Sepp Blatter 'remains committed' to clearing his name after appeal is rejected

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 18 November 2015

Sepp Blatter's lawyer Richard Cullen says that the outgoing FIFA president remains committed to clearing his name after having his appeal against a 90-day suspension rejected.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter remains committed to clearing his name after his appeal against a 90-day suspension was rejected, according to his lawyer Richard Cullen.

The 79-year-old is currently serving the ban amid an investigation by US and Swiss authorities into allegations of widespread corruption within football's world governing body.

Blatter, who is alleged to have made a "disloyal" payment of £1.3m to UEFA president Michel Platini in 2011, has denied any wrongdoing, but FIFA confirmed this afternoon that his appeal has been rejected.

A statement from Blatter's lawyer said that "evidence of any improper motivation or purpose" in relation to the payment was "notably absent" from the appeal committee's decision.

The statement added: "President Blatter will continue his appeals and looks forward to the opportunity to be heard, including through the presentation of evidence and argument of counsel, and thereby demonstrate he has engaged in no misconduct."

Platini's appeal against his 90-day suspension was also denied.