Fifa Crisis Deepens as Emirates Joins Criticism

Strategic Insights -

The crisis at football's world governing body, Fifa, has deepened with the airline Emirates joining Coca-Cola and Adidas in expressing concerns over alleged corruption. Fifa's president, Sepp Blatter, is facing increasing pressure to step down after the suspension of four executives, including his original presidential rival, Mohamed Bin Hammam, for alleged bribery. The Football Association (FA) has called on Fifa to delay the reappointment of Blatter and launch an independent probe into the claims, while senior MPs are urging him to quit for the good of football.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fifa's president, Sepp Blatter, is facing growing criticism and pressure to step down after allegations of corruption and bribery surfaced.
  • A total of three major sponsors, Emirates, Coca-Cola, and Adidas, have expressed disappointment with the way Fifa has become embroiled in allegations of corruption.
  • The Football Association (FA) has called on Fifa to delay the reappointment of Blatter and launch an independent probe into the claims, which include allegations that the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups was rigged.
  • Four Fifa executives, including Mohamed Bin Hammam, have been suspended from their posts pending an investigation into alleged bribery.
  • The FA's chairman, David Bernstein, said the crisis has been "very damaging" for Fifa's reputation and that the organization needs to make major reforms.
  • Senior MPs, including John Whittingdale and Hugh Robertson, are urging Blatter to step down for the good of football.

Statistics:

  • 10,000 people are using Twitter and Facebook to follow the Change Fifa international campaign to reform Fifa.
  • The Football Association (FA) has abstained from voting for the Fifa president since former FA chairman Lord Triesman revealed that four Fifa members had asked for favours in return for supporting England's bid for the 2018 World Cup.

Sources:

  • "Emirates, like all football fans around the world, is disappointed with the issues that are currently surrounding the administration of the sport." - Emirates airline
  • "The crisis is not good for football nor for Fifa and its partners." - Adidas
  • "The claims are distressing and bad for the sport." - Coca-Cola
  • "Crisis? What is a crisis? Football is not in a crisis." - Sepp Blatter
  • "This has been a very damaging time for the reputation of Fifa and therefore the whole of football." - David Bernstein
  • "He appears to be living in a different world. He should stand down for the good of football." - John Whittingdale
  • "If Fifa does not start major reforms, England will seek to apply political pressure at European level." - Hugh Robertson
  • "We hope that these issues will be resolved as soon as possible and the outcome will be in the interest of the game and sport in general." - Emirates airline