added: "This has been a very damaging time for the reputation of FIFA and therefore the whole of football.