Blatter to visit United States next year if re-elected FIFA president
ZURICH --
FIFA President Sepp Blatter plans to visit the United States in June 2016, dismissing suggestions he is avoiding the country because of a reported FBI probe into financial corruption.
Blatter told reporters Friday he will go the U.S. for the Copa America centenary tournament being hosted by the country next year from June 3-26.
''I will be there if elected,'' said Blatter, who is widely expected to win the FIFA presidential election on May 29. ''Even if not elected, they will invite me I am sure.''
Blatter acknowledged a reported FBI investigation into former leaders of the U.S.-based CONCACAF regional body, Jack Warner of Trinidad and Tobago and Chuck Blazer of the United States, both former members of the FIFA executive committee.
''I know, and this everybody knows, that in the U.S. there is an investigation against former people (that) have been in my government,'' the Swiss official said, ''but it is nothing against me.''
Blatter visited the U.S. in May 2011 - for a CONCACAF meeting in Miami - and an ESPN documentary this week said he has purposely stayed away since.
On Friday, Blatter said he "can go there."
''If they want to speak with me there are the international relationships,'' he said.
The 2016 Copa America is a special edition of the South American championship to celebrate the centenary of its 10-member regional governing body CONMEBOL.
The United States is hosting the 16-nation tournament, which will invite teams from other continents.
Blatter said it was not unusual that he had not recently visited the U.S., and noted he has not been to China since the 2008 Olympics. He preferred to visit FIFA member federations who ''are in need.''
If re-elected this month, Blatter should travel to North America at least twice in the next year. The Women's World Cup kicks off in Canada in June, and the FIFA congress is scheduled in Mexico City next May.
