Exclusive: Britain's FIFA vice-president stunned by Premier League chair's untimely outburst

By Andrew Warshaw

March 15 – Britain’s FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce (pictured) has vowed to try and limit the damage following English Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards’ extraordinary outburst accusing FIFA and UEFA of “stealing” football away from England.

In some of the most undiplomatic language ever used in a public football forum, Richards chose a security conference in Doha to launch a remarkable attack on football’s two international governing bodies.

“England gave the world football,” Richards told the annual International Sport Security Conference.

“Then, 50 years later, some guy came along and said: ‘You’re liars,’ and they actually stole it.

“It was called FIFA.

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

Richards, who later added insult to injury by stumbling accidentally into an ornamental pool, quickly apologised for any offence he might have caused, saying his comments were simply lighthearted.

But Boyce said he was “surprised” at the remarks and will make it his business to quickly build bridges.

Boyce told insideworldfootball: “I have to say I was very surprised by his comments but I’m pleased he very quickly apologised.”

“Sir Dave Richards is someone I have known and respected for 15 years and have always held in the highest regard.”

The Premier League and the English Football Association (FA) not surprisingly distanced themselves from Richards’ remarks but Boyce added: “I have made it clear that I am doing my utmost to rebuild any bridges that might have been damaged.”

Richards’ comments could not have come at a more inopportune and delicate time in terms of England’s relationship with football’s international bodies.

FIFA’s German Executive Committee member, Theo Zwanziger, is understood to be considering tabling a motion at the FIFA Congress in May seeking to strip Britain of its automatic vice-presidency, a privilege that has stood for 67 years.

Boyce, from Northern Ireland, is aware of the threat and that his tenure, which ends in 2015, might well be the last.

He is almost certain to meet with Zwanziger for private explanatory talks at next week’s UEFA Congress in Istanbul.

Understandably, Boyce is sensitive to any negative publicity that could affect the so-called British seat.

He has been at pains to put Britain’s relations with FIFA and UEFA back on an even keel, especially after FA chairman Sir David Bernstein’s (pictured) failed attempt to delay the FIFA Presidential election last June when Sepp Blatter ran unopposed and won a fourth and final term.

“Anything at the moment that could bring back old sores, for want of a better expression, is unfortunate,” said Boyce.

“It would have been better if Sir Dave’s remarks had not been made given the publicity they have generated.

“I’ve said before that I have been impressed since becoming vice-president with the attempts to improve FIFA’s image.”

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