FIFA’s ex-president Blatter in Hospital after ‘small breakdown’

Suspended Fifa president Sepp Blatter is in hospital after what has been called a “small emotional breakdown”.

Blatter, 79, who has led world football’s governing body for 18 years, was provisionally suspended for 90 days last month amid a corruption scandal.

It is understood he suffered what has been called “a nervous shock” but is expected to make a full recovery.

Blatter is set to remain in hospital until next Tuesday after being admitted initially for a check-up last week.

Five days ago, Blatter’s lawyer Richard Cullen said the Swiss had undergone stress-related health checks in hospital, but added: “He is fine and expects to be home shortly.”

Blatter and Uefa president Michel Platini were given 90-day bans by Fifa’s ethics committee in the wake of a Swiss criminal case investigating financial misconduct at the governing body.

Blatter is reported to be “fully fighting against the ethics committee decision” and has told friends “no committee can put me out of the game”.

An aide, Walter Gagg, said the Swiss hoped to host the Ballon d’Or award ceremony in Zurich on 11 January after the suspension expires.

The criminal case centres on whether Blatter misused Fifa money by making a 2m euros (£1.35m) payment to Frenchman Platini for consultation work. They both deny any wrongdoing.

Seven candidates will stand in Fifa’s presidential election to succeed Blatter on 26 February.

Source: BBC