WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The timing of the US corruption charges against FIFA officials is meant to derail President Joseph Blatter’s reelection bid, former US State Department official Larry Johnson told Sputnik on Thursday.
“I think the timing of the announcement [of FIFA corruption charges] was intended to thwart the re-election of Blatter,” Johnson said.
Blatter, employed in this position since 1998, and current FIFA Vice President for Asia, Prince Ali bin Hussein of Jordan, are the two candidates vying for the FIFA presidency.
Johnson stated Russia should not be so shocked by the US Justice Department’s interfering in the affairs of foreign countries.
“I’m surprised that some Russian officials are surprised by the US effort to assert international jurisdiction. For Heaven’s sake, the US has a long track record of meddling,” Johnson added.
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated the United States is attempting to block the reelection of Blatter, which he described as a crude breach in the principles and functioning of international organizations.
It signifies yet another attempt by Washington, Putin added, to spread its jurisdiction to other countries by initiating the arrests on Wednesday of seven high-ranking FIFA officials in Switzerland.
Blatter has been a vocal supporter of Russia hosting the 2018 World Cup in football. In April 2015, Blatter told Putin that politicians who are dissatisfied with Russia hosting the World Cup can stay home while Russia holds the "biggest" football tournament ever.
Also on Thursday, US State Department spokesperson Jeff Rathke claimed the FIFA scandal has no impact on US-Russia relations.
On Wednesday, seven high-ranking FIFA officials were arrested in Switzerland on a US federal corruption warrant.
