By Andrew Warshaw
October 8 – Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini have wasted no time forcefully defending themselves after being suspended by FIFA’s ethics committee.
The Fifa and Uefa presidents have insisted they will clear their names while angrily criticising the procedures taken against them and all but accusing the ethics committee of breaking their own rules.
A statement issued by Blatter’s legal team said he was “disappointed that the Ethics Committee did not follow the Code of Ethics and Disciplinary Code, both of which provide for an opportunity to be heard.
“Further, the Ethics Committee based its decision on a misunderstanding of the actions of the Attorney General in Switzerland, which has opened an investigation but brought no charge against the President.
“In fact, the prosecutors will be obliged by law to dismiss the case if their investigation, barely two weeks old, does not establish sufficient evidence. Pres Blatter looks forward to opportunity to present evidence that will demonstrate he did not engage in any misconduct.”
Platini hit out at what he claims were “insidious” attempts to damage his reputation, hinting he was a victim of smear campaign.
“Over the last few weeks, I have stressed my willingness to cooperate fully with the authorities carrying out the various enquiries in compliance with the strictest procedural rules. FIFA, on the other hand, has clearly flouted those rules,” charged Platini .
“I have always acted and expressed myself with honesty, courage and candour, as I feel that this is my moral duty. If what is being reported regarding the intentions of the investigatory chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee is indeed true, I will stop at nothing to ensure that the truth is known. Nobody should be in any doubt as to my determination to achieve that objective.
“In the meantime, a dispassionate, independent and impartial judicial body needs to shine a light on the events that led the FIFA Ethics Committee to open these investigatory proceedings.”
Platini says nothing will stand in his way to try and take over from Blatter in February.
“This morning I submitted the letters of support that are required in order to stand as a candidate for the presidency of FIFA,” he said, without revealing the names of the federations concerned.
“As I have always done since 2007, I will fulfil my obligations after consulting UEFA’s 54 member associations, which I will ask to convene shortly in Nyon. I will also meet with all the other confederations and FIFA’s member associations in the spirit of openness that has always characterised my actions.
“I am certain that we will overcome this difficulty with full transparency and the unity that gives football its strength.”
However, the fact that his statement was released just before the ban changes the landscape and means he will no longer have the power to do any of that. Instead it is understood an emergency session of Uefa is be convened by Platini’s top brass.
Meanwhile, an official Fifa statement confirmed that Issa Hayatou would be serving as acting president since Blatter “is not allowed to represent FIFA in any capacity, act on the organisation’s behalf, or communicate to media or other stakeholders as a FIFA representative.” The statement also confirmed that “all operational business matters will continue to be overseen by Markus Kattner, Acting Secretary General.”
A brief Hayatou statement referred to the “extraordinary circumstances” under which he assumed the office of president and made it clear he will not be around for the long haul. The Cameroon veteran is understood to be managing a serious kidney illness and said he would only serve ” on an interim basis.”
“A new President will be chosen by the Extraordinary Congress on 26 February 2016. I myself will not be a candidate for that position,” he said, adding that FIFA “remains committed to the reform process, which is critical to reclaiming public trust.”
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