In a few days in May, the whole world’s eyes on the FIFA Congress in Zurich. First there was the arrest of several FIFA peaks of the Swiss and US law enforcement. Then there was the presidential election where Blatter was re-elected as FIFA president. Prior had the European countries pushed hard for tilting Blatter of the throne, led by UEFA president and former friend Blatter Michel Platini.
Then, four days later announced Blatter that he will resign as FIFA- president. Switzerland’s time as head of the organization is over in March 2016.
– The growing pressure on me and FIFA gave me no choice, says Blatter in a large interview with Dutch Volkskrant. Speculation that something big happened in the days between election and Blatter announced his resignation, he does not want to say anything about … this time.
– I will not go into that. It’s done. One day I will reveal such things.
– When?
– When I am no longer president of FIFA, responds Blatter.
Burst into tears
But Blatter was more open about other topics. Such as Michel Platini, UEFA and the pressure before the presidential election. Blatter talks about the good relationship between Platini and themselves until the Frenchman was elected chairman of the UEFA in 2007, with Blatter’s help. But then turned it in 2008.
Blatter kept by including the opening ceremony at the European Championships in Switzerland in 2008 where he was located a good distance away both Platini and the host nation’s president. Blatter was placed seven to eight places away from the center.
– FIFA president was disregarded. Simply disregarded, he said.
– He has changed, not me, he adds about Platini.
And the old friendship was at a new low point in May. Blatter confirmed that his family, who were present to support the hard-pressed president, was threatened by Platini before the presidential election. His 80 year old brother was so shaken by it all that he had to take into tears.
– I met him for lunch in Congress. I could see he had been crying, so I asked him “what happens?”. And I said ‘Do not be sad. I’m going to win it here. I do not know how many votes, but I will win this election. There is no chance that I lose against the price. ” He said not a word, says FIFA president.
First, after the election, Blatter had learned what had happened.
– During the lunch had Platini sat down at the table to my brother and said, “Pray Sepp withdraw from the election. Otherwise, he finds himself in prison. “
– Has this situation something with your decision to resign?
– No. , no. I did not know about this until after it. I did not give up my mandate due to pressure from Platini, stressing cross country.
READ ALSO: Platini was Blatter’s apprentice and voted for Qatar. Can this man really afraid FIFA?
– Something is definitely wrong
There are indications that it is precisely Platini who succeeds Blatter. The Frenchman has spearheaded to get Blatter from the helm of FIFA and received much praise for it. But many warn against believing that Platini is the man to change FIFA’s reputation and credibility.
Platini voted in favor of Qatar as the host nation for the World Cup 2022, allegedly after a dinner with France’s then President Sarkozy and the Crown award in Qatar. Platini son also got a lucrative job in Qatar.
– Is Platini right man to reform FIFA and improve the organization’s reputation?
– I can not comment on it. You should comment on it. You are a burrowing journalist who wants to know the truth, says Blatter Volkskrant reporter, and continues:
– Everyone is curious about what has happened. But there is something wrong, so much is certain. There is definitely something wrong, says FIFA president.
The Swiss strongly doubt that any could carry out the major changes in FIFA which many hope a new president can do.
– The new president can not change FIFA. When I started in 1998 we were 34 pieces that worked for FIFA. Now there are over 400. We have contracts with binding until 2028. No newcomer can ever change that. He may replace a few people in the organization, but it’s like in a football club. You can replace Ajax’s technical director or coach, but you can not send all the players home, says Blatter.
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