Swiss authorities have announced that the English comedian Simon Brodkin, whose stage name is Lee Nelson, will be charged after he interrupted a Fifa press conference in Zurich on Monday to throw dollar bills over president Sepp Blatter.
Brodkin, dressed as one of his characters, Jason Bent, placed a pile of banknotes on the desk next to Blatter, having announced himself as a delegate from North Korea’s 2026 World Cup bid. As he was being led away by security he threw more notes over the still-seated president.
Brodkin was released after questioning following his arrest. A police spokesman said: “He will be charged for trespassing because he wasn’t allowed to enter the building … If there will be a trial it is still to be decided by the prosecutor. Trespassing in Switzerland is just prosecuted by request like other minor crimes.”
Shortly after the event, Brodkin tweeted from @Jason9Bent’s account saying: “Excited to be at FIFA meeting Sepp Blatter to secure the #NorthKorea2026 World Cup.”
He has attempted similar stunts in the past, interrupting Kanye West’s set at Glastonbury last month and almost managing to board the England team’s plane to the 2014 World Cup.
Excited to be at FIFA meeting Sepp Blatter to secure the #NorthKorea2026 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/7UV6spP8wc
— Jason Bent (@Jason9Bent) July 20, 2015
