University panel discussion on FIFA reforms to include Sepp Blatter
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The University of Basel in Switzerland is holding a panel discussion titled “Reforming FIFA: The Way Forward?” for which former FIFA president Sepp Blatter will serve as one of the panelists.
Blatter resigned as FIFA president in June amidst a widespread corruption scandal involving himself and many top FIFA officials.
Luis Moreno Ocampo, an anti-corruption expert and former prosecutor at the International Criminal Court, will also serve as a panelist.
Blatter and former UEFA president Michel Platini were banned from all world soccer activities for eight years in December, but had their suspensions reduced to six years on appeal. Both men were subjects of an investigation by the ethics committee into alleged mismanagement of FIFA funds centering around a $2 million payment Blatter made to Platini in 2011.
On the appeal of their suspensions, the FIFA Appeal Committee determined the men had violated the organization’s general rules of conduct, as well as rules of loyalty, conflict of interests and offering and accepting gifts and other benefits. Blatter is appealing to have the six-year suspension overturned, and has maintained his innocence in all matters.
The discussion will be broadcast live on Friday, April 15 at 11:15 a.m. ET.
