Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has revealed that he offered Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza a job in the world football governing body in efforts to help ease the country’s political crisis.
Blatter revealed this in his new book, saying that he offered Nkurunziza an ambassadorial role in exchange for his stepping down, upon the request of the Swiss authorities.
The East African nation’s president however turned down the offer and went on to win the controversial third term in office.
The Swiss foreign ministry confirmed it sought Mr Blatter’s help but denied seeking Mr Nkurunziza’s resignation.
Burundi descended into chaos in April 2015 after President Nkurunziza declared his bid for a controversial; third term in office, one which he went on to win in the country’s July poll.
The ensuing violence has killed more than 400 people, with tens of thousands fleeing the country.
Nkurunziza is a keen football fan, and even owns his own side, Hallelujah FC, and once coached a Burundian first division team.
