Blatter avoids testifying at FIFA fraud trial

Bellinzona, June 8: Smiling as he entered court, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter sat alone Full of smiles and confidence before entering the courtroom, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter claimed later Wednesday he was bothered by chest pains and unable to testify on the opening day of his criminal trial.
Once the most powerful man in the world of football, Blatter is facing charges of defrauding FIFA in a Swiss criminal court. He is on trial along with former France great Michel Platini, who had been considered Blatter’s successor as president of the governing body of soccer.
The 86-year-old Blatter was due to be questioned on Wednesday but when he was called to the stand about an hour before the court was scheduled to adjourn – following several motions from the defense that were all rejected – he asked instead to respond Thursday morning, when Platini is also set to be questioned. (AP)