By Andrew Warshaw
December 15 – Despite being suspended over the infamous SFr2 million payment deal allegedly struck with Michel Platini, FIFA president Sepp Blatter has written to all 209 member federations proclaiming his innocence as he prepares for his pivotal hearing this week before FIFA ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert.
Both Blatter and Platini risk worldwide bans of between five and seven years though it is possible life bans could be imposed.
In the letter, Blatter has apparently promised to carry on the fight to clear his name saying: “Nothing and nobody can stop me. I am suspended but not isolated and not at all mute.”
Both Blatter and Platini, the UEFA president and his would-be successor, were suspended for 90 days on October 8 pending a full investigation. Platini last week had his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected.
Blatter’s case will be heard on Thursday with Platini due to appear 24 hours later. A ruling is expected to be announced on Monday next week and if found guilty of financial misconduct, as anticipated, both seem certain to further appeal.
“I have always undertaken my work with loyalty and good faith and all the time with respect, honesty and precision. These are the values my parents passed down to me and which have guided my private and professional life,” Blatter, who is standing down after 18 years on February 26, is understood to have written, likening the case against him to an “inquisition”.
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