FIFA opens formal proceedings against ex-president Sepp Blatter

Zurich: World football`s governing body FIFA`s ethics investigators on Friday opened formal proceedings against its former president Joseph Blatter, ex-secretary general Jerome Valcke and former deputy secretary general Markus Kattner.

"The investigatory chamber will investigate possible violations of the FIFA Code of Ethics (FCE) in the context of salaries and bonuses paid to Mr. Blatter, Mr. Valcke and Mr. Kattner as well as other provisions included in the contracts of these three individuals," FIFA said in a statement.

It cited breaches of the FIFA`s code of ethics on bribery and corruption, rules of conduct, loyalty, conflicts of interest, gift offering and acceptances in examining the cases.