Blatter says corrupt football officials to be expelled
ZURICH, Switzerland (AFP) – FIFA president Sepp Blatter admitted Wednesday football’s world body faces a “difficult time” because of a major corruption storm but vowed any officials found guilty would be expelled from the sport.
Blatter gave his first reaction to the arrest of seven officials in Zurich as part of a US corruption probe with FIFA provisionally banning 11 people over their alleged involvement in the scandal.
“This is a difficult time for football, the fans and for FIFA as an organisation. We understand the disappointment that many have expressed and I know that the events of today will impact the way in which many people view us,” Blatter said in a statement.
“Let me be clear: such misconduct has no place in football and we will ensure that those who engage in it are put out of the game,” added Blatter who is standing for re-election on Friday.
