Putin rips FIFA indictments, backs Blatter

Russian President Vladimir Putin has a message for the United States: Don’t kick around FIFA President Sepp Blatter.

Putin accused the United States of interfering with affairs outside its domain after the Wednesday indictments and arrests of officials in soccer’s top governing body. The dramatic arrests followed an FBI investigation that culminated with raids of a posh Zurich hotel where FIFA officials were gathering for a meeting.


“This is yet another blatant attempt [by the United States] to extend its jurisdiction to other states,” the Russian leader said Thursday, according to The Moscow Times.

Blatter, who is up for reelection as the body’s president Friday, faces only one opponent — Jordanian Prince Ali bin Al Hussein.

Putin called the arrests a “clear attempt” to stop Blatter’s reelection, which he said had the support of Russia, which won the right to host the 2018 men’s World Cup back in December 2010.

In a separate investigation, Swiss officials are looking into the bidding process for both the 2018 tournament in Russia and the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Russian officials have denied any wrongdoing, and FIFA insists those tournaments will proceed as planned.

Investigators also conducted raids in Miami, Florida, at the regional headquarters of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football.

Putin’s remarks echo those of a spokesman for Russia’s Foreign Ministry who blasted the Justice Department on Wednesday for reaching too far “beyond its borders” and neglecting to follow “international legal procedures.”