FIFA asks Switzerland to continue Blatter probe

FIFA has asked Switzerland’s Office of the Attorney General to maintain its investigation into former president Sepp Blatter, football’s global governing body said on Saturday.

French newspaper Le Monde and German daily Suddeutsche Zeitung claimed earlier this month the 84-year-old will not be prosecuted over a charge relating to TV rights sold to the Caribbean Football Union.

That was one of two criminal cases opened against Blatter in 2015 for “suspicion of unfair management and breach of trust”.

“We have filed official submissions with the OAG arguing strongly that the investigation be continued,” FIFA said.

“Indeed, FIFA will consider all legal options to ensure that the relevant people are held to account,” it added, confirming the media reports.

On Wednesday, AFP obtained a police report showing suspicions of impropriety against Blatter over a controversial deal “were well-founded” despite Swiss prosecutors dropping the case.

As a result of “the inaction of Blatter against the CFU or Warner, FIFA suffered damages amounting to $3.78 million.”

Blatter, however, still faces a second criminal investigation over the controversial payment of two million Swiss francs (1.89 million euros) to Michel Platini, the former president of UEFA, in February 2011.

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