Prime Minister Gordon Brown has rejected a plea by UEFA president Michel Platini for the Government to become directly involved in battling ''the malign and ever-present influence of money'' in football.

Platini has written to all European heads of government as his ''last hope for a healthy and balanced future of European football'', calling for support to change the European Commission's rules on sport.

Brown however believes that the influx of money in football has brought many benefits and that it is up to the game's governing bodies to address Platini's concerns.

His tough stance is somewhat surprising given that Platini will be one of the key figures England need to have on their side for a successful bid for the 2018 World Cup - a campaign that Brown himself is very keen on.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: ''Platini's letter has raised some important issues that fans care about and we do too.

''But these are matters for national football authorities to address and they should respond directly to fans' concerns. We will continue to encourage them to do so.

''The Government recognises and supports the autonomy of sport and its right to self-regulation. The running of football is down to the game's authorities and Government can assist when asked.''

In his letter Platini expressed fears the prevalence of money could lead to a dangerous shift in traditional values.