‘Mission Football’: Blatter’s book set to be published this month

Published February 23, 2016
FIFA President Sepp Blatter attends a news conference in Zurich, Switzerland, after he has been banned for 8 years from all football related activities. — AP/File
FIFA President Sepp Blatter attends a news conference in Zurich, Switzerland, after he has been banned for 8 years from all football related activities. — AP/File

ZURICH: Sepp Blatter's long-awaited book about his life at FIFA is expected to be published within days.

The website of Swiss publisher Werd & Weber has said “Sepp Blatter: Mission Football” will cost 49 Swiss francs (US$49) and will be available in February.

Blatter previously said it would be a photograph-led book with anecdotes about his 40 years at FIFA, including as president since 1998.

“Despite the success, Blatter repeatedly had to put up with harsh reviews and prejudices,” the publisher's preview said.

“In this richly illustrated book, Sepp Blatter tells how he learned to deal with the hostility.”

The 300-page, hardcover book was written by his spokesman, Thomas Renggli.

On Tuesday, Blatter should receive the verdict of his appeal to FIFA against an eight-year ban for conflicts of interest.

Blatter hopes to be cleared of wrongdoing so he could host the FIFA presidential election meeting on Friday to pick his successor.

Blatter and one-time election favorite Michel Platini, the UEFA president, were banned by the FIFA ethics committee in December over a “disloyal payment” of $2 million to the former France great in 2011.

Both men claim they had a verbal agreement for FIFA to pay Platini additional salary for his work as Blatter's presidential adviser from 1999-2002.

FIFA ethics prosecutors have counter-appealed to seek life bans for both men

Opinion

Editorial

After the deluge
Updated 16 Jun, 2024

After the deluge

There was a lack of mental fortitude in the loss against India while against US, the team lost all control and displayed a lack of cohesion and synergy.
Fugue state
16 Jun, 2024

Fugue state

WITH its founder in jail these days, it seems nearly impossible to figure out what the PTI actually wants. On one...
Sindh budget
16 Jun, 2024

Sindh budget

SINDH’S Rs3.06tr budget for the upcoming financial year is a combination of populist interventions, attempts to...
Slow start
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Slow start

Despite high attendance, the NA managed to pass only a single money bill during this period.
Sindh lawlessness
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Sindh lawlessness

A recently released report describes the law and order situation in Karachi as “worryingly poor”.
Punjab budget
15 Jun, 2024

Punjab budget

PUNJAB’S budget for 2024-25 provides much fodder to those who believe that the increased provincial share from the...