Ex FIFA President,Blatter under probe in US

Firstclass newsline learnt that the outgoing FIFA president Sepp
Blatter is being investigated by US authorities probing the corruption
scandal, according to reports,Sky Sportsreports.
Blatter shocked the football world on Tuesday night by announcing his
resignation just days after being re-elected for a fifth term as the
head of world football's governing body.
Sources familiar with the probe have told US broadcaster ABC News that
Blatter is being investigated by FBI and US prosecutors.
In addition, several US officials speaking on condition of anonymity
told the New York Times they are hoping to build a case against
Blatter by earning the cooperation of some of the officials who have
already been indicted over alleged bribes totalling more than $150m
(£98m).
When contacted bySky,FIFA refused to comment on the reports coming out
of the United States, as did the US Justice Department and FBI.
As part of the US investigation, seven FIFA officials were arrested in
Zurich, Switzerland, last Wednesday, sparking the worst crisis in the
organisation's history.
A source toldABC: "Now that people are going to want to save
themselves, there's probably a race to see who will flip on (Blatter)
first."
The Swiss authorities have said Blatter is not a part of their
enquiries, and the 79-year-old has always denied any wrongdoing.
The news of Blatter's departure came at a hastily arranged news
conference in which he announced he would leave within months and
called for a new election to appoint his successor.
Blatter said: "FIFA needs profound restructuring. I decided to stand
again to be elected because I was convinced it was the best option for
football.
"Although the members of FIFA gave me a new mandate, this mandate does
not seem to be supported by everyone in the world."
One official said the election of a replacement might not take place
until at least December.
Firstclassnewsline.net