Blatter remains in hospital after stress-related ‘breakdown’

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Sepp Blatter remains in the hospital in Switzerland after what his spokesman called a “small breakdown.”

Spokesman Klaus Stoehlker tells The Associated Press that the suspended FIFA president expects to leave the hospital next Monday.

In a telephone interview, Stoehlker says Blatter “will be back officially in business on Tuesday next week.”

Last Friday, Blatter’s American lawyer told the AP that the 79-year-old Swiss was at a hospital for stress issues. On Wednesday, long-time Blatter aide Walter Gagg told the AP “he was always at the hospital.”

Blatter is appealing his 90-day ban by the FIFA ethics committee over suspected financial misconduct.

Gagg says Blatter hopes to host the Ballon d’Or award ceremony in Zurich on Jan. 11, after the suspension expires.