Fifa chief Sepp Blatter has rejected allegations of corruption at football's governing body after England missed out on hosting the 2018 World Cup.
Blatter also called England "bad losers" after Russia won the right to host football's marquee event in 2018.
"There is no systematic corruption in Fifa... I was surprised by all the English complaining after the defeat," Blatter told Swiss magazine Weltwoche.
"Now some of them are showing themselves to be bad losers."
Blatter added: "You can't come afterwards and say so and so promised to vote for England. The results are known. The outcome came out clearly."
Roger Burden, acting chairman of the Football Association, withdrew his application for the permanent position last week, saying he could no longer trust Fifa members after the failure of England's bid to host the tournament.
Burden added that England's bid team in Zurich, which included Prime Minister David Cameron and the second in line to the throne, Prince William, were promised votes which had not been delivered by Fifa executive committee members.
Cameron made a jibe at Fifa on Wednesday when he was asked in Parliament what he thought about soccer's governing body after his experience of the bid.
"I certainly learned one thing which is when it comes to breaking promises - politicians have got nothing on football management," he said, laughing.
Blatter, 74, said the reaction of the losing bidders showed some did not understand his drive to expand football's frontiers.
"I really sense in some reactions a bit of the arrogance of the Western world of Christian background. Some simply can't bear it if others get a chance for a change," he said.
"What can be wrong if we start football in regions where this sport demonstrates a potential which goes far beyond sport?"
England's bid chief Andy Anson has suggested Blatter influenced committee members before the vote by reminding them of British media stories which alleged corruption against them and led to two being banned.
Blatter rejected the corruption allegations and said he was being targeted by anti-Fifa journalists.
"There is no systematic corruption in Fifa. That is nonsense," he said. "We are financially clean and clear."
But Blatter said Fifa could not act as if nothing had happened, adding he wanted to set up a taskforce to look into compliance issues, without giving details.
"We need to improve our image. We also need to clarify some things within Fifa," he said.
Source: BBC
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
Damongo: NDC youth allegedly shuts down community mechanised borehole
2 hours -
Mahama vows to uncap NHIS levy in upcoming budget
2 hours -
‘God is telling you to lead through difficult times’, says Rev. Wengam to Mahama
2 hours -
Appiah-Kubi calls on Mahama to review 60-Minister pledge if governance requires
2 hours -
Aklerh makes a ‘Mash Up’ move
2 hours -
No business as usual – Mahama warns appointees
2 hours -
Mr P.O.P: Message from the Morning Man by Kojo Yankson
2 hours -
True peace stems from justice, not the lack of conflict – Duncan-Williams
2 hours -
One dead, student rider injured in a crash at Assin Andoe
2 hours -
Have a long term plan and financial solution for Ghana’s energy sector to permanently get rid of “dumsor”.
2 hours -
Ghana to commission first NuScale small modular reactor simulator training centre in Africa
2 hours -
FirstBank celebrates year-end thanksgiving service at Victory Bible Church
3 hours -
FirstBank’s 2024 Graduate Trainees give back to the community: A day of learning and sharing at Mount Zion Presby Model Primary School
3 hours -
Fire destroys hundreds of shops in Techiman Central Market, traders left in despair
3 hours -
Apple board pushes against diversity rollback call
3 hours