By Andrew Warshaw
June 26 – Where will FIFA president Sepp Blatter make his first overseas public appearance since he announced he is stepping down in the wake of the corruption scandal that has enveloped his organisation?
It could be at the 2018 World Cup qualifying draw in St Petersburg on July 25, according to Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko.
“Of course, he (Blatter) will attend (the draw),” Mutko told the TASS news agency. “The whole of the (FIFA) executive committee will be there, as well as all 209 national federations. Preparations are going as planned.”
The Russian Football Union also said Blatter would attend the draw. “As a person who knows a few things about Blatter, I am in no doubt that he will attend the draw,” RFS general secretary Anatoly Vorobyov told Reuters.
Blatter has not been charged with any wrongdoing but much intrigue surrounds where he will make his first step outside Switzerland since the separate US and Swiss corruption probes were launched.
Blatter, who announced his impending resignation only four days after being re-elected for a fifth term last month, did not attend the World U-20 Youth Cup in New Zealand but would normally be expected to be at the Women’s World Cup final in Canada next week to hand over the trophy.
With huge media attention focussed on Blatter’s movements – or lack of them – FIFA will not confirm whether he or secretary general, Jérôme Valcke, will attend.
“In terms of the FIFA president and the FIFA secretary general, their future travel plans will be confirmed in due course,” said a spokesperson. FIFA’s exco meets July 20 to announce when elections will be called to replace Blatter who has been in charge for 17 years.
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