Blatter appeals against ban

FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, is appealing against his 90-day ban from football's world governing body.  The 79-year-old Swiss has been suspended from all duties while FIFA's ethics committee investigates corruption claims against its leader.

He was suspended last Thursday along with secretary general, Jerome Valcke and vice-president, Michel Platini.

Platini will contest the ban "in the appropriate manner at the appropriate time". All three deny any wrongdoing.

Klaus Stohlker, Blatter's friend and adviser, said: "He has appealed already to FIFA's appeal committee. He is defending his position and he is sure that he will be found not guilty."

African football confederation chief, Issa Hayatou, FIFA's longest-serving vice-president, is heading the organisation in Blatter's enforced absence.

FIFA's ethics committee began its investigation into Blatter after the Swiss attorney general opened criminal proceedings against him in September.

He is accused of signing a contract "unfavourable" to FIFA and making a "disloyal payment" to Platini.

The ethics committee also opened an inquiry into Platini over the 2m euros (£1.35m) payment, which was made nine years after the 60-year-old Frenchman carried out consultation work for Blatter.