FIFA President Sepp Blatter disassociates himself from the developing scandal – ‘I cannot monitor everyone all the time.’
World football’s governing body has been plunged into crisis this week, after a series of arrests of high-ranking officials on corruption charges.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter disassociates himself from the developing scandal – ‘I cannot monitor everyone all the time.’
World football’s governing body has been plunged into crisis this week, after a series of arrests of high-ranking officials on corruption charges.
The U.S. Justice Department has indicted several current and former FIFA officials on charges of bribery, racketeering and money laundering.
“You will agree with me, these are unprecedented and difficult times for Fifa,” Blatter said at the FIFA congress.
“The events of yesterday have cast a long shadow over football and over this week’s congress.
“Actions of individuals, if proven, bring shame and humiliation on football and demand action and change from us all.
“We cannot allow the reputation of football and Fifa to be dragged through the mud any longer. It has to stop here and now.
“I know many people hold me ultimately responsible for the actions and reputation of the global football community, whether it’s a decision for the hosting of the World Cup, or a corruption scandal.
“We, or I, cannot monitor everyone all of the time. If people want to do wrong, they will also try to hide it.
“But it must fall to me to bear the responsibility for the reputation and wellbeing of our organisation and to find a way forward to fix things.
“I will not allow the actions of a few to destroy the hard work and integrity of the vast majority of those who work so hard for football.
“I must stress that those who are corrupt in football are in a thin minority, like in society. But, like in society, they must be caught and held responsible for their actions.
“Football cannot be the exception to the rule. That is our responsibility as Fifa and we will co-operate with all authorities to make sure than anyone involved in wrongdoing, from top to bottom, is discovered and punished.
“There can be no place for corruption of any kind.
“The next few months will not be easy for Fifa. I’m sure more bad news may follow.
“Let this be the turning point. More needs to be done to make sure everyone in football to make sure everyone behaves responsibility and ethically, and everywhere also outside of the field of play, where there is no referee, no boundaries and no time limit.
“The vast majority, we are all in football and we like this game, not for greed, not for exploitation, not for power, but the cause of love for the game, for this game.”