FIFA`s Blatter says his critics will go to prison (20.05.2002)
AUCKLAND
FIFA President Sepp Blatter said Monday those making accusations of corruption against him will end up going to prison in Switzerland.
At a press conference here, he again denied allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement made in a report by FIFA`s Secretary General Michel Zen-Ruffinen.
The allegations are the subject of a legal action in Switzerland which has been backed by five FIFA vice-presidents.
Blatter insisted he was not a criminal.
"You will see what will be the outcome of the Swiss case. Those, who have made the allegations and cannot prove, they will go to prison."
Blatter is enroute to the 11 member Oceania Football Congress in Tonga where he hopes to rally support for his
bid to be reelected as FIFA President in Seoul on May 29.
He vowed that he would, if reelected, ensure that Oceania would have its own World Cup qualifying spot.
At present the winner of the Oceania zone qualifying competition has to play-off against a team from another region and no side from down under has made it to the finals since New Zealand in 1982.
Blatter denied the proposed reform would mean automatic qualification for Australia, currently by far the strongest team in the region.
"Size does not matter, it will be an incentive for the others," he said.
Blatter`s only rival for the FIFA presidency, African Football Confederation (CAF) President Issa Hayatou, has also promised Oceania an automatic qualifying place.
