FIFA president Sepp Blatter deserves Nobel Prize, Putin saysJuly 28, 2015 - 09:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - FIFA president Sepp Blatter deserves a Nobel Prize, Russian president Vladimir Putin says, according to BBC Sport. World football's governing body is engulfed in a corruption crisis, including an investigation into the award of the 2018 World Cup to Russia. "People like Mr Blatter or the heads of big international sporting federations, or the Olympic Games, deserve special recognition," said Putin. "If there is anyone who deserves the Nobel Prize, it's those people." Blatter announced he would be stepping down on June 2 following the arrest of seven FIFA officials as part of a United States investigation that saw 14 people indicted on corruption charges. A separate criminal investigation by Swiss authorities into how the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were allocated is also under way. Blatter, 79, has said he has a "clear conscience", and is planning to remain in office until FIFA holds an extraordinary congress to elect his successor next February. "We all know the situation developing around Mr Blatter right now," added Putin in an interview with Swiss television. "I don't want to go into details but I don't believe a word about him being involved in corruption personally." Photo: AFP Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |