Fifa president Sepp
Blatter has admitted he
will not leave his native
Switzerland as he is
afraid of being arrested.
The game's governing body is at the centre of
a massive corruption scandal, with an FBI-led
investigation into allegations of bribery dating
back to 1991 already having resulted in the
arrest of 14 people.
In addition, Swiss authorities have launched
an inquiry into the Fifa votes that saw Russia
and Qatar awarded the rights to stage the
next two World Cups.
Blatter has not been charged with any
wrongdoing, but nonetheless announced last
month that he will imminently stand down as
Fifa president - just days after securing
another term.
However, despite reiterating his innocence,
Blatter has confessed that he was too scared
of being taken into custody by American
authorities to risk attending the final of the
Women's World Cup in Canada.
"Not because the Americans have anything
concrete against me, but because [arresting
me] would cause a public stir," the 79-year-
old told Welt am Sonntag when asked about his
travel worries.
"Until everything has been cleared up, I am
not going to take the risk of travelling.
"After the tsunami, I just need a bit of time to
recover. Self-doubt is one of the biggest
enemies of a leader, but I believe in what I am
doing.
"It is not my intention to stand as a candidate
again. But I am here to fight, not for myself,
but for Fifa.
"Criticism doesn't hurt me. What does hurt are
the tirades of hatred. Envy has turned into
hatred.
"I am afraid people want to destroy Fifa,
which is mine. Everybody has fears - for
example, of dying - but I have nothing to fear
in view of my work at Fifa. I am not afraid.

uh

I just hate that man