Teixeira described the British as "pirates" and today called the English media "corrupt".

Pele, the legendary striker unveiled as the Brazil government's 2014 ambassador, has had his own differences with Teixeira and said the FIFA executive committee member should clear up the controversy.

Pele told a news conference: "This is not good for Brazil. Some people talk more than they know. I think that the controversy is not good for Brazil.

"With Ricardo we always have some confusion or misunderstanding when he does interviews. I hope from now on we can clear this away and he can work properly for the good of the World Cup."