Blatter faces ethics probe

mz.0000
By mz.0000

PARIS: The battle for the FIFA presidency was thrown further into turmoil yesterday as football’s governing body announced they have opened a probe for alleged corruption against president Sepp Blatter.

Blatter will appear before FIFA’s ethics committee tomorrow after claims he knew about alleged cash payments at the centre of an investigation targeting his election rival Mohamed Bin Hammam.

Bin Hammam had demanded the corruption investigation be widened to include Blatter on Thursday as the two men prepare to contest a June 1 election for control of world football.

The announcement came two days after Bin Hammam, FIFA vice-president Jack Warner and two Caribbean Football Union officials were summoned to the ethics committee to answer corruption allegations.

Bin Hammam and Warner were targeted after Chuck Blazer, general secretary of regional footballing body CONCACAF, reported possible misdeeds during a May 10 and 11 meeting in Trinidad.

British media reports said Bin Hammam and Warner are accused of offering $40,000 cash gifts to national associations at the Trinidad conference in return for their votes in next week’s presidential election.

FIFA’s statement yesterday said Blatter had been summoned to appear before the ethics committee to answer claims that Warner had told him in advance of alleged payments made at the meeting.

The statement continued: “Subsequently, the FIFA Ethics Committee today opened a procedure against the FIFA President in compliance with art. 16 of the FIFA Code of Ethics.

“Joseph S Blatter has been invited to take position by 28 May 2011, 11:00 CET and to attend a hearing by the FIFA Ethics Committee at the Home of FIFA (Zurich) on 29 May 2011.”

Blatter issued only a brief statement yesterday following FIFA’s announcement.

“I cannot comment on the proceedings that have been opened against me today. The facts will speak for themselves,” the Swiss powerbroker said.

Blatter has denied suggestions from Bin Hammam that he had orchestrated the charges against the man seeking to unseat him, dismissing them as “ludicrous”.

“I take no joy to see men who stood by my side for some two decades, suffer through public humiliation without having been convicted of any wrongdoing ...,” Blatter wrote in his column on the respected InsideWorldFootball blog.

“To now assume that the present ordeal of my opponent were to fill me with some sort of perverse satisfaction or that this entire matter was somehow masterminded by me is ludicrous and completely reprehensible.”

The civil war which has erupted within FIFA’s echelons follows weeks of corruption allegations involving the organisation’s officials.

FIFA opened a separate inquiry after accusations made in the British parliament regarding the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Former English Football Association chairman David Triesman told a committee he had witnessed “improper and unethical” behaviour by four FIFA voters -- including Warner -- while campaigning for England’s failed 2018 World Cup bid.

On Monday, Qatar denied claims aired in the committee that it paid large bribes to secure its shock victory in the battle to host the 2022 tournament. Bin Hammam, who was instrumental in the bid, has also rejected the allegations. As the controversy engulfed world football, UEFA president Michel Platini admitted the game needs cleaning up.

“Football is the most beautiful and popular game in the world and we have to resolve these problems,” he told Sky Sports.

British Sports Minister Hugh Robertson called for the FIFA election to be suspended claiming the campaign had been turned into “a farce”. Robertson said: “The FIFA presidential election campaign has descended into a farce. With both of the candidates having allegations of corruption aimed at them the election should be suspended.”

He added that FIFA should follow the International Olympic Committee who brought in new rules after the Salt Lake City bribery scandal in 1999.

“Sports governing bodies have to be transparent and accountable and change has to happen for the good of world football,” he said.

“FIFA needs to urgently reform in the way that the IOC did after Salt Lake City.” REUTERS

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/international-sport/153729-fifa-in-turm...

By drsam• 28 May 2011 10:36
drsam

there goes the bad smell!

By klaatu• 28 May 2011 10:26
klaatu

He needs a good 'probing'..

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.