In 2012, USA forward Alex Morgan said that Blatter failed to recognize her during that year's Ballon d'Or, even though she was one of three nominees for the women's Player of the Year.
Hope Solo, the most accomplished goalkeeper in USA women's national team history, has accused for Federation Internationale de Football Association president Sepp Blatter of sexual assault.
Solo, a World Cup victor and two-time Olympic champion, said sexual harassment in sport was "rampant" and that she hoped more athletes would speak out against it. Talking to Expresso about sexual harassment in general, which Solo says is "rampant" in sport, she claimed Blatter grabbed her behind seconds before they both went on stage: "I had Sepp Blatter grab my ass", she said.
In the interview with Portuguese newspaper "Expresso", Solo claimed that the sexual assault had happened just moments before the pair went on stage together to present the award. A representative for Blatter called the allegation "ridiculous".
Speaking about her own incident, Solo explained what happened to her at the prestigious trophy ceremony during the interaction with Blatter. "I had to submit to my co-fellow [Abby Wambach, victor of the Golden Ball 2013, editor's note] the biggest prize of his career, and celebrate with it this time, so I dedicated all my attention", she also added. "Can-I-talk-about-that-" target="_blank">Expresso, Solo said, "I had Sepp Blatter grab my ass".
More news: 'StarCraft II' Will Soon Be Available to Play for FreeThe remarks by Solo come amid a torrent of accusations by women of sexual harassment and abuse in the entertainment and media industries.
"For years, in the past, female players date and end up marrying their college coaches, which obviously a coach should not be doing, especially with a young player". I didn't get to tell him directly "don't ever touch me". "I've seen it not just with coaches".
"After that I didn't see him and that was kind of bad". And I wish more female athletes would speak out about their own experiences. "I don't know why more players don't speak out".
It is not the first time Blatter, who won five elections as Federation Internationale de Football Association president between 1998 and 2015 before being banned for ethic breaches, has faced criticism for his treatment of women.
For her career, Solo has made 202 total appearances with the national team, with 153 wins and an international-record 102 shutouts.