Football Association Abstains in FIFA Presidency Vote

Strategic Insights -

The Football Association (FA) has decided to abstain in the FIFA presidency vote, citing the recent corruption scandals and controversies surrounding the World Cup vote. The 12-member board voted 9-3 not to back either President Sepp Blatter for a fourth term or Qatari challenger Mohamed Bin Hammam. FA chairman David Bernstein emphasized that the board could not support either candidate due to the recent events in Zurich and the criticism surrounding Qatar's 2022 World Cup bid.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FA board voted 9-3 to abstain in the FIFA presidency vote, with three Barclays Premier League representatives voting to back Bin Hammam.
  • FA chairman David Bernstein stated that the board could not support either candidate due to recent events in Zurich and the criticism surrounding Qatar's 2022 World Cup bid.
  • The FA's decision to abstain came on the same day that a survey of the organisation's workforce criticized a lack of leadership.
  • Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards, who was keen to vote for Bin Hammam rather than abstain, was not enough to sway the vote.
  • The whistleblower from within the Qatar 2022 bid team, who made allegations about Hayatou and Anouma paying $1.5million for their 2022 World Cup vote, has agreed to be interviewed by FIFA in Zurich.
  • The FA values its relationships with its international football partners and is determined to play an active and influential role through its representation within UEFA and FIFA.

Statistics:

  • 9-3: The margin by which the FA board voted to abstain in the FIFA presidency vote.
  • 12: The number of members on the FA board that voted on the FIFA presidency.
  • 4: The number of terms Sepp Blatter is seeking for the FIFA presidency.
  • $1.5million: The amount allegedly paid to FIFA Executive Committee members Issa Hayatou and Jacques Anouma for their 2022 World Cup vote.

Sources:

  • The Daily Mail (Charles Sale article, date not specified)
  • The Sunday Times (allegations about Hayatou and Anouma, date not specified)
  • House of Commons (select committee inquiry, date not specified)
  • FIFA (World Cup vote debacle and corruption scandals, date not specified)