Ken Bates offers Blatter work placement at Radio Yorkshire

The surprise offer comes after Blatter, whose presidency has been tarred by allegations of corruption, suggested he is hoping for a career in radio journalism once his term comes to an end.

The 79-year-old is to stand down from his role on February 26, when a successor will be elected, and Radio Yorkshire have wasted no time in offering him a way into the industry.

Speaking during a weekly interview with former Leeds United chairman Ken Bates, director of broadcasting at Radio Yorkshire Sam Brydges confirmed the offer. He said: “We would like to offer Sepp Blatter a work placement opportunity here at Radio Yorkshire next summer, when his commitments at FIFA have ceased, to get a good snapshot of the industry.

“If he is serious about wanting to be a radio journalist, then there is not a more serious place to learn than here at Radio Yorkshire.”

Bates added: “What you are offering is a job placement opportunity for two weeks, here, at Elland Road and he can find out how to be a proper broadcaster, and perhaps how to answer questions and commentate clearly and openly without confusing the audience.

“I believe Sam has even generously offered to provide him with accommodation in case he can’t afford to pay for his own for the two weeks in Leeds.

“When he returns to Zurich he can be the European commentator on the European political scene. I think it’s a very generous offer on your part, Sam, and I think Mr Blatter would be very wise to take it up.”

The offer came about after Blatter, who was previously a member of the International Association of Sports Journalists, said in a press conference in Zurich last week of his desire to rejoin the media.

“I think the radio is the most popular form of information because it’s 24 hours and everybody can listen, and if you are travelling all around the world, you always hear radio,” he said.

“It’s easier to speak than to write.”