Vicente del Bosque has said that football must "conform to the highest ethical standards" during his acceptance speech at the Ballon D'Or gala.
The Spain manager was named Coach of the Year in Zurich this evening, beating former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola and Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho to the honour.
In his speech, Del Bosque thanked his Euro 2012-winning Spanish squad, while also stating that football has a duty to set the best possible example.
"Congratulations to Guardiola and Mourinho," said the 62-year-old after receiving his award. "Thanks to the players on my team because they are very good and make us all better.
"Thanks to all my family and to the coaches I've had in my career, because I was encouraged to be a coach.
"We all love football and want to win, but we are obliged to care for it, and conform to the highest ethical standards."
The game has been embroiled in a number of controversial incidents, most recently the alleged racial abuse suffered by AC Milan players during a mid-season friendly.
Michael Penkman
