Blatter slams ‘outrageous’ condemnation

Outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter has labelled the uproar over a criminal investigation into his activities as “outrageous” and insisted that he will only leave his role on the day of the election to find his successor.

Blatter announced in July that he will step down from his position following the indictment of 14 FIFA officials by the US Department of Justice under charges of racketeering, fraud and money laundering.

Swiss authorities have opened criminal proceedings against the 79-year-old “on suspicion of criminal mismanagement” and “misappropriation”, yet Blatter believes he is the subject of public condemnation. “This is just an investigation, not an indictment. The situation is not pleasant. I am being condemned without there being any evidence for wrongdoing on my part. That is really outrageous,” Blatter was quoted as saying by German magazine Bunte on Tuesday.

“I’m fine. I am the FIFA president and still working fine. I assure you that I will stop on February 26, 2016. Then I will finish, but not a day earlier. Until then, we will have a really good candidate found, who will be a great new president,” he said. The president further added: “I will fight until February 26 - for me, for FIFA. I am convinced that evil will come to light and good will prevail.”