Over the past week, FIFA has been involved in scandal. That's right. Scandal. Just on the eve of the Women's World Cup, to kick off Saturday afternoon with the first match at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton.
First, the arrest of FIFA personnel, including vice president Jeffrey Webb, who is the president of CONCACAF. CONCACAF is one of six confederations of football in the world, and serves North America, Central America and the Caribbean. US Soccer is among the participating federations, as well as Canada. This comes after an investigation over money laundering and bribery. In response, CONCACAF, as well as two other confederations--COMNEBOL and UEFA--made statements regarding those arrests.
Second, the election of FIFA President. Joseph Blatter (pictured) has been the president for over a decade of FIFA. With no one to challenge, Blatter was unanimously elected. And today, Blatter resigned despite the investigation, which is the right thing. We knew he might be a part of this. We know that as a result, sponsors might lose interest with the governing body. Yes, the likes of Coke, AB InBev, Kia, Hyundai, Sony, McDonalds, and more.
Finally, the vacancy. Whoever is FIFA president in the long term, please maintain from bribery for good. At 78, Blatter's move is a good one because who knows? He might die in office. Time for someone fresh who know what football is all about. That's my two cents.
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