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Rather than a sign of innocence, Sepp Blatter’s determination to fight his eight-year ban is typical of the ignorance and selfishness that crippled FIFA over the last two decades.
It was the greatest act of karma that the Swiss national claimed he had been “killed” and “betrayed” by the exact ethics committee he created – his own actions finally catching up with him.
Blatter apologised eight times in a minute, but didn’t mean it once. The labyrinth of excuses he’s created continues; he’s merely sorry he’s being punished.
Though his tenure has been blighted by so many more indiscretions, it was a payment of around $AU2.6 million to UEFA boss Michel Platini in February 2011 that caused the Blatter’s dethroning.
Platini – revered as one of the greatest footballers of all time – will follow his pal out the door, his exploits on the pitch undone by his greed off it.
Contrary to popular opinion, Blatter hasn’t solely piggybacked off corruption during his 17 years at the top. It’s support from many developing associations – namely in Africa – which has helped him by.
Well, perhaps the two aren’t mutually exclusive.
FIFA’s ‘Goal’ development programme certainly helped win over key votes in Africa, but some were more sceptical than others. In May, former president of the Zambian FA, Simataa Simataa, likened the project to taking “houses from Pablo Escobar using drug money” in an interview with The Guardian.
His message was that, to many, it was widely perceived Blatter was merely looking for an upper hand in the presidential race. It seemed to work though, as the 79-year-old retained power in this year’s election.
It’s a less-scrutinised tactic of Blatter’s reign, with the awarding of World Cups the most necessary overhaul for his successor.
The image of football’s showpiece has been dogged by allegations of bribery and corruption, all under Blatter’s watch. He played victim in front of the cameras on Monday, purporting to be a “punching ball”, and he’s absolutely correct.
He is most certainly responsible for all of the failings beneath him. Whether through obliviousness, as he professes, or as an active participant in the various scandals, the buck stops with him.
So many times Blatter has narrowly escaped controversy. He was criticised for “clumsy” conduct when it was revealed tens of millions of dollars in kickbacks was provided to FIFA executives who worked in commercial deals with marketing partner International Sport and Leisure (ISL).
He was reelected over chief challenger Issa Hayatou despite being immersed in accusations of bribery and financial mismanagement. He amassed enough support through whatever means to run unopposed for a third term in 2007 and a fourth in 2011 after Mohamed bin Hammam – the lesser of two evils in hindsight – withdrew from the latter race.
The last five years have been crucial in Blatter’s demise. From the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively, to the arrest of a squad of 14 officials in Zurich in May, Blatter’s relentless failures have come to a head.
His stubbornness in failing to admit his role in the likes of Chuck Blazer and Jack Warner in poisoning football is another sign of his disregard for the state of the game.
With Blatter having caused so much damage, the only positive is that the exposure of his wrongdoings can finally bring about change.
Unfortunately for the new president – to be elected in February 2016 – their appointment will be met with some trepidation. Thanks to their predecessor, it seems there will be a presumption of guilt until proven innocent.
It’s not entirely a tough act to follow. Simply doing the job will make the next president a saviour for the beautiful game.
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