Fifa gave its backing to Martin Hansson, the referee at the centre of the game's most recent high-profile controversies, and confirmed that he will officiate at the World Cup, reports The Times. Sepp Blatter, the Fifa president, will not bow to any clamour to sacrifice the Swedish referee after another torrent of criticism.

Hansson was blamed for missing the extra-time handball by Thierry Henry that led to the goal that helped to put Ireland out of the 2010 World Cup in June and now is the target of Arsène Wenger's rage after the disputed free kick that gave Porto a first-leg lead over Arsenal in the Champions League round-of-16 tie on Wednesday night.

Blatter dismissed any criticism, saying: "This is a never-ending story. It is not terrible. It is what can happen in football."