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Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has sensationally claimed he witnessed a draw for a European competition being rigged.

The 80-year-old refused to say which tournament it was, but revealed the balls containing the names of teams were either heated or cooled to help identify them.

In the interview with Argentine publication La Nacion, Blatter also claimed only one team had ever successfully benefited from such "cheating".

When asked whether draws had ever been rigged, he replied: "Yes. I saw it with my own eyes and it was like cheating.

(Image: EPA/VALENTIN FLAURAUD)

"It was for a European competition. Only one team has managed that. It was an Italian side.

"You can see the balls that are drawn identified either by making them hot, or if they have been cooled. I was a witness."

Despite witnessing the corruption, Blatter claimed he was not in any way responsible for the act, saying that he himself had never drawn the teams.

"I’ve never drawn lots," said Blatter. "Other presidents did. They have taken the balls themselves from the pot."

He added: "I was clean to the last."