Voller's men have been written off (Allsport)

By Simon Stone, PA Sport, Nyon

UEFA chief executive Gerhard Aigner claims England have more chance of winning the World Cup than his own Germany.

Aigner dismissed his fellow countrymen as "not a good team" as he reflected on a spectacular start to the competition, which has left just four European nations in the last eight.

And he also launched a broadside at world governing body FIFA for introducing new laws before the tournament which he claims led directly to the shock elimination of Italy at the hands of hosts South Korea yesterday.

Aigner was speaking at the official ceremony for the handing over of bid documents to stage the 2008 European Championships.

He admitted today's events in Switzerland had been squeezed in between World Cup rounds, but also confirmed the competition was now the third biggest sporting event in the world.

However, by the time the next event is held in Portugal in two years' time, Aigner believes England, who face favourites Brazil in a mouth-watering quarter-final clash on Friday morning, could be world champions.

"In virtually every year before this I would have said Germany had more chance, but not now," he admitted.

"England have done very well so far and if they can beat Brazil they will have a great opportunity.

"Even though they are still in the competition, Germany are not a very good team. They keep fighting to the end and are obviously still in it, but the other teams would have to look at themselves if Germany win it.

"UEFA still has four teams left in the competition, so that's not too disappointing. Let's hope one of them is ultimately successful."

Meanwhile, Aigner joined the row which erupted following Italy's elimination yesterday.

After having four goals disallowed by poor decisions during the tournament and then seeing star striker Francisco Totti sent off against the Koreans for diving, the Italians have returned home complaining bitterly of outside influences which conspired to see them eliminated.

While refusing to enter that particular debate, Aigner admitted he could understand the Italians' frustration.

"I never criticise a referee but I do have some sympathy for Italy," he said. "What I am totally opposed to is the introduction of new rules before the start of the competition.

"Any changes should be made before the start of a season, otherwise you are just digging a hole for referees to fall into.

"FIFA dictated that yellow cards have to be given for simulation and it puts pressure on the referee. The dismissal of Totti was a specific example of what can happen."