Sepp Blatter: Swiss authorities open criminal proceedings against Fifa president and seize data
Blatter is suspected of criminal mismanagement or misappropriation
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.Swiss prosecutors have opened criminal proceedings against Fifa president Sepp Blatter.
In a statement, the Swiss attorney general's office said that Blatter is suspected of criminal mismanagement or misappropriation, regarding a television contract signed in 2005 with Jack Warner, who was then president of the Caribbean Football Union.
The Swiss football administrator, who has headed world football's governing body since 1998, is also suspected of a "disloyal payment" to Uefa president and Fifa Executive Committee (ExCo) member Michel Platini.
The statement goes on to confirm that Swiss authorities questioned Blatter on Friday and have seized data from the president's office as part of their investigation.
Earlier on Friday, Fifa cancelled a press conference at short notice at which Blatter was due to speak for the first time since his right-hand man, secretary general Jerome Valcke, was placed on leave. Valcke was suspended from his duties following accusations regarding ticket sales at the 2014 World Cup.
Fifa have issued a statement in response, saying that they are cooperating fully with the Swiss attorney general's investigation.
"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," the statement reads. "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."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments