Premier League sorry for FIFA, UEFA ‘theft’ row

Outspoken Premier League chief Sir Dave Richards launched a blistering attack on governing bodies FIFA and UEFA on Wednesday, accusing them of "stealing" football from the English.

But hours later he apologised for his remarks, which he said had intended to be "light-hearted".

England are still angry over the doomed multi-million-dollar bid to stage the 2018 World Cup, which was awarded to Russia, and Richards suggested that his own country's contribution to the game has been neglected.

"England gave the world football," Richards, speaking at the International Sport Security Conference in the Qatari capital, was quoted by the BBC as saying.

"We wrote the rules, designed the pitches and everything else. Then 50 years later, some guy came along and said you're liars and they stole it. It was called FIFA.

"Fifty years later, another gang came along called UEFA and stole a bit more."

However, later on Wednesday, Richards tried to limit the damage.

"Further to the comments I made earlier today at a conference in Doha, I would like to apologise for any offence caused," he said in a statement.

"It is important to clarify that I was expressing my personal views and not those of any organisation I represent.

"My comments on the heritage of the game were intended to be light-hearted. They clearly have not come across in that way and I sincerely regret making them and any resulting negativity that may have been interpreted towards FIFA and UEFA.

"I will be writing to both organisations in these terms."

The Football Association distanced themselves from Richards' remarks.

"Sir Dave Richards is not representing the FA at this conference and his personal views are in no way shared or endorsed by the FA," said a statement.

"The FA greatly values its relationships with FIFA and UEFA, which it is working hard to strengthen."

Richards had also taken advantage of his platform in Doha to criticise organisers of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for their hardline stance on alcohol.

He even hinted that fans of many European teams could stay at home rather than travel to the Gulf, where summer temperatures nudge the thirsty, high-40s Celsius mark.

Currently in Qatar, alcohol can only be purchased in hotel bars and restaurants. while expatriates have to obtain a licence to buy drinks.

On a roller-coaster day for Richards, it was reported that he had fallen into a hotel swimming pool.

However, Bolton Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside, who was with him at the time, insisted that Richards had only tripped over a fountain.

"I was on the way to dinner with Sir Dave at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha," Gartside told the BBC.

"We were walking across to our table in a dark courtyard area. There were three fountain areas nearby, no pool.

"They had switched off the lights. He thought he was stepping on to flat marble, but his foot went down into the water, he fell over and hurt his leg quite badly. Any suggestions he had a drink is nonsense. It's a dry place."