Sepp Blatter accused of Sexual Assault

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – JANUARY 07: (L-R) Hope Solo and Sepp Blatter, FIFA president announce Abby Wambach of United States as the winner of the FIFA womens player of the year trophy during the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala 2013 at Congress House on January 07, 2013 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has been accused of sexual assault by the USA Women’s football team goalkeeper Hope Solo.

Blatter assaulted her at the 2013 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony, Solo said.

“I had Sepp Blatter grab my ass,” she told Portuguese newspaper Expressor.

The assault happened just seconds before she 2 went on stage to present the FIFA women’s world player of the year award which her teammate Abby Wambach won.

“This allegation is ridiculous,” Blatter’s spokesperson said in response.

Speaking to Guardian, Solo said:

I was in shock and completely thrown off. I had to quickly pull myself together to present my team-mate with the biggest award of her career and celebrate with her in that moment, so I completely shifted my focus to Abby.

Photo Credit: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images