The Day It Rained Money on Sepp Blatter | Video

“This is for North Korea 2026,” yelled the protestor.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter was showered with fake paper money by a British protester before the start of a press conference on Monday and, visibly shaken, walked out of the auditorium.

The protester, identified by British media as comedian Lee Nelson, was taken away by Swiss police.

Nelson was wearing a North Korean flag and before hurling the paper bills at the 79-year-old, he shouted “This is for North Korea 2026” -- a reference to the year of the next available World Cup hosting opportunity.

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.
– Lee Nelson, British Comedian

“Cheers, Sepp, it’s all there,” he added before being taken away by security.

Blatter, who in a panicky voice had called for security while the ‘money’ rained on him, left the auditorium for 10 minutes while staff cleaned up the paper money before returning to speak to media.

FIFA’s has been engulfed by a series of corruption scandals and 14 soccer officials and sports marketing executives were indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice on various charges including fraud and money laundering.

There have also been allegations of bribery linked to several World Cup bidding processes.