by Our Sports Desk

FIFA president Sepp Blatter claimed yesterday there were “political interventions” from the presidents of France and Germany ahead of the voting for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

The embattled Fifa chief alleges former French president Nicolas Sarkozy and his German counterpart Christian Wulff sought to influence vote-makers before the two tournament hosts were announced in December 2010.

Speaking to Germany’s Welt am Sonntag newspaper, Blatter said: “Before the World Cups were awarded to Russia and Qatar, there were two political interventions. Messrs Sarkozy and Wulff tried to influence their vote-makers.

“That is the reason why we now have a World Cup in Qatar. Those who decided this should also take the responsibility.”

Blatter claims as well that the German football association “also received such a recommendation that Germany should vote for Qatar due to economic interests.”

He added: “Just look at all the German companies — the Deutsche Bahn, Hochtief and many more all already had projects in Qatar before the World Cup was awarded there.

“I act on the leadership principle. If a majority of the executive committee wants a World Cup in Qatar then I have to accept that.”

Blatter also insisted he has “nothing to fear” on a personal level as an investigation into corruption at Fifa which has seen 18 people indicted in the US continues.

The 79-year-old said: “I am here to fight, not for myself but for Fifa. Criticism doesn’t hurt me — what does hurt are the tirades of hatred.

“Envy has turned into hatred. I am afraid people want to destroy Fifa, which is my product.

“Everybody has fears, for example of dying, but I have nothing to fear in view of my work at Fifa. I am not afraid.”

He added: “After the tsunami, I just need a bit of time to recover,” Blatter said. “But self-doubt is one of the biggest enemies of a leader. I believe in what I am doing.”