Outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter has reiterated that he is "clean" of any wrongdoing in the wake of recent revelations.
The world football governing body was rocked in May when seven officials were arrested in Zurich over allegations of bribery, money laundering and racketeering.
Blatter has since announced that he intends to step down from his position, which has has held since 1998, as a separate investigation looking into the allocation of the 2018 Russia World Cup and 2022 Qatar World Cup remains ongoing.
However, speaking to BBC Sport, the Swiss said: "I [moved aside] because I wanted to protect FIFA. I can protect myself. I am strong enough.
"I know what I have done, what I have not done, I have my conscience and I know I'm an honest man. I am clean."
Blatter was elected for a fifth term as head of FIFA in May, but he stood down amid mounting pressure from elsewhere.
Daniel Lewis
