Sepp Blatter responded to his eight-year ban in a press conference during which he confirmed he would appeal - and criticised the decision.

In a rambling statement during which he quoted the late Nelson Mandela, he said that the decision was not a good one for him or for FIFA.

He concluded the statement by telling the room: "I'll be back."

He claimed from the start that the media had been informed of his ban before he had.

He went on to apologise - but only for being "a punching ball", adding that he was sorry for FIFA and for football as a whole.

“I am sorry - I am sorry that I am still somewhere a punching ball," he said. "I am sorry that as president of FIFA I am a punching ball. I am sorry for football. I am sorry for the 400-plus Fifa members. I’m sorry. I am sorry about how I am treated in this world of humanitarian qualities."

Reporters also observed that he was still wearing his FIFA pin on the lapel of his jacket.

He confirmed that he would be appealing the ban, saying: "I will fight for me and I will fight for FIFA," and questioning the reasons for the decision.

He added: "This ethics committee has no right to go against the president of FIFA."

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