The Swiss attorney general has confirmed that criminal proceedings have been opened against Sepp Blatter for criminal mismanagement and misappropriation of funds.
According to the Swiss criminal code, Blatter could, if convicted, face a custodial sentence of up to five years depending on the circumstances of the offence.
The news broke on Friday afternoon, shortly after FIFA cancelled a planned press conference at which Blatter was set to appear to confirm the dates of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
At the time, media and FIFA members were baffled by the late cancellation; it is now clear that the press conference was axed as Blatter was being questioned by Swiss authorities in Zurich, with his lawyer Lorenz Erni having reportedly arrived at FIFA headquarters.
The attorney general released a statement explaining the charges, alleging that Blatter “violated his fiduciary duties” with regard to a 2005 TV contract signed with the Caribbean Football Union, which at the time was headed up by Jack Warner.
Swiss TV channel SRF reported earlier this month that Warner bought 2010 and 2014 World Cup TV rights for just under £400,000 in a deal that was signed off by Blatter, and sold them on for around £12 million.
Blatter is also alleged to have made a “disloyal” payment to UEFA president Michel Platini of two million Swiss Francs (£1.35 million), “which was allegedly made for work performed between January 1999 and June 2002 ; this payment was executed in February 2011.”
The statement also confirmed that Blatter’s office has been searched and data seized.
FIFA issued a statement a few minutes later confirming the news, saying that they have been cooperating with the investigation since May, and that they will make no further comment.
The 79-year-old Blatter has been in charge of FIFA since 1998. He has always maintained that he is innocent of any wrongdoing.
Attorney Richard Cullen, Blatter’s US lawyer, said a contract the Swiss Attorney General said Blatter signed in 2005 with the Caribbean Football Union was “properly prepared and negotiated by the appropriate staff members of FIFA.”
“Certainly no mismanagement occurred,” he said in an emailed statement. Investigative journalist Jamil Chade reported via Twitter that Blatter will not be suspended from the FIFA presidency.
