Suspended FIFA President Sepp Blatter is in hospital after suffering what has been described as a "small breakdown" ©Getty Images

Suspended FIFA President Sepp Blatter has been admitted to hospital in his native Switzerland after suffering what has been described as a "small breakdown".

A spokesman for the 79-year-old said Blatter told him "my brain and heart are fine, but my body is letting me down".

The Swiss, currently serving a 90-day suspension in the wake of a supposed "disloyal" payment of CHF 2 million (£1.3 million/$2.1 million/€1.8 million) he made to UEFA President Michel Platini, is expected to make a full recovery but is set to remain in hospital until next Tuesday (November 17).

Blatter reportedly wanted to stay at home but doctors decided it was necessary for him to be examined. 

Last week, Blatter's lawyer Richard Cullen said his client had undergone stress-related health checks in hospital, but added: "He is fine and expects to be home shortly."

UEFA President Michel Platini was given a 90-day ban by FIFA's Ethics Committee last month
UEFA President Michel Platini was given a 90-day ban by FIFA's Ethics Committee last month ©Getty Images

Platini, also serving a 90-day suspension, is one of seven candidates due to stand in FIFA’s Presidential election to succeed Blatter on February 26, but can only do so if he is not subject to any sanctions.

The Frenchman’s ban is set to expire on January 5, so before the proposed election date of February 26, although the FIFA Ethics Committee reserves the right to extend the suspension by a further 45 days, which would effectively rule him out from running.

UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino has said he will withdraw from the race if Platini is allowed to stand, while Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, a member of FIFA’s Executive Committee, told insidethegames last month that Asian Football Confederation head Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa is adopting the same stance.

The four other candidates in contention for Presidency of world football’s governing body are Jordan's Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, Liberia's Musa Bility, France's Jérôme Champagne and South Africa's Tokyo Sexwale.


Related stories
November 2015: Infantino "will withdraw" from FIFA Presidential race if Platini is allowed to stand
November 2015: FIFA Reform Committee a "waste of time and money", claims former watchdog member
November 2015: Former Brazilian football head extradited to the United States to face corruption charges
November 2015: FIFA problems harder to solve than IOC's after Salt Lake City Scandal, predicts Carrard
November 2015: Sexwale warns against "sponsor activism" amid call for non-European FIFA President