Sepp Blatter: FIFA crisis has brought shame and humiliation to football - but I'm not responsibl
- Emmanuel Blankson Asmah
- May 28, 2015
- 2 min read
Sepp Blatter: FIFA crisis has brought shame and humiliation to football - but I'm not responsible
Published: 28 May 2015
Sepp Blatter has spoken publicly for the first time since the raids on FIFA yesterday morning.
Fourteen officials were arrested by the Swiss authorities and FBI over claims of 'rampant, systemic and deep-rooted' corruption.
Blatter has admitted that FIFA are in 'unprecedented and difficult' times, but insists he is not responsible for the situation.
He said: "You will agree with me that these are unprecedented and difficult times for FIFA. The events of yesterday have cast a long shadow over football and over this congress.
"Actions of individuals have proven to 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.
"I know many people hold me responsible. I cannot monitor everyone all the time. If people want to do wrong, they will also try to hide it."
Despite claiming he is not involved in any alleged wrongdoing, the Swiss says he is 'sure' that more bad news will follow.
However, he insists that those who are corrupt within the organisation and within the sport are in a 'minority', and that he is the man to begin rebuilding trust, starting after tomorrow's presidential election.
He added: "The next few months will not be easy. I am sure more bad news will follow.
"Those who are corrupt in football are in a minority, like in society and must be held responsible for their actions. Football cannot be the exception to the rule. There can be no place for corruption of any kind.
"We must respond tomorrow, we have the opportunity to begin the long and difficult road to rebuilding trust. We have lost the trust and we must now earn it back.
"It must fall to me for the responsibility for organisation and find a way to fix things. Solidarity and unity is asked for the game, for the world, for peace. Thank you."
There are no signs of tomorrow's election being postponed in the midst of the crisis, but UEFA chief Michel Platini revealed earlier today he had asked for Blatter to resign.
Comments