Editorial: FIFA After Blatter

The announcement of Sepp Blatter’s resignation as the head of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) came as a surprise only in its timing – a week after being reelected. The bribery scandal affecting the organization is drawing closer to Blatter, making it difficult for him to remain at the helm of FIFA.
One aspect of the U.S. criminal investigation revolves around a $10-million transfer from the organizers of the 2010 World Cup South Africa to a CONCACAF leader which, according to the Justice Department, was a bribe in exchange for support for the nomination. Now it is known that FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke knew about the payment. And Valcke is the closest you can get to Blatter.
It was clear that Blatter had a tough task ahead to restore the FIFA image for sponsors and associates. Very few people really believed that Blatter did not know about the alleged wrongdoing. Accusing the United States of being against him did not help matters.
This now opens an opportunity for a new leadership able to hold the reins of world soccer. There will be an intense competition to lead an organization that in 2014 had revenues of $1,9 billion, $141 millions in profits, and has a cash reserve of $1,52 billion.
Many economic and sports interests are in play. FIFA is integrated by 209 federations with very different realities and visions. For example, European clubs are concerned by the big number of FIFA dates in which they have to lend their players, for whom they paid millions of dollars, to their respective national teams. Other federations’ worries concern issues that would help improve their game and infrastructure.
There will be no shortage of candidates to succeed Blatter. Ideally, changes will be made between now and the next election due for the end of the year or early 2016; for example, setting term limits for elected officers. This is one of many steps that would help bring transparency, as it would prevent corruption from taking root within the organization. This might be very helpful for FIFA after Blatter.