It was announced today that Sepp Blatter, the incumbent President of the International Football Federation, will be re-elected unopposed for a fourth, four year term.
The original election was planned between two equally unsavoury candidates. The other one being Mohammed Bin Hammen who is now suspended whilst under investigation for bribery and corruption. (But I thought bribery and corruption was the mission statement for this organisation?)
Mmmm – Blatter vs Bin Hammen – a bit like choosing between Hannibal Lecter and The Pied Piper to babysit – either way it was going to end badly…
There was a faint glimmer of hope that the election fiasco would be halted when, in a remarkably convenient development just prior to the election, Blatter’s opponent was suspended. Step up the Brits – calling for a pause while another suitable candidate is found. Alas only 17 other associations had the guts to support this motion.
So FIFA get the President they deserve. The President who has presided over scandal after scandal and allegations of corruption, fraud and bribery. The President who has presided over football’s governing body as International football is at its lowest ebb. Dirty play on the field and even dirtier play behind the scenes. A refusal to embrace goal line technology and a warped approach in choosing the hosts for the World Cup. Even Jerome Valcke, the FIFA Secretary General has admitted that he believes that Qatar
This is the President who pleads innocence in the same way that the family dog looks up at you with an ‘it wasn’t me’ expression as the Christmas dinner goes missing – despite turkey juices dripping out of his mouth!
Even if Mr Blatter was an innocent bystander with all these scandals – he remains culpable as the man in charge. A headmaster may be a veritable saint but if the pupils in his school display constant bad behaviour and the reputation of the organisation falls into disrepute, eventually the school’s governors will give him his marching orders. Standing by and looking the other way in some cases means you are just as culpable as the perpetrators.
Football has not grown in reputation one jot since Sepp Blatter and his cronies have been at the helm. And now those of us who are still struggling to love the beautiful game have been dealt yet another blow. If you don’t play fair in the boardroom how can you expect fair play on the pitch?
So what can be done? Not a lot. The only way to get rid of diseased tissue or an infestation is to either cut it out or treat it with strong chemicals. Alas, neither of those are feasible or legal.
How refreshing it would be to have an ‘anti-corruption candidate as President. To have a governing body that includes representation from the fans, players, sponsors and football management. In your dreams, wisebird, in your dreams.
So it’s business as usual. Sepp Blatter is apparently committed to cleaning up FIFA’s act. There is one other thing that will receive Sepp Blatter’s constant commitment and loyalty. Sepp Blatter.
