Sebego says FIFA events unfortunate
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday October 9, 2015 11:59
“It is very unfortunate. It is not good for the image of football and will take time for football to recover,” Sebego said yesterday.
Valcke had already been put on leave by FIFA. A statement from FIFA says the duration of the bans may be extended for an additional period not exceeding 45 days. The statement also reveals that former FIFA vice president, Chung Mong-joon has been banned for six years. During this time, the affected individuals are banned from all football activities at national and international levels.
The governing body has been rocked by corruption scandal since the beginning of the year that saw Blatter voluntarily step down as the president after being voted again this year. Blatter’s rein as the head of FIFA was to come to an end early next year. Platini on the other hand was seen as the front-runner for the position after declaring his interest to run. The suspension now leaves Platini’s candidature in jeopardy.
By yesterday, Sebego said they could only make an informed decision after they have been furnished with official information and reasons for the Blatter and Platini’s suspensions. He, however, admitted that what football is going through at the moment is painful and dents the image of the sport. He said for now as the association, they cannot make a decision as to who to rally behind for the vacant position of the presidency since they do not know who the candidates are. “What I know is that the elections will be held on February 26 next year and we are yet to know who the candidates are. Only then can we make an assessment of who we will rally behind,” he said.
Sebego, in his personal capacity had seemed to throw his weight behind Platini, suggesting that the association might rally behind the Frenchman. However, the latest developments have added a confusing dimension.