British comedian showers Fifa's Blatter with fake money

A British comedian interrupted a press conference by Sepp Blatter in Zurich on Monday, throwing paper money in front of the bemused FIFA president just as he was about to speak. The 79-year-old Blatter was about to give details of a special election for a new president when he was interrupted by Simon Brodkin who was immediately taken away by security guards.

A British comedian interrupted a press conference by Sepp Blatter in Zurich on Monday, throwing paper money in front of the FIFA president just as he was about to speak.

British comedian Lee Nelson (unseen) throws fake money bills at FIFA president Sepp Blatter at a news conference in Zurich on July 20, 2015. (Reuters Photo)

The 79-year-old Blatter was about to give details of a special election for a new president when he was interrupted by Simon Brodkin who was immediately taken away by security guards.

As Blatter took his seat, Brodkin (stage name Lee Nelson) rose from a front-row seat to speak and shower the FIFA president with fake money bills.

"This is for North Korea 2026," Brodkin said as he put the notes on the desk in front of Blatter.

"Thank you very much. As a North Korean football ambassador, I'm delighted that I've been able to seal the deal with FIFA and North Korea for the 2026 World Cup. It makes sense for everyone."

Brodkin was apparently staging a 'protest' over Blatter's reign despite the corruption scandal swirling around the world football body.

Throwing money in the air as security led him away, Brodkin said: "Here we go Sepp. Thank you. Cheers Sepp. It's all there, as discussed. Thank you. Good doing business."

After the stunt, Brodkin tweeted a photo of himself with the message: "Excited to be at FIFA meeting Sepp Blatter to secure the #NorthKorea2026 World Cup."

The comedian is not new to showing up to events uninvited. He invaded the stage during rapper Kanye West's set at the Glastonbury music festival last month.

The press conference was halted for a few minutes while the fake money bills were cleaned up.

Blatter said he would leave the room because "we have to clean here first."

"This has nothing to do with football," said Blatter, who returned within a few minutes and quipped about the incident.

"I just called my late mother and she said, 'Don't worry, it's just a lack of education,'" he said.

At an earlier executive committee meeting, FIFA set February 26 election date to replace Blatter.