FIFA President Sepp Blatter Resigns Amid $100m Scandal

Strategic Insights -

FIFA's governing body has been rocked by a corruption scandal involving a $10m bribe, leading to the sudden resignation of President Sepp Blatter after 17 years in charge. Blatter's surprise departure came just four days after he was re-elected, and UEFA President Michel Platini is now the bookies' favourite to replace him. The scandal centres on an alleged $10m bribe paid to former vice-president Jack Warner and his deputy Chuck Blazer in exchange for voting for the 2010 World Cup to be played in South Africa.

Key Takeaways:

  • FIFA President Sepp Blatter resigned after 17 years in charge, citing a "smoking gun" in the investigation into FIFA's corruption scandal.
  • The scandal centres on an alleged $10m bribe paid to former vice-president Jack Warner and his deputy Chuck Blazer in exchange for voting for the 2010 World Cup to be played in South Africa.
  • UEFA President Michel Platini is now the bookies' favourite to replace Blatter as FIFA President.
  • The investigation is being led by the FBI, which is also looking into alleged bribery and corruption involving FIFA officials.
  • Former Manchester United chief executive David Gill and Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein have both announced they will stand for the position of FIFA President.
  • Football Association chairman Greg Dyke welcomed Blatter's resignation, saying it is a "brilliant news for world football" and that the new president must make FIFA "transparent."

Statistics:

  • $10m: the alleged bribe paid to former vice-president Jack Warner and his deputy Chuck Blazer.
  • 17 years: the length of time Sepp Blatter served as FIFA President.
  • 4 days: the time between Blatter's re-election and his resignation.
  • 2018: the year Russia is host the World Cup, with the investigation into corruption by FIFA officials potentially risking the country's hosting rights.
  • 2022: the year Qatar is host the World Cup, with the investigation into corruption by FIFA officials potentially risking the country's hosting rights.

Sources:

  • The Daily Mail, "FIFA President Sepp Blatter resigns amid $100m corruption scandal", 8th June 2015.
  • The Guardian, "Sepp Blatter quits as FIFA president", 8th June 2015.
  • BBC News, "Blatter resigns as FIFA president", 8th June 2015.
  • The Independent, "FIFA President Sepp Blatter resigns after 17 years", 8th June 2015.