Sepp Blatter is the latest high-profile name to face investigation from US law enforcers, with reports emerging merely hours after he announced his decision to resign as FIFA President.
Several major names were arrested in Zurich last week, including former FIFA Vice President Jack Warner and current FIFA President Jeffrey Webb. Blatter was pressured to step down at that point, but the Swiss remained defiant and went ahead with the presidency elections, where he defeated Prince Ali of Jordan to be reelected for the fifth consecutive time.
Four days later, FIFA called for an emergency press conference and Blatter announced his decision to step aside.
Several law officials in the US, whose identities were not disclosed, revealed to Reuters and New York Times that authorities are monitoring evidences to formulate a case against Blatter at this point.
On the other hand, Swiss officials will not be taking any action on Blatter for the time being.
““The OAG [Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland] has opened criminal proceedings against persons unknown on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and of money laundering,” the OAG said in a statement.
“Therefore, Joseph S. Blatter is not under investigation by the OAG. His announced resignation will have no influence on the ongoing criminal proceedings.”
Blatter will remain in power till an extraordinary meeting is called between December 2015 and March 2016 to select his successor.
Other posts by FO Newsdesk