Blatter Resigns – Sponsors and Sport Leaders React

June 4, 2015

By Christian Radnedge

FIFA sponsors and leaders in the sporting world have all been reacting to the shock news that Sepp Blatter is to step down as president of world football’s governing body.

The Swiss made his announcement in Zurich on Tuesday in a move that stunned the world – not least because he had only been re-elected for a fifth term in office four days previously at the FIFA congress.

Nevertheless, the crisis surrounding FIFA at the moment which includes a US Department of Justice investigation in which several senior officials at FIFA were detained last week and a new investigation into the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding processes by the Swiss police ultimately has convinced Blatter to stand down.

One of FIFA’s longest serving sponsors, Coca-Cola, released a statement saying: “We respect Mr. Blatter’s decision. The announcement today [Tuesday] is a positive step for the good of sport, football and its fans.

“Our expectation remains that FIFA will continue to act with urgency to take concrete actions to fully address all of the issues that have been raised and win back the trust of all who love the sport of football.

“We believe this decision will help FIFA transform itself rapidly into a much-needed 21st Century structure and institution.”

That last sentiment was echoed by fellow partners McDonald’s who said: “We’re hopeful that the changes being implemented within FIFA will be a big first step in positively reforming the organisation and gaining back trust from fans worldwide.”

Visa were one of the partners to initially raise concern about the indictment charge brought by the US. But in another statement, said it was encouraged “by the recognition by FIFA that extensive and fundamental reform is needed as reflected by the announcement that President Blatter is resigning”.

“This is a significant first step towards rebuilding public trust, but more work lies ahead,” it added.

“We repeat, however, that it is our expectation that FIFA will take swift and immediate steps towards addressing the issues within its organisation to quickly rebuild a culture with strong ethical practices that will restore the reputation of the games for fans around the world.”

‘Look to the future’

Blatter’s successor will be elected at an extraordinary FIFA congress, which will mostly likely take place from December to March of next year.

Jordan’s Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein who lost out to Blatter in last week’s election has suggested he is willing to stand again. He told CNN: “I think that it is the right move from Sepp Blatter, and I think we have to look to the future.”

Prince Ali added: “I have to talk to national associations and see how they feel about this, as it’s very early.

“But if they want me to do it, I will do it.

“I have to be careful about this. I don’t want to see FIFA going down the wrong path again.”

No stranger to dealing with a governance crisis is the International Olympic Committee. Its president Thomas Bach released a statement backing Blatter’s decision.

Bach said: “We highly respect this decision of President Blatter to step down and to initiate the necessary reforms – and to make way for a new leadership of FIFA to drive these changes.”

Meanwhile, UEFA president Michel Platini also praised Blatter for resigning – something which the Frenchman had unsuccessfully tried to persuade him to do on the eve of the FIFA congress last week.

“It was a difficult decision, a brave decision, and the right decision,” Platini said in a statement.

FIFA executive committee member and head of US Soccer Sunil Gulati expressed his thoughts in a statement also saying: “The announcement today [Tuesday] by President Blatter represents an exceptional and immediate opportunity for positive change within FIFA.

“I commend him for making a decision that puts FIFA and the sport we love above all other interests. This is the first of many steps towards real and meaningful reform within FIFA. Today is an occasion for optimism and belief for everyone who shares a passion for our game.”

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