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ZURICH (AP) — Sepp Blatter says he will appeal against his 8-year ban from football to Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Blatter also insisted that he still views himself as FIFA president despite the ban.
Speaking at a news conference Monday, Blatter said: "I fight for me and I will fight for FIFA. Suspended for eight years for what?"
Blatter and UEFA President Michel Platini received the same ban for conflict of interest and disloyalty to FIFA in a $2 million payment deal in 2011 based on an oral contract.
Blatter: "I'm sorry as president of FIFA I'm this punching ball."
Blatter was already planning to stand aside on Feb. 26 when a new president is due to be elected.
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