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2nd LD Writethru: FIFA president Sepp Blatter under criminal investigation

Xinhua, September 25, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) has opened criminal proceedings against the President of Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Sepp Blatter over suspected mismanagement and misappropriation, the OAG confirmed Friday.

OAG suspected that Blatter has signed an "unfavorable" contract with the Caribbean Football Union on Sept. 12, 2005.

There was also suspicion that in the implementation of the agreement Blatter violated his fiduciary duties and acted against the interest of FIFA and/or FIFA Marketing and TV AG.

Additionally, Blatter was suspected of a disloyal payment of 2 million Swiss francs (2.05 million U.S. dollars) to Michel Platini, President of Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), at the expense of FIFA, which was allegedly made for work performed between January 1999 and June 2002 ; this payment was executed in February 2011.

On Friday, representatives of OAG interrogated the defendant Blatter following a meeting of the FIFA Executive Committee. At the same time, Michel Platini was heard as a person asked to provide information.

Furthermore, OAG conducted a house search at FIFA Headquarters with the support of the Federal Criminal Police. The office of the FIFA President has been searched and data seized.

OAS noted that as for all defendants, the presumption of innocence applies to Blatter. Endit