Sepp Blatter the president of Fifa defended his position saying he was a “servant of football” during a speech at Oxford Union last night.

The 78-year-old attacked critics and said he had been wrongly viewed as a "parasite".  

In the speech to Oxford University students, Mr Blatter, who has been president of Fifa asince 1998, said: “I have dedicated my life for the good of football around the world, in the belief that football has the power to build a better future.

“Fifa exists to develop the game for all around the world. Not to exploit it."

He was speaking ahead of his appearance at tonight's Football Association 150th anniversary dinner in the Grand Connaught Rooms, London.

Mr Blatter has attracted criticism during his tenure and has been hit with allegations for corruption and came under close scrutiny for his handling of the most recent World Cup bidding process

But yesterday he said: "Perhaps you think I’m a ruthless parasite sucking the lifeblood out of the world and football.

"As you can see, I am not some overbearing bully who can intimidate my critics with one look and strong arm governments to my will. I am a servant of football. Not a dictator."

US musician John Mayer was also at Oxford Union last night.