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Blatter Denies FIFA Corruption


FIFA President Sepp Blatter announces Russia to host 2018 World Cup during press conference, 2 Dec. 2010
FIFA President Sepp Blatter announces Russia to host 2018 World Cup during press conference, 2 Dec. 2010

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has denied allegations that football's world governing body is corrupt and says England was a "bad loser" for complaining after Russia was chosen last week to host the 2018 World Cup.

Blatter said Wednesday FIFA is "financially clean and clear," but acknowledged it needs to improve its image. He promised to form a task force to look into compliance issues.

England bid officials accused FIFA executive committee members of not delivering votes they had promised. England's 2018 bid chief Andy Anson claimed Blatter influenced committee members against England's bid by reminding them of British media reports that resulted in two members being banned.

Blatter also said England's reaction was an example of the arrogance of the western world, and that is unhappy when "others get a chance for a change."

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