Key sporting events must continue to be broadcast on free-to-air television because it makes Britain stronger as a nation, North Yorkshire MP John Grogan said.

Mr Grogan, Labour MP for Selby, told MPs being able to watch the likes of the football World Cup or Wimbledon tennis finals was one of the “modern-day people’s pleasures”.

But he raised concerns that a review into the list of protected events would recommend removing the World Cup because of pressures from world governing body Fifa.

Mr Grogan said Fifa had told ministers that England’s bid to host the tournament in 2018 would only be successful if it was removed from the list.

A review of the list is being headed by former Football Association executive director and broadcaster David Davies.

Mr Grogan said it was “no accident” that Mr Davies had been chosen, owing to his footballing background.

Arguing that it would be “travesty” if the event was removed from free-to-air TV, he said Culture Secretary Andy Burnham was facing a “big test”.

Mr Grogan said: “I think it’s fairly clear where the FA stand and I think, I predict, that unless you have a very strong listed events committee, some time later this year David Davies will present a report to ministers which argues for the partial de-listing of the World Cup. The only matches which will be left will be the home nations matches and perhaps the semi-finals and final.

“And if that recommendation does go to ministers it will be a big test: Is the Secretary of State really a man of the people?

“Is his heart with the real football fans of this country, as he tells us?”

Mr Grogan also said he wanted to see the Ashes cricket series between England and Australia restored to the list, along with the inclusion of the cricket world cup and Twenty20 world cup.

There was also a “strong case” for including football world cup and European championship qualifying matches, as well as the last day of golf’s Open and Ryder Cup and highlights of the British Lions rugby tours.

Mr Grogan said: “Our nation is stronger for the fact that on events like the World Cup everybody, whatever their economic circumstances, can watch it, can be inspired, can marvel at great talent and long may that be the situation.”