FIFA in Ruins as Blatter Opts Out!

Days after being controversially re-elected for a record fifth term, on a Friday night in Zurich, beleaguered President, Sepp Blatter announced his decision to resign on Tuesday night. The corruption, racketeering, bribery and money laundering allegations have thrown Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) into an ugly ditch. The fire at FIFA House in Zurich proved too much for the man who has been at its helm since 1998! 

Last week’s arrest of seven top-ranking FIFA officials by Swiss police on charging of receiving more than $150 million (Ksh98 billion) opened the can of worms that has ruined FIFA, led to the resignation of its president and unprecedented scrutiny into the affairs at FIFA House in Zurich. Despite calls by UEFA to postpone last Friday’s poll, the election went ahead with Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Asian Football Confederation (AFC), loudly voting for Blatter. Prior to the election, iconic Portuguese soccer legend pulled out of the ballot in protest of the goings-on at FIFA House, leaving Jordan’s Prince Ali Bin Al- Hussein as the only stronger to unseat Blatter. However, Prince Ali withdraw after forcing the election into a second round, thus gifting Blatter a fifth term. However, Blatter never got to enjoy his new term and on Tuesday, he opted to resign. As the footballing world awaits his resignation, the dream of Luis Figo or Prince Ali Bin Hussein to head FIFA and restore its image is ever drawing close. We are on the verge of a new dawn in soccer.

The global football body has never faced such tough times. Its President has opted out, Vice President Jeffrey Webb and six other top honchos are in police custody in the United States of America as investigations go on. A total of 47 indictments have been levelled against the FIFA-7 by the United States Federal Court. The hosting of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups by Qatar and Russia respectively has been thrown into scrutiny. Blatter’s right hand man, Jerome Valcke was implicated in a $ 10 million payment relating to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.In its response, South African Football Association (SAFA), termed the allegation as baseless. However, the ongoing investigations by Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Swiss authorities will bring out the facts and figures of this scam and show us the faces behind it all.

Russian president, Vladimir Putin came out blazing saying that USA authorities were avenging on their failed bid to host the 2022 showpiece. The 2006 and 2010 World Cups in Germany and South Africa have also resurfaced. Irregularities have been alleged in all these four bids. Things are tough and Blatter took off, leaving behind a house in ruins!

The world is watching in bated breath as the US Federal Court casts its net wider to nab all the suspects in this intricate web of kick-backs and bribery that is threatening to bring down FIFA House. US-based FIFA sponsors which include, Coca-Cola, Budweiser, Visa and McDonald’s have called for swift action and return to transparency at FIFA. European Association of Football Associations (UEFA) Chief, Michel Platini has been vocal in calling for changes in the modus operadi at FIFA in the wake of these corruption scam.With nine current and former officials at FIFA alongside five business executives under its snare, the scam at FIFA might claim more casualties. 

In his own words after his controversial re-election last week, Sepp Blatter said, ‘FIFA needs profound restructuring. I decided to stand again to be elected because I was convinced it was the best option for football. Although the members of FIFA gave me a new mandate, this mandate does not seem to be supported by everyone in the world’’. These words best capture the dire need for reforms at FIFA House on one hand and the revolt against Blatter by those who envisage the reform to begin with the exit of Blatter. Now that he will be exiting in some month, there is the chance for reforms at FIFA. Blatter promised after his re-election to kick-start the reforms and if indeed he keeps his word, then his endeavor should be supported before he leaves office. The dirt at FIFA must be washed away. The image and respect of FIFA should be restored through the correct ways. It is the biggest scam to hit FIFA since its inception and yes it is the best opportunity to put things in order at FIFA. It is a chance to ensure that controversies do not blur World Cup bids as it happened to the 2006, 2010, 2018 and 2022 bids! FIFA needs to be beyond reproach. 

Africa will forever be grateful to the outgoing Blatter for bringing the 2010 extravaganza to its soil! A lot of gains have been made in football under Blatter. Sadly, scandals have tainted FIFA House. We have a chance to correct all these and punish those responsible. We also have the opportunity to usher in fresh breath into FIFA leadership. Luis Figo, Prince Bin Al-Hussein and Michel Platini are possible men to take over from Blatter. Whoever comes in, football needs to win and not individuals!