UEFA boss Johansson hits back at 'sexist' claims

UEFA president Lennart Johansson has defended his controversial comments about female football players.

Johansson, the most powerful man in European football, was criticised yesterday after suggesting the women’s game should promote itself by using players’ looks.

However, Johansson told The Times: “All I was saying is that women are more marketable than men.

“This is a group of people and a sport that should be and could be very well-supported. The PR for the women’s game could be done a little differently and they could benefit from that.

“I come from a country that introduced ladies’ football 20 years ago. Norway and Sweden started the whole thing, so we take it very seriously. I’m not a sexist. The women’s game should be treated just as seriously as the men’s game.”