Sepp Blatter says will fight eight-year ban by FIFA

Zurich: Sepp Blatter says he will appeal against his 8-year ban from football to Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Blatter also insisted that he still views himself as FIFA president despite the ban.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Blatter said: "I fight for me and I will fight for FIFA. Suspended for eight years for what?"

Blatter and UEFA President Michel Platini received the same ban for conflict of interest and disloyalty to FIFA in a $2 million payment deal in 2011 based on an oral contract.

Blatter said "I'm sorry as president of FIFA I'm this punching ball."

Blatter was already planning to stand aside on Feb. 26 when a new president is due to be elected.