FIFA president Sepp Blatter has challenged those who accuse him of being corrupt to prove their claims and insists his conscience is clear.
Blatter won a fifth term as president in May, only to announce four days later that he would step aside amid a scandal that saw nine past and present FIFA officials named among 14 indicted on charges of racketeering conspiracy and corruption.
MORE: Women's World Cup photos | U.S. turns table on Germany | Lalas' perfect response to Donovan
Multiple media reports also have suggested that Blatter is under investigation by U.S. officials in their probe into corruption at world soccer's lead governing body.
However, Blatter, 79, has denied any allegations of wrongdoing on his part.
"[I have] a clear conscience. Otherwise I could not look you [the interviewer] in the eye on this issue," Blatter told the German magazine Bunte in a story that uses his assertion as an all-caps headline: "ICH BIN NICHT KORRUPT". The translation: I am not corrupt.
"Those who accuse me of being corrupt must first prove this," he said. "But no one could do this because I am not corrupt. No one could send me to prison because of my job as FIFA president."
Blatter also dismissed suggestions that he is unable to accept criticism.
"I accept correct and constructive criticism," he added. "This is an instrument to think about things and change them.
"But if someone says that I am corrupt because FIFA is corrupt, I only can shake my head. All people who assert that without arguments should be sent to the prison."
Elections to replace Blatter will take place at FIFA's Extraordinary Congress that is expected to take place in early 2016.