Sepp Blatter, FIFA React to Corruption Investigation

FIFA have responded to the arrests of several high-ranking members on charges of corruption and bribery by banning a number of individuals from carrying out any football-related activities, while president Sepp Blatter released a statement welcoming the investigation.

On Wednesday, Swiss authorities detained a number of FIFA officials, and as reported by the New York Times (via ESPN FC, h/t SportsCenter), there are plans to extradite the individuals to the United States, where they will face federal charges:

FIFA officials have gathered in Switzerland for a conference on Friday, where the organisation will hold presidential elections. Blatter is widely expected to receive a fifth term.

The organisation responded swiftly to the investigation, banning a total of 11 members from carrying out all football-related activities, per its official website:

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On the basis of investigations carried out by the investigatory chamber of the Ethics Committee and the latest facts presented by the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the chairman of the adjudicatory chamber of the Ethics Committee, Hans-Joachim Eckert, today banned provisionally 11 individuals from carrying out any football-related activities on a national and international level.

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Among those banned are vice presidents Jeffrey Webb and Eugenio Figueredo, who were both arrested on Wednesday.

Blatter also commented on the arrests and the ongoing investigation, per FIFA's official website:

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This is a difficult time for football, the fans and for FIFA as an organisation. We understand the disappointment that many have expressed and I know that the events of today will impact the way in which many people view us.

As unfortunate as these events are, it should be clear that we welcome the actions and the investigations by the US and Swiss authorities and believe that it will help to reinforce measures that FIFA has already taken to root out any wrongdoing in football.

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He went on to claim the arrests came as a result of a dossier FIFA handed over to Swiss authorities and are effectively a result of a process set in motion by the organisation itself.

At the time of writing, Blatter was not among those charged following a lengthy investigation by the FBI, and while some believe this may be the first step toward the eventual departure of the longtime president, others are less optimistic.

ESPN's Jeremy Schaap is sure he will be re-elected this Friday, despite the events that unfolded on Wednesday:

As reported by the New York Times (via ESPN FC), U.S. attorney Kelly T. Currie has already made it clear the investigation is far from over. Per Sky Sports, all signs point to even more action in the foreseeable future:

We'll find out soon enough whether Friday's presidential elections will take place as planned―UEFA have called for a postponement, per CNN Breaking News―and whether the arrests will have any impact on the direction FIFA will take.

In all likelihood, Blatter will be allowed to continue as president, but he'll be under closer scrutiny than ever before.