Russia 2018 Head Says Blatter ‘Victim’ of FIFA Corruption Scandal – Reports

Russia 2018 World Cup Organization Committee head Alexei Sorokin thinks that FIFA's resigning President Joseph Blatter is a victim of the FIFA corruption process.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — FIFA's resigning President Joseph Blatter is a victim, not a participant of the corruption scandal in the football federation, Russia 2018 World Cup Organization Committee head said in an interview with the BBC published Friday.

“Unfortunately he decided to take up responsibility himself for certain things which are not within his responsibility,” Alexei Sorokin said.

He added that Blatter is “a very brave person” who had "always been a friend" of Russia.

"We respect his decision. We are certain everything he's doing is for the good of FIFA to which he has dedicated his life," Sorokin said.

On May 27, the US Department of Justice charged 14 people — including nine FIFA officials — with racketeering, money laundering and taking $150 million in bribes.

In June, Blatter, who has not been accused of the scandal, stepped down as FIFA president, four days after he had been reelected for the fifth term. He continues to perform the duties of FIFA head until a new president is elected in February 2016.

Earlier in July, Blatter ruled out his participation in next year’s FIFA elections.