Swiss authorities target Blatter in corruption crackdown

Sepp Blatter, the boss of world football's governnign body, is facing allegations of corruption after the Swiss attorney general launched a case against him. Former France captain Michel Platini is also embroiled in the investigation.

Sepp Blatter is under investigation by the Swiss authorities. Reuters/Arnd Wiegmann/

Swiss authorities said on Friday that they had opened criminal proceedings Sepp Blatter, the boss of world football's governing body Fifa, on suspicion that he misapproriated funds and violated his duties as the head of world football's governing body.

"Swiss criminal proceedings against Joseph Blatter, have been opened on suspicion of criminal mismanagement...and - alternatively - misappropriation," said a statement from Switzerland's attorney general's office.

"There is as suspicion that...Joseph Blatter also violated his fiduciary duties" to FIFA in connection with a contract with the Caribbean Football Union, the statement further said.

Michel Platini, the head of European football governing body Uefa, has been dragged into the inquiry.

Swiss authorities say he received a payment of 2 million Swiss francs from Blatter.

Blatter, 79, stepped down as Fifa boss just after being reelected as president for the fifth consecutive time after his organisation become overrun by allegations of corruption.

More than a dozen top Fifa officials were arrested following a US led inquiry. Two have been cleared by Swiss authorities for extradition.

Earlier on Friday, it emerged that the former FIFA official Jack Warner will face an extradition hearing in December after authorities in Trinidad and Tobago quashed attempts to have the case against him tossed out.

 "I do not think I can accede to the request," said deputy chief magistrate Mark Wellington told a hearing, ruling against a bid by Warner's legal team to dismiss the case.

Wellington set a 2 December date for Warner's extradition hearing.