Blatter’s shock resignation signals the beginning of FIFA’s long road back to credibility. The journey will not be smooth and the destination is far from assured.
Money talks in FIFA. This was again the case as Sepp Blatter surprisingly announced his resignation only days after being overwhelming re-elected as FIFA president.
It is difficult to know exactly what compelled Blatter to resign, but the final push probably came from concerned sponsors, including Visa and Coca-Cola. They began openly questioning their lucrative agreements with the world body following a seemingly endless cascade of corruption allegations, cover-ups and finally criminal charges.
Enough was enough and either the big money and big brands had to leave or it was Sepp. And so Blatter did what his critics had been calling on him to do for years and for many would have been the only course of action following last Wednesday’s arrests at the Baur au Lac Hotel in Switzerland.
Despite his vigorous denials and pledges to personally oversee the reformation of the organisation, the enormity of the task at hand must have finally dawned on Blatter.
Blatter’s surprisingly noble decision presents FIFA with a golden opportunity to clean up its act. But this is no certainty. Keep in mind that as recently as last Friday, FIFA officials voted overwhelmingly in favour of the status quo.
Changing the culture at FIFA will be more difficult than ousting Blatter. His resignation is just the first step in the long road back to credibility. That road back is also going to be much bumpier than a lot of people think.
At this stage there is no clear-cut replacement for Blatter. Elections will be held later this year or early next year to determine the new president but it cannot be overstated that the election process itself contributed to the culture of corruption as much as Blatter did personally.
A system whereby each member state gets one vote, giving tiny Oceania with 14 member states more voting power than the mighty South American federation CONMEBOL with only 10 states that boast nine World Cup triumphs between them. This system gives tiny Andorra the same voting power as Germany, Monserrat as the United States.
To really change FIFA, two key things are truly required. Firstly, the corrupt culture of officials personally handling funds allocated to their associations has to end. Such a practice should be inconceivable in any 21st century business. To suggest that it leads to corruption is stating the obvious. Any serious reform candidate will have to radically overhaul the transparency and accountability of all FIFA member states and officials.
Secondly, FIFA’s constitution and voting practices must be amended. Strict term limits on presidents and officials would be one straightforward way of limiting the rampant cronyism that pervades FIFA today. Changing the voting system could be more difficult. Blatter was able to secure power for as long as he did via unwavering support from smaller member states. Blatter was generous in his allocations to many small associations and their support never faulted. But this system of direct democracy in FIFA’s congress is wide open to abuse. We have seen this time and again over the past 20 years.
Blatter’s departure leaves an enormous power vacuum at the most powerful sporting institution on the planet. All candidates seeking the throne will claim a reformist agenda. Some will be sincere, others unfortunately will not. The list of potential candidates will be long but a few are worth mentioning.
Prince Ali bin Hussein of Jordan was the only candidate willing to run against Blatter in last Friday’s election. Prince Ali ultimately lost 133-73 but drew enough support to take the ballot into a second round. With Blatter out of the picture and potentially greater support from his native AFC, Ali represents an early front-runner for the presidency.
KNVB chairman Michael van Praag announced his candidacy in the last election only to later withdraw. The Dutchman may emerge as another prominent candidate. His decision to run could undermine the UEFA bloc that supported Prince Ali into the second round of Friday’s election.
The situation is further obscured by the intentions of UEFA president Michel Platini, who may throw his hat into the ring. Platini and UEFA’s startling withdrawal of support for FIFA was a strong factor in Blatter’s decision to step down. If Platini runs he should command the full support of the powerful UEFA.
Finally, former Manchester United CEO and FA vice-chairman David Gill is an interesting candidate with the integrity to set FIFA on the right path. Gill was FIFA’s vice-president from the UK before resigning his post in protest following Blatter’s electoral victory. Gill is a successful football administrator in his own right as well as a FIFA outsider who would come in with an untainted record and clear mandate for change.
Whoever fills the vacuum left by Blatter has a monumental task on their hands repairing FIFA’s tattered reputation. With an ongoing FBI investigation that will haunt the organisation for years and upcoming World Cups in Russia and Qatar that continue to draw headlines for all the wrong reasons, FIFA’s next president will have their work cut out.
But this is a priceless opportunity for change and one that is not guaranteed to be taken. Blatter’s resignation was just the first step. Now the real battle for the future of FIFA has begun.
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