Football descends deeper into turmoil as Fifa suspends Blatter and Platini

Fifa has provisionally banned president Sepp Blatter and UEFA president Michel Platini for 90 days. The international football organisation has also banned its former vice-president Chung Mong joon for six years, and its secretary general Jerome Valcke for 90 days. The move follows an investigation by Fifa into allegations that officials abused their positions to acquire millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks. The announcement comes just hours after Mr Blatter criticised a criminal investigation against him in Switzerland, describing it as “outrageous”. He also defended his decision to remain as head of the football organising body and not step down immediately, as worldwide sponsors have urged.

During this time, the above individuals are banned from all football activities on a national and international level. The bans come into force immediately

Spokesperson for FIFA’s ethics committee

Fifa’s ethics committee said that the duration of the bans could be extended for up to another 45 days. It said South Korean football official Chung Mong joon was banned following an investigation into the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Responding to his ban, Mr Blatter’s lawyers said he “looks forward to the opportunity to present evidence that will demonstrate that he did not engage in any misconduct, criminal or otherwise.” Mr Platini, who had hoped to succeed Mr Blatter as president, issued a statement claiming Fifa had broken the rules governing the investigation. Issa Hayatou, who heads Africa’s football confederation, will act as temporary Fifa president, while Spain’s Angel Maria Villar is expected to head Uefa.

I have always acted and expressed myself with honesty, courage and candour, as I feel that this is my moral duty

UEFA president Michel Platini

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