Sepp Blatter claims role in trying to remove African president

ZURICH — Reveling in his international-diplomacy role, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has revealed he was asked by Switzerland’s foreign ministry last year to help persuade an African president to leave office.

Blatter offered Pierre Nkurunziza, the Burundi state president and a soccer fan, an ambassador’s role with FIFA as the nation fell into violent turmoil, according to his new book, which was launched Thursday.

The diplomatic intrigue unfolded one year ago just as the U.S. Department of Justice prepared to hit senior FIFA officials with an indictment alleging bribery, fraud, and money laundering May 27.

Blatter is awaiting an appeal hearing date at the Court of Arbitration for Sport to challenge a six-year ban from soccer by FIFA.

Blatter is also the subject of a Swiss criminal investigation over the payment, and for approving the sale of undervalued World Cup television rights for the Caribbean.