November 8 – Suspended FIFA president Sepp Blatter has been ordered to rest because of stress as he awaits the outcome of an ethics investigation into alleged financial misconduct.
Blatter, who steps down on February 26 after 18 years in charge, recently underwent health checks and his legal team and friends say he has cancelled all appointments for the next few days.
Blatter has been told to “stay cool and relax for a few days”, according to his spokesman Klaus Stoehlker.
Both Blatter and UEFA President Michel Platini were given 90-day bans in the wake of a Swiss criminal case investigation that centres on whether Blatter misused FIFA money by making a €2 million payment to the Frenchman for consultation work. They both deny any wrongdoing.
“It is nothing dramatic, he has not been to hospital,” said Stohlker adding that Blatter had been forced to cancel an interview with Swiss television that was planned for this week.
Blatter, who is at the centre of the biggest corruption crisis to hit FIFA, has reportedly opened a private office outside of FIFA where he has been continuing to work.
Stohlker added: “”He is under tremendous pressure from so many sides and perhaps this is a little bit difficult for a man who is not the youngest. The doctors expect him to be back around Thursday or Friday.”
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