No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsBusinessPlatini deal was 'gentleman's agreement' - FIFA's Blatter

Platini deal was ‘gentleman’s agreement’ – FIFA’s Blatter

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — Suspended FIFA president Sepp Blatter claimed on Friday that the $2 million payment he made to UEFA president Michel Platini was a “gentleman’s agreement.”

“It was a contract I had with Platini, a gentleman’s agreement,” the 79-year-old said in an interview with Swiss media RROTV.

“It was implemented. I can’t give any more details, the issue is being discussed in two investigations.”

Asked directly if the contract had been made within the rules, Blatter added: “Yes, certainly, it was within the rules.”

Blatter and Platini, 60, have both been suspended for 90 days by FIFA’s ethics committee as Swiss authorities conduct a criminal investigation into corruption allegations at the scandal-tainted world football governing body.

Blatter defiantly backed his right to discuss the ongoing controversy and investigation.

“I don’t have the right to go to a football stadium, but I do have the right to talk to whoever I want,” he added.

“I am not sidelined, I am only suspended.”

Recommended: 4 reasons why FIFA’s Sepp Blatter must step down immediately

Blatter, who has been in charge of FIFA since 1998, still intends to be present when the FIFA congress meets on February 26 to elect a new president.

“My goal is to preside over the congress, that is my objective. I don’t believe it will be postponed.”

Blatter also blasted the international media for “pre-judging” him, saying his suspension had been a “shock.”

He added he was baffled by the decision to bar him from his office.

“I have not stolen, I haven’t killed, I haven’t favored anybody!”

The suspension, he said, had given him “time to think” and that he was “doing fine, even if it is a difficult period.”

See also: Switzerland approves extradition to US of Costa Rican FIFA official Eduardo Li

Trending Now

Costa Rica’s Rincón de la Vieja Volcano Experiences Moderate Eruption

Guanacaste residents woke up to activity from Rincón de la Vieja volcano yesterday morning. The volcano produced a moderate phreatic eruption at 6:08 a.m....

Costa Rica’s Blue Carpet event unites Leaders for Ocean Innovation and Tourism

On Friday, the Costa Rican Fishing Federation (FECOP) held the second edition of La Alfombra Azul, an event created to celebrate innovation, science, and...

Costa Rica Presidential Candidate Fernández Reports Spy Device

Laura Fernández, the presidential candidate for the Pueblo Soberano party, revealed on Tuesday that she discovered a concealed microphone in her personal office, raising...

Costa Rica Shaken by a Quake with No Injuries Reported

A strong earthquake struck near Quepos late last night, sending tremors across parts of our country and even into our neighbor Panama. The quake,...

Costa Rica Targets June 2026 for New High-Security Prison

Costa Rica faces a sharp increase in homicides tied to drug trafficking, putting heavy strain on its prisons. In response, the government has moved...

Costa Rica OIJ Arrests Human Trafficking Ring Exploiting Minors

The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) dismantled a gang dedicated to human trafficking for the sexual exploitation of minors after carrying out 19 simultaneous raids...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica