TheCable

Sepp Blatter has received support from Russian president, Vladimir Putin, as he appears before FIFA ethics committee on Thursday.

Putin had earlier in July stated that Blatter should be given a Nobel prize for his outstanding work in the sport, but did not specify which of the awards the Swiss should deserved.

The Russian president made this known on Thursday, in public support of embattled Blatter, who is currently serving a 90-day suspension, following revelations from a US led investigation into FIFA activities.

“That is someone who should be given the Nobel Peace Prize,’’ Putin said.

“He has always tried to use football, not just for sport, but as a tool for fostering cooperation between people.

“Whether there are signs of corruption in FIFA, the investigation must show. As for Joseph Blatter, he is a very respected person, he has done a lot for the development of world soccer.”

Putin also challenged US rights in the investigation leading all the way to FIFA.

“No country can or has the right to extend its jurisdiction to other states, even more so to international organisation.”

Blatter is being investigated for corruption at FIFA and for the N558m payment made to UEFA president, which Michel Platini denies any complicity in the act.

Putin also waved off talks that Russia bribed its way into winning the hosting right to Russia 2018, insisting that their bid was “absolutely fair.”