"The ethics code violation is a big conspiracy," said Sepp Blatter who spoke to Corriere della Sera about his rapport with calcio and Var.
"I made changes in the garage, but the motor is running well," attacked Blatter. "The violation of the ethics code was a big conspiracy, as the Americans wanted a head: in the end, it was my head. My mission is not over. A sporting tribunal suspended me and they left the impression that it was all a big conspiracy. The ordinary justice system has not accused me, but in the end, it was the Americans and the English, especially the English."
Blatter discussed the Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 World Cup bids: "The executive committee had an agreement: World Cup 2018 would go to Russia, then the next one to the USA. It was ideal: the nations that were in involved in the Cold War for years would be reunited by football. In the end, the plans changed. Platini called me: 'Sepp, I have a problem and so do you. [Former French President] Sarkozy asked me to vote for Qatar.' I didn't get agree, but in the end Qatar won. American President Obama was not angry. It was the English that angry with me."
On VAR: "Reducing the errors is a good thing, but to get rid of all of them will diminish the human aspect of the game. Zidane's headbutt on Materazzi? In similar occasions, TV would be a big help. It would have been an injustice if Zidane stayed on the field."
On his tenuous relationship with the FIGC: "It was [the Italians] who didn't like me. When Havelange retired in 1998, Matarrese came to me: 'Sepp, you have to do your part.' and was trying to force me out. It was the middle of March 1998 when Matarrese tried to make peace, but it was too late."
On retirement: What am I doing? Living. If i don't take risks then I won't have a chance, but if you take that chance, you could also lose it."
