Horne stunned by England criticism

Football Association general secretary Alex Horne admits he was stunned at the vitriol poured on England after their unsuccessful attempt to postpone the FIFA presidential election.

Argentina's FIFA members Julio Grondona and Angel Villar-Llona from Spain berated the FA and the British media.

Horne said: "I was a bit surprised, but once a couple of people had got up and said it they poured more vitriol on to us. I was certainly surprised that Grondona and Villa Llona went on, rambling about politicians and journalists."

Horne insisted the FA's action had helped pressure (FIFA president Sepp) Blatter to announce reforms.

He added: "I think he's been pressured to go as far as he has over the ethics commission and the solutions committee partly because of what we have done."

After his re-election as president Blatter said he had been surprised by the FA but that there were no hard feelings.

Blatter said: "This was a surprising start to the Congress. The number one national association in FIFA - the FA founded the game in 1863 - have the right to be called the FA, Football Association. They should be an example, so that was a surprise.

"I had heard about it, and UEFA made a special meeting trying to convince them. I thought this problem would be solved so was surprised when they tried to change the agenda of the Congress and not make elections.

"I'm the president of all the associations and will work with all of them. There's no bad feeling with any of the associations that didn't vote for me.

"I'm the president of FIFA, and with 186 votes I'm proud. Don't worry about the English."