OUTGOING FIFA PRESIDENT today confirmed the date for the next election at football’s governing body and confirmed he would not be standing again.
Blatter resigned the position he has held through four re-elections since 1998 under a hail of criticism after seven Fifa officials were arrested on corruption charges during May’s general congress.
“On 26 February, Fifa will have a new president,” Blatter said in a press conference where he was continually asked if he would stand for another re-election almost nine months on from his resignation.
Blatter’s announcement was delayed due to a publicity stunt from an English comedian who threw money in the air over Blatter. The 70-year-old returned to the room and offered the quip: ”I just called my late mother and she said: ‘Don’t worry, it’s just a lack of education.”
In addition, Fifa’s executive committee released a statement after a meeting today stating that they would impose more stringent checks and term limits on members and officials respectively. These measures will also be put to the special congress on 26 February.
“The reform topics proposed include enhanced centralised integrity checks for executive committee members, the introduction of term limits, higher standards of governance at all levels of football structures including confederations and member associations as well as individual disclosure of compensation.”
Additional reporting - © AFP, 2015
