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.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
The fact that both Platini and Blatter believe that their "gentlemen's agreement" does not constitute a gross breach of fiduciary duty and are prepared to take this conviction to the Council of Arbitration for Sport does more to underline their lack of knowledge of good governance better than anything I can articulate. The fact that parts of UEFA are supporting Platini's position suggests that the lack of understanding of corporate governance runs a little deeper than just these two.
j binnie
Guest
Kaks -Heartily agree on all counts.there is downight corruption where promises are made,monies go to certain banks in certain countries,and life goes on ,much to the discomforture of those who have been "conned". Is there a fair and equal method of quoting in local business,we are led to believe that it is rare to say the least ,&I'm afraid a little "palm greasing" can only lead tp bigger,& much richer, levels as has happened here. This latest scam is attracting worldwide attention but should you care to read the "Crawford report" you would find a much more subtle way of "spreading the goodies around"Cheers jb
Kaks
Roar Guru
JB, always great to hear from you. Let's be real for a second, corruption is all around us. However I believe there is a difference. If the corrupt behaviour is extremely detrimental to unsuspecting victims then the people involved deserve to have the book thrown at them. However if the corruption does not directle effect anyone in a detrimental fashion (like a contractor greasing up a client to win a job) then I am not too fussed. FIFA have affected a lot of innocent people with their dodgy deals and must be held accountable for it.
Kaks
Roar Guru
You dont need to tell people in the street what the biggest sport in the world is, All you need to do is wait once a year for the Champions League final or once every four years for the World Cup (worlds biggest sporting event if you didnt know ;) ) and they will find out on their own :)
Punter
Guest
Mid, it's Christmas, we need to feel compassion & empathy for those less fortunate then us!!!!
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
"but solely focuses on the fact that the majority of Fifa voted for Blatter." Many would argue these same people might be feeling a little st4pid and betrayed given the events that have unfolded since that vote.... "Hence the majority of the 209 voting members felt Blatter was the best option for their Federations." Many would argue these same people might be feeling a little st4pid and betrayed given the events that have unfolded since that vote.... "And, I’m pretty sure a significant portion of Uefa is not happy with losing their President either." ...as above... "The USA hosted in 1994 and no country has been awarded hosting rights a 2 time within 1/2 a century of the 1st hosting, unless there have been extraordinary circumstances:" I was doing a comparison to the other bidders. This only strengthens my argument. "England, the home of football has only hosted 1 WC, nearly 1/2 century ago." There are far more countries in Europe that are capable of hosting a World Cup, as apposed to any other region. It only makes sense countries like England will host the tournament less. FIFA's new policy will make it likely countries from Europe will host the tournament on a more regular basis though since they will only have to wait one World Cup compared with two under their old policy. "USA will host another Fifa WC – my guess it will be around 2050." Sounds about right. The next time they bid I expect China to be in play, and I'd say they will trump them.
ben
Guest
Must use that hook n sinker again.
Ian
Guest
Hi no, just Ian. that's it. Have a good day.
j binnie
Guest
RBB - I also watched that video/program and the one thing that struck me most was the look of utter disbelief in Lowy's face when Australia was awarded 1 vote in the first "pass" Now having just a little knowledge in how these conventions are run with the lobbyists and deal makers doing their rounds I would hazard a guess that Lowy and his surroundoing cohorts,most of them experienced "political" smarts, had picked up information,or promises if you like, of a somewhat better result than that ,so confidence would have been at a high,perhaps higher than you or I ,with the help of hindsight ,could actually believe.after all 1 vote out of 22 is not awfully high,it is in fact 1 vote away from a total disaster especially in a goverment backed bid,where "playing fair" is a "schoolboy standard",for it was admitted gifts had been made to improve football in poorer nations, that appearing to be a satisfactory way to "do business".at that level.--------See Jack Warner. Re.the latter part of your comment, in recent times Sydney has put on one of the best Olympic Games ever ,and lets not forget ,the Games are the second biggest sporting event on the World's sporting calendar.!!!!!!!! Yes you are right ,with the benefit of hindsight over happenings in the last 6 months it probably was naive of Australia to mix it with the "big boys" as you call them, (,perhaps "bigger rogues" would be a better description) ,however lets not blame Lowy alone for that oversight. I would rather pose the question on those who prepared the way for our bid to take place. They completely and utterly misread the whole situation. ps I've reached old age but don't have lots of money or an ego.That happens to us all. Once again have a good Xmas jb
Pat Malone
Guest
Congrats, that must make you feel so good.
Yes man
Guest
We are still a chance, I reckon there will be a re vote. I'd rather another airline, qantas FF program is terrible
FIUL
Guest
My observation about possible USA hosting has nought to do with their war crimes in Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan & Syria but solely focuses on the fact that the majority of Fifa voted for Blatter. Hence the majority of the 209 voting members felt Blatter was the best option for their Federations. The US Justice Department has interfered & now those members who voted for Blatter would not be happy. In particular, Conmebol, Concacaf, CAF, OFC & AFC would be seething. And, I'm pretty sure a significant portion of Uefa is not happy with losing their President either. The USA hosted in 1994 and no country has been awarded hosting rights a 2 time within 1/2 a century of the 1st hosting, unless there have been extraordinary circumstances: - Mexico hosted 16 years after they hosted in 1970 because Colombia was awarded the 1986WC hosting but had to withdraw due to financial issues & Mexico was the only nation in that region ready to host - Germany hosted in 32 years after they hosed in 1974 .. but that was to celebrate the major geopolitical event that resulted in Germany being united after the fall of communism England, the home of football has only hosted 1 WC, nearly 1/2 century ago. USA will host another Fifa WC - my guess it will be around 2050.
Bee bee
Guest
I Try to be ethical and ride my bike to work nude. But the judge keeps putting me away. What a confusing world we live in.
Midfielder
Guest
P Some folk really dislike verging on hate Football...
spruce moose
Guest
Yeah, have to endorse that.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
You're right Punter. A new vote would be required, but I wouldn't put money on Australia winning it though should this occur. That's the gist of my point I guess. Have a Merry Christmas also buddy. Look forward to some more fiery debates in the New Year. :)
Punter
Guest
Sorry Pat, my apologies, it should have read, my bad. 'You also forgot biggest sport in the WORLD by far!!!!' Hope that clears it!!!!
Punter
Guest
Rick, sorry for some reason my original post is under moderation. But Merry Christmas. However the gist of my note, would be there would need to be a re-election.
pat malone
Guest
i can confirm i dont know this guy but you seem to know everyone and i am pretty sure you have a few alias. As for my belief there is no way we would get the world cup
Punter
Guest
Rick, Merry Xmas. Now if there was a election & someone was deemed to have won unfairly, you would have to have a re-election, you would not just give to the person who came 2nd because you don't know how those who voted the one who cheated would have voted. So my statement was pretty correct; “there was no 2nd choice in the WC bid, there was only 1 winner, no-one came 2nd” There was no comment like in the Miss Universe contest that said that if for whatever reason the winner can perform her duties the 1st runner would take over. Now I never said Australia would win, I just said there was no 2nd place. But wouldn't be wonderful to have the world cup in this great country. The biggest & best sporting event in the lucky country.