Vladimir Putin Slams USA for FIFA Investigation and Attempt to Oust Sepp Blatter

Russian President Vladimir Putin has denounced the United States' investigation of corruption in FIFA, saying, "It has got nothing to do with the USA," per Ben Smith of BBC Sport.

Alongside this, Putin believes the American intervention is designed so the nation can achieve its "selfish aims and illegally persecute people," CNN's James Masters reported.

Putin's comments on Thursday arrive after the Department of Justice confirmed nine FIFA officials and five corporate executives had been charged with federal crimes, including "racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies" after Wednesday's raid on the Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich.

Alexei Druzhinin/Associated Press

The world football governing body revealed in an official statement that six FIFA officials were arrested, with two separate investigations—one U.S. based, the other Swiss—taking place. Part of the investigations link to the allocation of the 2018 and the 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar, respectively, underlining why Putin may feel aggrieved.

The FBI-led probe is an attempt to rid FIFA of corporate bribery. However, Putin feels the United States' decision to step in is a deliberate attempt to exert its influence on the game, namely by stopping current FIFA President Sepp Blatter from being re-elected on Friday.

Smith reported Putin's comments:

He also noted a prominent headline in Russia:

In April, Blatter suggested Russia would put on the "best ever" World Cup after meeting with Putin, as news agency TASS reported (h/t Aaron Flanagan of the Daily Mirror). Before Wednesday's events, Blatter was the heavy favourite to win the upcoming election, gaining what would be his fifth stint in charge of FIFA.

Raad Adayleh/Associated Press

Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan is the 79-year-old's sole remaining competitor after Luis Figo and Michael van Praag dropped out of the running. Like many, he believes change is essential to the future of football: "We cannot continue with the crisis in FIFA," he said in a statement.

European governing body UEFA noted that FIFA must be "rebooted" in its official statement, saying a lack of change will "ultimately kill football." Although UEFA originally called for the election to be postponed, it will go ahead as normal, per Sky Sports:

However, UEFA President Michel Platini personally made his feelings known to Blatter:

Alexander Nemenov/Associated Press

This situation is developing quickly, with many officials around the globe making their opinions heard.

Unsubstantiated accusations are not helpful during a potential watershed moment for the sport, particularly as both investigations appear set on bringing justice to those who have used football as a vehicle for corruption.