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Temarii expects vindication over vote-selling

The Tahitian, also president of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), was accused by British newspaper The Sunday Times of asking an undercover reporter for NZ$3 million ($2.27 million) to fund a sports academy at the OFC headquarters in return for his votes.

"I have no intention of resigning and have asked for a personal hearing in front of the Ethics Committee," Temarii told the sports website www.insideworldfootball.com in Zurich on Tuesday.

"That's why I have stayed on. I am 100 percent convinced of my integrity."

FIFA President Sepp Blatter took the unusual step of writing an open letter to executive committee members on Sunday asking for them to remain silent on the subject which he said "had created a very negative impact" on the world governing body.

"I have certain elements which I believe will prove my innocence. I will prove I am an honest man. The Ethics Committee will tell me if I am right or wrong," he added.

"I am not shocked by these revelations because I know what I did.And I know what I have to do. You have only heard 15 seconds of the interview. Maybe you should hear the full 45 minutes. Then you will understand everything."

The hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups will be decided in Zurich on December 2 by the 24 members of FIFA's executive committee.