FIFA President Sepp Blatter addressed the dark cloud of corruption that hangs over the world's governing soccer body on Thursday at a ceremony in Zurich.
Blatter, who is running for his fifth term as president of the organization, took the stage after a procession of flag bearers during the Opening Ceremony of the 65th FIFA Congress and immediately addressed the elephant in the room.
"You will agree with me these are unprecedented and difficult times for FIFA," said Blatter. "The events of yesterday have cast a long shadow over football and over this week’s congress."
"You will agree with me these are unprecedented and difficult times for #FIFA" says Blatter https://t.co/edrLde9QPB pic.twitter.com/JJnlyCCJYY— Mashable News (@MashableNews) May 28, 2015
Fourteen people tied to the FIFA organization were charged with corruption on Wednesday and seven current and former officials were arrested in a sweep at a Zurich hotel ahead of the annual meeting. Swiss prosecutors opened criminal proceedings into FIFA's awarding of the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 tournament to Qatar, and the Department of Justice unveiled a long list of charges.
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Blatter acknowledged the personal criticism he has faced over the scandal saying, "I know many people hold me ultimately responsible." He noted, "There can be no place for corruption of any kind." He also alluded to the fact that more information may come to light in the coming days.
"We will cooperate with all authorities to make sure anyone involved in wrong doing, from top to bottom, is discovered and punished," said Blatter. "The next few months will not be easy for FIFA. I am sure more bad news will follow, but it is necessary to begin to restore trust in our organization."
FIFA President Sepp Blatter on corruption scandal: "The next few months will not be easy for FIFA." pic.twitter.com/QGdx7KgD94— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) May 28, 2015
But Blatter said despite the revelations, he would now allow the "actions of a few" to "destroy the hard work and integrity" of the organization as a whole. He also distanced himself from the corruption scandal, pinning the charges on the "actions of individuals" who "have brought shame and humiliation on football."
"We, or I, cannot monitor everyone all of the time. If people want to do wrong, they will also try to hide it," said Blatter.