FIFA President Sepp Blatter dubbed the ethics committee that he set up "dangerous" and compared his treatment to the Spanish Inquisition, according to Glenn Ebrey of the LONDON TIMES. The outgoing president, who is suspended while allegations of impropriety against him are being investigated, has written to the organization’s 209 member associations protesting his innocence while claiming day-to-day operations at the crisis-ridden governing body are "going very smoothly."
Blatter and UEFA President Michel Platini face hearings before FIFA Ethics Judge Hans-Joachim Eckert on Thursday and Friday in Zurich, over a £1.3M payment made to Platini by FIFA in '11.
Ahead of the hearing, Blatter compiled the letter, in which he claims to have been "bewildered" by the allegations made, and action taken, against him.
The letter is addressed from Blatter personally but appears to use the FIFA typeface, "despite the 79-year-old’s suspension from the organisation." In the letter, Blatter wrote, "Calm needs to be restored to our federation -- something I also wish for me personally. I am bewildered by the insinuations and allegations brought against me by the investigatory chamber of the ethics committee" (LONDON TIMES, 12/15). The BBC reported Blatter "made the claim in a letter sent to all 209 national football associations." In the letter Blatter says:
- He has acted in his role with "complete loyalty and in good faith."
- The payment to Platini was based on a "verbal contract."
- His view is based on his "firm faith in justice."
- He hopes '16 will be a better year for FIFA.
Blatter also criticized the ethics committee's process, accusing it of "seeking the maximum penalty and strengthening the public attitude" which leads to "prejudice."
He added, "This process brings to my mind the practices of the Inquisition" (
BBC, 12/15). The London GUARDIAN reported Blatter's personal adviser, Klaus Stöhlker, said that Blatter "had been working on the letter on Monday and had sent it to the 209 associations because he wanted to tell them in person of his feelings about the charges." He said, "He has worked very hard on this letter. He is looking at this week feeling very strong in his spirit" (
GUARDIAN, 12/15).
