Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has said he will attend the World Cup as a guest of Russian president Vladimir Putin.
The Swiss was in charge of football’s global governing body at the time Russia was awarded the tournament in December 2010, before his reign ended amid a corruption scandal involving FIFA.
He was suspended in December 2015 for eight years, later reduced to six, after an investigation carried out by FIFA’s ethics committee.
8 days before WC-Kick-off. My Top 4: Brazil, France, Germany, Spain (in alphabetical order). I believe in attacking football. Troublemakers: Nigeria, Uruguay. #Fifa #World Cup #Russia #Fifa World Ranking #CBF #DFB #FFF #RFEF
— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) June 6, 2018
It brought an end to his reign as president after 17 years in charge, but Blatter, who repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, looks set to make an appearance during Russia 2018.
He told the New York Times: “I will be in Moscow first, and it will be very nice. I will stay in Moscow.”
This #WorldCup was truly special. The baton has been passed for another festival of football in 4 years, in Russia. pic.twitter.com/w3TvE5mGLh
— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) July 14, 2014
The 82-year-old added that he would meet Putin during his trip.
He said: “I am his guest. We will meet somewhere, but I don’t know where yet because they refuse to disclose the exact location. It will be a sporting and diplomatic mission for me.”