Simon Brodkin, again was the centre piece of another gate-crash mission as Sepp Blatter faced the media for the first time in Zurich since announcing he will step down as Fifa President.
The British comedian best known for his character Lee Nelson, was an unexpected guest at the Fifa news conference, following a meeting of the football governing body’s executive committee.
He might have failed to get into the last Fifa presser; Nelson, this time, made it to the stage, showering Blatter in dollar bills.
Blatter had to delay his briefing and, even left the room momentarily, as Brodkin was apprehended and escorted off the stage- though after a slight delay which got the 79-year-old screaming “where is my security?”
1st Kanye now Sepp. Chaos as comedian Simon Brodkin interrupts press conference & throws money at Blatter pic.twitter.com/kZduJILIud
— Dan Roan (@danroan) July 20, 2015
Blatter said on his return: “I just called my late mother and she said don’t worry, it’s lack of education.”
Nelson was taken into custody by Swiss police following the incident. He was driven away in a police car from Fifa headquarter in Zurich.
Fifa had called the press conference to address its initial plans for reforms in response to corruption scandals which have forced its image down under.
Just last month, Nelson appeared on stage with a mic in hand during Kanye West’s set at the Glastonbury Festival of Music and Performing Arts on Worthy Farm near the village of Pilton in Somerset.
Brodkin has form, having previously taken to the pitch at Everton’s football ground Goodison Park in an attempt to warm up with Manchester City in March 2013, an incident for which he was arrested. He claimed at the time that he was filming a prank for new BBC Three series.
He was arrested a further time in 2014 for attempting to board a flight to the World Cup in Brazil with the England football squad.
Fifa has already confirmed 26 February for its elective congress, where Blatter’s successor will be elected.
