Zurich, Switzerland, May 30 (EFE).- Newly reelected FIFA President Sepp Blatter

told members of the media Saturday that he is not concerned about a U.S. Justice Department investigation into alleged corruption within soccer’s international governing body, a probe that has already led to seven arrests.

“The Americans are making investigations. They have the right to do so. I have no concerns. I especially have no concerns about my person,” he told reporters after a FIFA Executive Committee meeting at the organization’s headquarters.

Asked if he was the unnamed senior FIFA figure who was cited in an indictment unsealed Wednesday by the Justice Department as approving an alleged $10-million bribe, Blatter said, “Definitely that wasn’t me … I don’t have $10 million.”

The U.S. Justice Department has charged 14 defendants with “racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies … in connection with their alleged participation in a 24-year scheme to enrich themselves through the corruption of international soccer.”

Two of the defendants are current FIFA vice presidents who were among seven arrested Wednesday by Swiss authorities at the request of the United States.

Blatter also reiterated comments made earlier this week, saying he is prepared to assume part of the responsibility for the crisis but that “I will share it with the Executive Committee.”

In explaining how corruption within his organization reached such alarming levels, Blatter said UEFA, the governing body of European soccer, opposed a proposal of his that would have required an independent committee to screen members of regional confederations who aspired to FIFA posts.

Had the confederations agreed to allow an independent body to conduct integrity checks on members entering FIFA, the situation would be different, but “this was rejected by UEFA,” Blatter said.

He pledged after being elected to a fifth term on Friday that he will work for all of FIFA’s member organizations, including several European soccer associations that vehemently opposed his reelection.

But he also warned of possible consequences for opponents who sought to force him out, including UEFA President Michel Platini, who urged him to withdraw his candidacy amid the scandal.

“I forgive but I don’t forget.” EFE