Earlier this month, we told you about the BBC and Sky TV offer to hold a televised debate among FIFA president Sepp Blatter and the three men who are challenging him for that position.
Had Blatter accepted the idea, the debate could have taken place at London’s Wembley Stadium, but instead, the man who has already served four terms as FIFA’s Fearless Leader elected to continue hiding under his desk.
Blatter has served as FIFA president dating back to 1998 and has overseen four men’s and four women’s World Cups. And his administration has been strife with controversy in particular accusations of corruption over selections of Russia and Qatar for the 2018 and 2022 men’s World Cups, plus, his attitude towards women has been well-documented.
It would have been interesting to see Blatter debate the men who want to replace him, but we won’t have the chance to see it now. The election for FIFA president is scheduled for May 29 in Zurich, Switzerland.
Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan, Michael van Praag of the Netherlands and Luis Figo of Portugal are all vying to succeed Blatter who has been with FIFA in various positions since 1975.
The 79 year old Blatter has ignored calls for his resignation and has lashed out at critics while continuing to run FIFA with an iron fist. We’ll see on May 29 if he has worn out his welcome or has enough support to solidify his power base on top of the world soccer governing body.
In the meantime, Blatter will remain on top of the organization and run FIFA as he sees fit.
