A FIFA ethics committee today banned President Sepp Blatter and UEFA President Michel Platini from the sport for eight years, but Blatter claims he is "not guilty of any wrongdoing over a payment" to Platini, according to the GUARDIAN. Blatter said that he "remains president of FIFA, before stating that he will take his case to the court of arbitration for sport." The ethics committee ruled that both Blatter and Platini "should be banned, despite their protestations that they did nothing wrong" when Blatter paid the UEFA President US$2M in '11, nine years after both men "claimed it was originally due." Blatter: "I will fight. I will fight for me and I will fight for FIFA. Suspended for what? ... This committee has no right to go against the president of FIFA. The president can only be removed by the congress. Even suspended, I am still the president." He added, "I’m sorry that I am still somewhere a punching ball. As president of FIFA, I’m still this punching ball. I’m sorry for FIFA. I’m sorry for football. I’m also sorry about me. How I am treated in this world" (THEGUARDIAN.com, 12/21). In London, Jack de Menezes writes Blatter gave a "bizarre and confusing statement in which he claimed the decision goes against the humanitarian example set by the late Nelson Mandela, who joined Blatter" for the '10 World Cup draw held in the same room as the tournament was being staged in South Africa (INDEPENDENT.co.uk, 12/21). Also in London, Glenn Ebrey writes the bandage "adorning Blatter's cheek -- the result of a recent, minor medical procedure -- was somewhat apt, as the 79-year-old set about trying to put a sticking plaster over the payment which has led to his downfall" (THETIMES.co.uk, 12/21).
LOOKING AHEAD: The INDEPENDENT's de Menezes wonders what the bans mean "for world football." Blatter will "not be allowed to run for the presidency, which removes any fears over him having a last-minute change of heart to try and run as a candidate." Platini’s ban could "have a serious impact on the way football is governed in Europe." Platini will "no longer be allowed to govern UEFA," as he has done since '07, and he "will not be allowed to run for FIFA presidency despite registering his intention to do so." UEFA could "now be prompted into an election much sooner than it had planned with something similar to FIFA's extraordinary congress that will be held in February possible" (INDEPENDENT.co.uk, 12/21). ESPN's Gabriele Marcotti said if the ruling is upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Blatter will "leave in disgrace," and it will "affect his legacy." He added the impact is "probably more on Michel Platini, who was thought to be the front-runner" for the FIFA presidency before he was "caught up in the suspension." Marcotti: "If this ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport comes back in time and if it clears him, and those two things are by no means a given, he could get back into the race. But right now those are pretty slim hopes that he's hanging on to” (“SportsCenter,” ESPN, 12/21). In N.Y., Sam Borden notes Blatter and Platini are "prohibited from taking part in any soccer-related activities while barred" -- a sanction that, in Platini’s case, "seemingly ends any chance that he will be able to run in February’s special election to fill the post" Blatter has said he would vacate (NYTIMES.com, 12/21).
