Blatter - the man who won�t give up, must give up
Mmegi Editor | Thursday May 28, 2015 14:14
He is seeking a fifth term to remain in charge of the multi-billion dollar sport, having been at the helm of FIFA since 1998. Up until yesterday’s arrest of some of his subordinates on corruption charges, Blatter was an overwhelming favourite to win a fifth term when delegates vote on Friday. FIFA has largely been viewed as allergic to change but the latest developments should induce seismic effects on FIFA and football in general.
Critics believe the ageing Blatter (79) should be enjoying his pension in the Swiss Alps rather than still stuck at FIFA offices in Zurich.
Question marks have always hung over FIFA, with concerns around swelling corruption. Blatter has done a lot for Africa, including Botswana where various development projects have been implemented.
Botswana has benefitted immensely from the FIFA Goal Project, which has seen the construction of Lekidi Centre together with an artificial turf.
The third phase of the project moves to Francistown as it ensures equitable growth of football. All thanks to the vision of the Swiss who is also credited with bringing the World Cup to Africa for the first time in 2010. But yesterday’s arrest of seven FIFA officials on corruption charges ahead of Friday’s elections, should force Blatter to reconsider his position.
He is not implicated in the latest scandal, but as the head of FIFA, it is a serious indictment on his leadership. Why does he want to remain at the helm of the world’s most popular sport? The buck stops with him after all. Corruption has emerged as a potential deal breaker and Blatter must, to save his remaining ounce of integrity, step down. He must acknowledge that corruption has thrived under his nose even if he might be clean. In summary, FIFA is rotten and action is non-negotiable.
Yesterday’s raid is likely to see skeletons tumble out of the closet and hopefully force Blatter to walk.
It is baffling how Blatter has remained squeaky clean amid years of his colleagues’ mud bath.
Although we give Blatter the benefit of the doubt, the image of the association has been severely battered. Yesterday, FIFA was quick to shield Blatter over the fresh allegations. But if FIFA and football is to emerge from the alleged rot with its integrity intact, Blatter must immediately stand down.
After all, there is nothing that he has not achieved which warrants his further presence in Zurich.
Botswana Football Association (BFA) president, Tebogo Sebego is already in Zurich to cast his vote.
Although his mind was already made up when he stepped onto the plane at Sir Seretse Khama airport, we urge him to re-consider if his choice was Blatter.
Yesterday’s development should be enough to force Sebego to re-think; give Blatter’s challenger, Jordan’s Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein a chance.
Growing up, Blatter is said to have been the playground king, one of the few to own a genuine football. But today, Blatter must be reminded that there are other playground kings who probably have better (foot) balls than him.
Today’s thought
“Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts...
perhaps the fear of a loss of power.”
John Steinbeck, American writer