Sepp Blatter is being investigated for ‘criminal mismanagement and misappropriation’

Criminal proceedings have been opened against outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Switzerland’s attorney general has said he is being investigated on suspicion of criminal mismanagement, and misappropriation.

He was due to speak earlier at a news conference following an executive committee meeting of the organisation, but it was cancelled without explanation only minutes before its scheduled start.

He is suspected of criminal mismanagement or misappropriation over a TV rights deal he signed in 2005.

Blatter’s also alleged to have made what’s been described as a “disloyal payment” of over €1.7m to UEFA boss Michel Platini – who’s in the running to succeed Blatter.

“It says that this payment was made on February 2011 for work performed by Michelle Platini between 1999 and June 2002 and it also states here Michel Platini will also be questioned about this.”