Fifa has launched an ethic investigation into its president, Sepp Blatter.

Blatter has issued a statement saying: “I cannot comment on the proceedings that have been opened against me. The facts will speak for themselves.”

The move follows a charge by Mohamed Bin Hammam, his rival in next week’s presidency election, that Blatter knew about alleged cash payments.

The ethics committee are bound by their rules to investigate any complaint by an executive committee member under article 16 of the ethics code.

Mohammed Bin Hammam and Jack Warner both face allegations from executive committee member Chuck Blazer that they offered bribes at a meeting of the Caribbean Football Union earlier this month.

A file of evidence claims bundles of $40,000 in cash were given to members of the CFU.

In turn, Bin Hammam is effectively claiming Blatter was aware of some misconduct but in not reporting it was in breach of the code.

The move to place Blatter under investigation is the battle for the presidency of FIFA.
Blatter has been president of Fifa since 1998. Michel Platini, the president of European football’s governing body, Uefa, who is tipped to run for the Fifa presidency in four years’ time, described the latest development as “a very interesting moment”.

Platini confirmed that there would only be a postponement of Wednesday’s presidential elections if three-quarters of Fifa’s general assembly agreed.

The claim that Warner asked for financial assistance to build an education centre has been backed up by Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards.