In a stunning about-face, FIFA President Sepp Blatter announced today that he would resign from soccer’s governing body amid a widening corruption scandal.
The 79-year old Blatter was re-elected to a fifth term only last Friday, two days after FIFA, the International Federation of Football, was thrown into turmoil when seven soccer officials were arrested.
The officials are facing two ongoing investigations of corruption and bribery by the United States and the Swiss Government.
Here’s a portion of the text of statement by Sepp Bladder announcing that he would step down as FIFA President:
"I have been reflecting deeply about my presidency and about the 40 years in which my life has been inextricably bound to FIFA and the great sport of football. I cherish FIFA more than anything and I want to do only what is best for FIFA and for football. I felt compelled to stand for re-election, as I believed that this was the best thing for the organization. That election is over but FIFA’s challenges are not. FIFA needs a profound overhaul. While I have a mandate from the membership of FIFA, I do not feel that I have a mandate from the entire world of football- the fans, the players, the clubs, the people who live, breathe and love football as much as we all do at FIFA. Therefore, I have decided to lay down my mandate at an extraordinary elective Congress."
Prior to Blatter’s announcement, WGBH Morning Edition host Bob Seay on Monday interviewed Journalist Brian Willett, who covers FIFA extensively for The Federalist publication and The Transom. The two discussed the scandal and Blatter’s recent re-election and what lies ahead for FIFA in light of the scandal.
To listen to the entire interview, click on the audio file above.
