Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards has issued an apology relating to his comments where he accused FIFA and UEFA of 'stealing' football from England.

The Football Association board member sparked controversy with his remarks and later took a tumble into a water feature during his visit to the International Sport Security Conference in Doha.

"I would like to apologise for any offence caused," Richards said in a statement. "It is important to clarify that I was expressing my personal views and not those of any organisation I represent.

"My comments on the heritage of the game were intended to be light-hearted. They clearly have not come across in that way and I sincerely regret making them and any resulting negativity that may have been interpreted towards FIFA and UEFA. I will be writing to both organisations in these terms."

Richards was taken to hospital as a precaution after his fall.