Vladimir Putin believes suspended Fifa boss Sepp Blatter should win Nobel Peace Prize
He praised Blatter for his 'enormous contribution to the global humanitarian field'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Vladimir Putin has suggested Sepp Blatter, the Fifa boss currently suspended amid a corruption scandal, should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for developing world football.
The Russian president was full of praise for Blatter on Monday, claiming he has done much to develop the sport globally.
"He [Sepp Blatter] is a very reputable person who has contributed greatly to the development of modern football. His contribution to the global humanitarian field is enormous," Putin was quoted as saying by Russia Today.
"He has always tried to use football, not just for sport, but as a tool for fostering cooperation between people. He has done a lot to develop world football. We should give him the Nobel peace prize."
But his suggestion has raised a few eyebrows, and not everybody, it seems, would agree.
Blatter appeared before an ethics committee at FIFA headquarters in Zurich on Thursday to deny any allegations of wrong doing. He was suspended for 90 days following charges over a £1.35m payment to Uefa boss, Michel Platini, who also denies any wrong doing.
Regardless of his view, Putin's recommendation comes too late. The 2015 Peace Prize has already been awarded to the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet for their work in developing a peaceful political process following the Arab Spring of 2011.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments