FIFA: What happens now with Sepp Blatter set to step down?
Wednesday 3 June 2015 11:04, UK
By Bryan Swanson, Chief News Reporter, Sky Sports News HQ
Sepp Blatter remains FIFA president for now but the countdown begins to elect his successor.
The timing of Blatter’s resignation prompted shock and disbelief from many senior figures in the game, stunned by his statement just four days after a triumphant re-election.
UEFA president Michel Platini sat surprised as he watched Blatter’s statement on television.
Sources close to Platini say he has yet to decide whether to run for FIFA presidency, after publicly pledging further loyalty to UEFA but privately conceding he would not win the majority of votes in the last election.
Last week’s defeated candidate, Prince Ali of Jordan, will stand again and we can expect no shortage of candidates for the most powerful position in world football.
Expect the odd bookmaker-endorsed campaign too.
The 36% of associations who wanted change will receive a second chance, with a new president in place possibly as early as Christmas
FIFA vice-president David Gill, who refused to work under Blatter, says he is now, “More than willing to play my part in helping to bring about a positive future for FIFA.”
Gill is not expected to express any interest in becoming FIFA president.
Blatter only remained in power after the last election because of his popularity outside Europe.
UEFA members have just 25% of worldwide votes, and attention turns to the Blatter-backed continent of Africa and his Asia stronghold, in particular, to find out whether those confederations will support any particular candidate.
Africa and Asia make up a combined bloc vote of nearly 50%, so their support is crucial.
Under FIFA rules, a four-month notice is required for any presidential elections to be held.
FIFA must also consider time to vet candidates, so an election is expected to take place between December and March.
Domenico Scala is FIFA’s top compliance official, and he has been appointed to oversee a smooth transition of power.
A new FIFA president can only be voted on by FIFA’s 209 associations.
More long-term, Scala says there must be “fundamental changes to the way in which this organisation is structured.”
Significantly he says, “Nothing will be off the table.”
There will be a review of the structure of FIFA’s top committee, and the way in which senior officials are elected.
64% of world football voted to keep Blatter in power last Friday.
But the 36% of associations who wanted change will receive a second chance, with a new president in place possibly as early as Christmas.
