Sepp Blatter Comments on FIFA Corruption Scandal, Future and More

Matt JonesFeatured ColumnistMay 28, 2015

Philipp Schmidli/Getty Images

FIFA President Sepp Blatter spoke out on Thursday about the corruption scandal that has engulfed world football’s governing body.

Seven members of FIFA were arrested on Wednesday in Zurich out of 14 from the organisation who were indicted by United States officials after a federal investigation, per BBC News.

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But Blatter remained defiant in his comments, insisting he is not culpable for the actions of some individuals, courtesy of Rob Harris of the Press Association:

Rob Harris @RobHarris
Blatter: "Actions of individuals bring shame and humiliation on football and demand action and change from us all"

Rob Harris @RobHarris
Blatter:"Many people hold me responsible..I can't monitor everyone all of the time. If ppl want to do wrong, they will also try to hide it"

The 79-year-old, who is expected to be elected as president for a fifth term following elections on Friday, also insisted that he won't let the wrongdoings of a few blemish the reputation of others:

Rob Harris @RobHarris
Blatter: "I will not allow the actions of a few to destroy the hard work and integrity of the vast majority who work so hard football"

However, Blatter did admit he expects more difficult days to come for FIFA, per Sky Sports News HQ:

Sky Sports News @SkySportsNews
Blatter: "The next few months will not be easy, I am sure more bad news will follow." #SSNHQ http://t.co/AziQehgzNy

When American officials, including FBI director James Comey and attorney general Loretta Lynch, addressed the media on Wednesday, they made it abundantly clear that this was the beginning of what could potentially be a lengthy process.

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Stephanie Clifford and Matt Apuzzo of the New York Times passed along comments from U.S. officials on the long-term implications of the investigation and Blatter's role in the proceedings:

American authorities were adamant that they were not finished. The indictment represented “the beginning of our effort, not the end,” said Kelly T. Currie, acting United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York. Neither he nor Ms. Lynch would comment on whether they were investigating Mr. Blatter. But one federal law enforcement official said Mr. Blatter’s fate would “depend on where the investigation goes from here.”

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It remains to be seen what tangible evidence will emerge on the back of these prosecutions, but it’s certain that those within the football world, including Blatter himself, will have their focus intensely trained on future proceedings.