The 79-year old is under investigation
Joseph Blatter has refused to step down as president of FIFA, despite Swiss investigators opening a case of criminal proceedings against him.
Blatter, who is a Switzerland native, finds himself under scrutiny from the authorities after he reportedly signed a contract that included a ‘disloyal payment’ of £1.5 million to UEFA president Michel Platini.
Said contract has been described as ‘unfavourable to FIFA’, however, the 60-year old Platini refuses to admit the payment was illegal. Blatter claims that the payment was valid compensation for Platini’s work as Blatter’s technical advisor in 1999-2002; even though the payment came nine years later in 2011.
The duo are under inspection
The Swiss attorney general’s office interviewed Platini as a witness and he was adamant the payment was sanctioned by the relevant authorities.
Now himself and Blatter are both facing an inquiry from FIFA’s independent ethics committee.
BUT Blatter has stated he won’t let the allegations force him to step down. He will stay as president until his original retirement date of February 2016, unless he is found guilty of any wrongdoing.
Stories you may be interested in:
PREVIEW: Champions League round two
Rooney opens up about ‘transfer request’
Chelsea considering move for Yacine Brahimi
