Sepp Blatter admits he will avoid traveling during FBI investigation

Outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter admitted he will avoid traveling to certain destinations until the FBI concludes its investigation into him and the threat of his being arrested or extradited to the United States subsides.

He is currently being investigated as part of a probe that saw 14 associates of the world governing body face indictments.

"Not because the Americans have anything concrete against me, but because it would cause a public stir," Blatter told German publication Welt am Sonntag, courtesy of The Associated Press. "Until everything has been cleared up, I am not going to take the risk of traveling."

Blatter will, however, travel to Russia for the draw of the World Cup qualifying stage in July, thanks to the absence of an extradition treaty with the U.S. Meanwhile, a trip to the final of the FIFA Women's World Cup has been ruled out because of Canada's agreement with their neighbours to the south. If he attended the event, the Swiss national could face extradition if he were arrested on federal charges while on Canadian soil.

Even though Blatter's decision gives the impression of a man who's anxious about his ability to avoid detention, the 79-year-old was adamant about his role as a leader and the responsibilities that come with it.

"Everyone has fears, for example of death, but with regard to my work at FIFA I have no fear," Blatter said. "I have nothing to be afraid of.

"Self-doubt is one of the biggest enemies of a leader. I believe in what I am doing."