FIFA president Sepp Blatter has been urged to stand down next year by European football chiefs because of the damage to FIFA’s reputation from recent corruption allegations.
Dutch FA president Michael van Praag told Blatter, 78, he should not seek re-election in 2015.
FA chairman Greg Dyke said Blatter’s claim that allegations were racially motivated was “totally unacceptable”.
FIFA is investigating allegations around Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid.
Blatter met UEFA officials at the FIFA congress in Sao Paulo on Tuesday after winning support from the world governing body’s five other confederations.
Dyke said he told Blatter: “The allegations being made are nothing to do with racism; they are allegations about corruption.
“These allegations need to be properly investigated and properly answered.
“Mr Blatter, many of us are deeply troubled by your reaction to these allegations.
“It’s time for FIFA to stop attacking the messenger, and consider and understand the message.”
The FIFA president is said to have told delegates he still wished to stand for a fifth term in next year’s election.
But UEFA executive committee member Van Praag told Blatter it was time to end his reign.
“FIFA’s image has deteriorated because of everything that’s happened in recent years,” said Van Praag.
“Few people still take FIFA seriously and, however you look at it, Blatter is mainly responsible.
“People link FIFA to corruption and bribery and all kinds of old boy’s networks. You are not making things easy for yourself and I do not think you are the man for the job any longer.”
England’s UEFA vice-president David Gill also called for Blatter not to stand again.
The former Manchester United chief executive said: “The very fact in 2011 he was clear it was just for four years, that should have been the situation. To change his mind is disappointing.”
Asked whether he thought Blatter should step down next year, Gill added: “Personally, yes. I think we need to move on.”
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Blatter has tried so it will be advisible for him to humble himself and step down for another person to operate.
ReplyDeleteBlatter's behavior is totally unacceptable. Its simply time for him to step out for someone else to lead.
Delete