A FIFA press conference with Sepp Blatter was called off at the last minute this afternoon
Swiss prosecutors have opened criminal proceedings against FIFA president Sepp Blatter on a day of stunning developments at football’s world governing body.
The Swiss attorney general’s office issued a statement saying Blatter is suspected of criminal mismanagement or misappropriation over a TV rights deal he signed with former Caribbean football chief Jack Warner in 2005.
He is also suspected of “a disloyal payment” of two millions Swiss francs to UEFA president Michel Platini – who is the favourite to succeed him – in 2011.
Sepp Blatter
FIFA have responded to the announcement by releasing a statement: “Since 27 May 2015, FIFA has been cooperating with the Office of the Swiss Attorney General (OAG) and has complied with all requests for documents, data and other information. We will continue this level of cooperation throughout the investigation.
“Today, at the Home of FIFA, representatives from the Office of the Swiss Attorney General conducted interviews and gathered documents pursuant to its investigation. FIFA facilitated these interviews as part of our ongoing cooperation.
“We will have no further comment on the matter as it is an active investigation.”
More to follow.
Criminal proceedings opened against FIFA president Sepp Blatter
