Vladimir Putin says Sepp Blatter deserves a Nobel Prize

DESPITE facing major corruption charges, Sepp Blatter has been identified as deserving of one of the most esteemed awards imaginable.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, speaks as FIFA President Sepp Blatter listens during the preliminary draw for the 2018 soccer World Cup in Konstantin Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, Saturday, July 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Dmitry Lovetsky

DESPITE the fact that the world sporting organisation he runs is currently being pulled apart by international crime agencies on corruption charges, FIFA boss Sepp Blatter has been nominated as worthy of receiving one of the highest honours in any given profession.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the embattled FIFA president deserves a Nobel Prize for his work in world sport.

In an interview with Swiss TV broadcast on Monday, two days after Putin and Blatter hosted the preliminary draw for Russia’s 2018 World Cup, Putin said “people like Mr Blatter or the heads of big international sporting federations, or the Olympic Games, deserve special recognition.”

Besides Blatter, Putin suggested heads of international sports federations and Olympic committees would also be worthy recipients.

“If there is anyone who deserves the Nobel Prize, it’s those people,” he said.

On Saturday, Blatter told Putin that the Russian people “can be proud” of him and that FIFA says “yes to Russia, we are providing our support.”

Blatter announced his resignation as the head of the global football organisation on 2 June following the arrest of 14 FIFA officials.

Swiss and U.S. authorities are investigating possible corruption in the bidding process for the 2018 World Cup and the 2022 tournament, won by Qatar.

The 79-year-old Swiss national reportedly has a “clear conscience” about the investigations and plans on holding his executive position until a successor is elected in February next year.

Putin also showed his support for the FIFA head during his Swiss TV interview, belittling allegations of Blatter’s corruption.

“We all know the situation developing around Mr Blatter right now,” he added.

“I don’t want to go into details but I don’t believe a word about him being involved in corruption personally.”