Embattled FIFA President Sepp Blatter is taking steps to appeal the eight-year ban from all soccer-related activities that was imposed by the sport’s ethics committee.
The FIFA ethics committee Monday announced its decision to ban Blatter and the European head of soccer Michel Platini after finding them both guilty of breaches involving a $2 million payment made to Platini in 2011.
After the committee’s decision came down, a defiant Sepp Blatter held a news conference in Zurich, declaring his decision to “fight” the committee’s ruling.
“I will fight. I will fight for me, and I will fight for FIFA,” he said Monday.
On Tuesday, attorneys for Blatter formally announced plans for an appeal with the release of this statement:
“President Blatter will appeal the decision of the Adjudicatory Chamber to the Appeal Committee. While the decision announced yesterday confirmed that there was no corruption or bribery, President Blatter is eager to present his arguments to the Appeal Committee that the remaining charges must also fail because the evidence clearly demonstrates the relationship with Mr. Platini was in all respects appropriate. President Blatter is prepared to take all legal steps to prevail on the remaining charges and clear his name.”
In the meantime, Blatter won’t be found attending any soccer-related events. The ban was set to take effect immediately.
Source-ABC
