The Swiss attorney general's office said on Thursday that an "important witness has offered information to help criminal proceedings against" long-time FIFA President Sepp Blatter, according to Homewood & Koltrowitz of REUTERS. Spokesperson Andre Marty said in an interview with German TV program "Morgenmagazin" that "it should be clear" by the end of '16 to mid-'17 whether there was evidence to "bring a charge against Blatter whose presidency has ended with the worst corruption scandal in FIFA's history." In an emailed statement Marty said, "In the name of the office of the attorney general of Switzerland I can confirm that a witness has given us interesting information that is relevant for the case and should be essential for the investigation" (REUTERS, 1/28). The AP reported Blatter is suspected of criminal mismanagement and misappropriation of FIFA money linked to a $2M payment to Michel Platini "and selling undervalued World Cup TV rights" for the Caribbean to then-FIFA VP Jack Warner. Marty said that formal charges "could be brought by the end of the year." Blatter "faces a jail sentence of up to five years if convicted" (AP, 1/28).
CHAMPAGNE CRITICISM: In a separate piece, the AP reported FIFA presidential candidate Jérôme Champagne has "criticized how corruption allegations were handled by UEFA," whose top administrator is a rival to lead world football. Champagne did not name Gianni Infantino in comments at a European Parliament news conference, but "cited examples that happened during his opponent's time as UEFA general secretary." A Cypriot whistleblower in '10 "alleged bribery in UEFA's European Championship bidding contest." Champagne said, "Was there an investigation for the vote in 2007 for the Euro 2012? No" (AP, 1/27). The AP also reported the governing body of South American football said that it is supporting Infantino "in the FIFA presidential election." CONMEBOL in a statement said that the exec committee of the 10-nation body "agreed to give unanimous support to the UEFA general secretary in the Feb. 26 election" (AP, 1/28).
