Blatter defends against critics

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has defended himself and his organisation against critics, claiming the world governing body’s unsung work is often overshadowed by “the thoughtless swipe of the pen”.

Corruption scandals over recent years have caused untold damage to FIFA’s reputation, with several members of Blatter’s executive committee departing under clouds while an investigation is currently ongoing into the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.