FIFA president Sepp Blatter thought English referee Howard Webb had a "very hard task" in the bad-tempered World Cup final between Spain and Holland that saw a record 14 yellow cards shown.
In a record for a final, Webb booked 13 different players - John Heitinga was shown two yellows followed by a red - in a fiery encounter that saw Andres Iniesta's extra-time goal secure a 1-0 win for Spain.
Blatter said: "The final was not exactly what I expected in terms of fair play.
"It's not up to me judge the performances of the officials, I can only say it was a very hard task that the referee trio had on the field of play.
"It was not easy, really not easy and they were really not helped in this task I can say."
Blatter refused to comment on the rugged approach by Holland, who eventually lost 1-0 in extra time.
He told a news conference in Johannesburg: "Even though I have seen all the irregularities as a spectator, I cannot answer this question as president of FIFA. I could answer it as a fan of football but I am here as president.
"I will not make any comment but we always say football is school of life because it is based on discipline and respect. It's a combat game but in the spirit of fair play.
"You have to learn to win and you have to learn to lose, and should not forget the basis which is discipline and respect."
Blatter was asked whether Webb should have shown a red card to Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong, and replied: "In football we have to live with the errors of players, and of referees. I don't think perfection exists in this world."
Asked why England had performed badly in the tournament, Blatter said: "You will have to ask the Football Association. England is considered as being the motherland of football, as Brazil is the heartbeat of football, but there are no small national teams any more.
"There are small countries but their national teams are very strong as football has developed."
