Blatter says he wants FIFA to reconsider his case

Blatter, who led FIFA for 17 years, was barred for ethics violations in 2015 amid the biggest corruption scandal to shake the world football governing body.

The ban was imposed shortly after the Swiss attorney-general’s office began criminal proceedings against him on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and misappropriation.

No charges have yet been brought and Blatter has denied any wrongdoing.

“It is now two and a half years. This file has not moved,” Blatter told reporters.

He added that he had no indication how long the investigation would last. “It is like having the Sword of Damocles over my head because you never know what will happen.”

Blatter, who last month told the media that he was considering legal action to clear his name, said he was now thinking of asking FIFA’s ethics committee to reopen his case.

“I am looking to have a solution also from the FIFA ethics committee to lift the suspension, which is a nonsense,” he said.

“I am also trying to see how we can change it. I hope to have a solution in the next three months before we open the World Cup in Russia.”

The Swiss attorney-general’s office could not immediately be reached for comments but it has in the past said that such investigations can take several years.

Blatter also confirmed that he had been invited by President Vladimir Putin to attend the World Cup in Russia in June and July. “I’m honoured and I have accepted,” he said.