FIFA committee turns the heat up on Blatter

Members of FIFA’s ethics committee, meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, this week, have recommended a 90-day suspension for embattled President Sepp Blatter.

The news Wednesday came as the Swiss attorney general is conducting a criminal probe against the five-term leader of the world soccer body.

One case involves allegations that Blatter assigned TV rights for two World Cups to Jack Warner, the former president of CONCACAF, for $600,000. Warner then resold the broadcast rights for $20 million. In another, authorities are investigating a $2-million payment made to UEFA President Michel Platini.

Blatter, 79, has denied any wrongdoing and said he will not leave his post until an election to choose his replacement is held in February.

Blatter associate Klaus Stoehlker, who has no role at FIFA, told the Associated Press . that the ethics committee’s investigatory chamber had made a provisional recommendation of suspension for soccer’s most powerful official.

FIFA ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert will make the final decision on the fates of Blatter and Platini, who were questioned as part of the Swiss criminal investigation last month.

—Kevin Baxter

Erick Torres scored in the 65th minute to help Mexico beat 10-man Honduras, 2-1, at Commerce City, Colo., and wrap up Group B in the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament. Mexico will face Group A runner-up Canada in a semifinal Saturday in Sandy, Utah, and Honduras will meet the Group A champion United States. The semifinal winners qualify for the Rio Olympics.