Premier League chief slams bully claim

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At a Parliamentary inquiry into football yesterday, former FA chairman Lord Triesman attacked Richards's "aggressive" behaviour, accusing him of using the League's financial power to stifle change.

But Richards said: "Bully the 12 people on the FA board? Absolutely not. What a futile accusation.

"I am not a bully. I, nor the Premier League, block any change at the FA. We would not block change because we want change, we are a progressive organisation and I was personally involved in changing the constitution of the FA back in 1996 to form the board capable of being progressive."

Richards insisted, however, that the League would stand up to the FA if they tried to take their power.

He added: "If the FA want to run the professional game, the leagues and the Premier League, then, of course, we will fight our corner.

"For good or bad, I speak my mind, and being a Yorkshireman I might not be as eloquent at speaking as some, but I say it as I see it."