Blatter appealing 8-year ban, vows to 'fight for FIFA'

By foxsports
Published

ZURICH --

Sepp Blatter says he will appeal against his 8-year ban from football to Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Blatter also insisted that he still views himself as FIFA president despite the ban.

Speaking at a news conference Monday, Blatter said: ''I fight for me and I will fight for FIFA. Suspended for eight years for what?''

Blatter and UEFA President Michel Platini received the same ban for conflict of interest and disloyalty to FIFA in a $2 million payment deal in 2011 based on an oral contract.

Blatter: ''I'm sorry as president of FIFA I'm this punching ball.''

Blatter was already planning to stand aside on Feb. 26 when a new president is due to be elected.