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| Fifa: under-fire Sepp Blatter makes opening ceremony speech – live | Fifa: under-fire Sepp Blatter makes opening ceremony speech – live |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 4.53pm BST16:53 | |
| Zurich official tells Congress: "FIFA does a good job ... we should be grateful of that despite the actions of US & Swiss legal authorities" | |
| 4.52pm BST16:52 | |
| Blatter and Fifa are now (unsurprisingly) receiving support from their city. “Let me be clear – the city of Zurich is glad to be Fifa’s partner,” said Filippo Leutenegger, a member of the city council. | |
| 4.44pm BST16:44 | |
| This is one of the more restrained moments: | |
| 4.39pm BST16:39 | |
| For a long time there’s been something almost Orwellian about Fifa. And this opening ceremony is doing little to change that sense. It’s An Entertainment. We’ve just had some yodelling. Now there’s a group of folk in traditional Swiss dress dancing in a huddle. You can follow the live stream of this bizarre spectacle here. | |
| 4.35pm BST16:35 | |
| Sound familiar? “We are going to put Fifa’s ship back on the right course, in clear, transparent waters. We will need some time, we cannot do it from one day to the next, but our pyramid is intact because the foundation is solid, just as solid as our game.” | |
| Nope, not something Blatter said today, but something he said following his re-election as president in 2011. | |
| 4.28pm BST16:28 | |
| We’ll have the full text of Blatter’s speech as soon as possible. Suffice to say, there was nothing you haven’t heard before from the Fifa president. There was an emphasis on the allegations and arrests focussing on “a minority of individuals” and a promise to clean up and rebuild trust. But that’s a refrain that we became very familiar with the last time Blatter was seeking re-election. | |
| 4.25pm BST16:25 | |
| Same old Blatter. Says he is the man to reform Fifa and rebuild trust. You've been there 40 years man. | |
| 4.25pm BST16:25 | |
| A few more lines from earlier: “Many people hold me responsible … I can’t monitor everyone all of the time.” | |
| “We will co-operate with all authorities to make sure all involved in wrongdoing is discovered and punished.” | |
| “I will not allow the actions of a few to destroy the actions of those who work so hard for football.” | |
| 4.23pm BST16:23 | |
| And that’s about that. Sepp has moved on to praising the dancers and artists who are about to perform at the opening ceremony. | |
| 4.22pm BST16:22 | |
| “Tomorrow, the congress, we have the opportunity to begin on the long and difficult road to rebuilding trust. We must earn it back through the decisions we make, the expectations we place on each other and the way we behave individually.” | |
| 4.21pm BST16:21 | |
| “The next few months will not be easy for Fifa. I’m sure more bad news may follow. But it is necessary to begin to restore trust in our organisation. Let this be the turning point.” | |
| 4.20pm BST16:20 | |
| “I must stress that those who are corrupt in football are in a minority, as in society. But as in society they must be caught.” | |
| 4.19pm BST16:19 | 4.19pm BST16:19 |
| Blatter: “These are unprecedented and difficult times for Fifa. The events of yesterday have cast a long shadow over football and over this week’s congress. Actions of individuals, if proven, bring shame and humiliation on football and demand action and change from us all. We can not allow the reputation of Fifa to be dragged through the mud any longer.” | Blatter: “These are unprecedented and difficult times for Fifa. The events of yesterday have cast a long shadow over football and over this week’s congress. Actions of individuals, if proven, bring shame and humiliation on football and demand action and change from us all. We can not allow the reputation of Fifa to be dragged through the mud any longer.” |
| 4.16pm BST16:16 | 4.16pm BST16:16 |
| Sepp Blatter is beginning his opening ceremony speech. | Sepp Blatter is beginning his opening ceremony speech. |
| 4.13pm BST16:13 | 4.13pm BST16:13 |
| Summary | Summary |
| You can catch up with all the latest on Fifa here. | You can catch up with all the latest on Fifa here. |
| Updated at 4.14pm BST | Updated at 4.14pm BST |
| 3.53pm BST15:53 | 3.53pm BST15:53 |
| 3.50pm BST15:50 | 3.50pm BST15:50 |
| 3.47pm BST15:47 | 3.47pm BST15:47 |
| Sepp is in the building. https://t.co/OQunYgM0xt | Sepp is in the building. https://t.co/OQunYgM0xt |
| @SeppBlatter arrives at FIFA Congress. Doesn't not respond when asked why he has not resigned | @SeppBlatter arrives at FIFA Congress. Doesn't not respond when asked why he has not resigned |
| 3.44pm BST15:44 | 3.44pm BST15:44 |
| Sepp Blatter has arrived for the opening of the 65th Fifa congress in Zurich. The world’s press are kept well back as a relaxed Blatter puts on his jacket and takes to the red carpet, saying nothing. | Sepp Blatter has arrived for the opening of the 65th Fifa congress in Zurich. The world’s press are kept well back as a relaxed Blatter puts on his jacket and takes to the red carpet, saying nothing. |
| Updated at 3.46pm BST | Updated at 3.46pm BST |
| 3.34pm BST15:34 | 3.34pm BST15:34 |
| 3.21pm BST15:21 | 3.21pm BST15:21 |
| David Gill said today that he will step down from Fifa’s executive committee if Sepp Blatter wins Friday’s presidential election. Speaking on Sky News this afternoon, Gill said: | David Gill said today that he will step down from Fifa’s executive committee if Sepp Blatter wins Friday’s presidential election. Speaking on Sky News this afternoon, Gill said: |
| I was delighted when Uefa voted me in. What’s changed my mind? Seismic events yesterday. Joining [Fifa] would be futile and that would not be right for me. I can categorically state that in Prince Ali we have a candidate. It would be a new Fifa. | I was delighted when Uefa voted me in. What’s changed my mind? Seismic events yesterday. Joining [Fifa] would be futile and that would not be right for me. I can categorically state that in Prince Ali we have a candidate. It would be a new Fifa. |
| There’s no way the president, who has worked for Fifa for many many years, can ignore [corruption allegations]. He has to move on. If I was in that situation i would. I can’t see how that cannot be the right decision. | There’s no way the president, who has worked for Fifa for many many years, can ignore [corruption allegations]. He has to move on. If I was in that situation i would. I can’t see how that cannot be the right decision. |
| For president Blatter not to resign based on what happened yesterday is indicative of the problem. He disagrees and that’s his prerogative. | For president Blatter not to resign based on what happened yesterday is indicative of the problem. He disagrees and that’s his prerogative. |
| Does Gill not think he can bring change from inside Fifa? | Does Gill not think he can bring change from inside Fifa? |
| No, when I went for it, I thought that would be the case. Uefa have 8 votes, roughly a third. That is a good platform could effect that change. Things will not change until there is a new leader of football and world football is crying out for it. | No, when I went for it, I thought that would be the case. Uefa have 8 votes, roughly a third. That is a good platform could effect that change. Things will not change until there is a new leader of football and world football is crying out for it. |
| He refused to speculate on whether Uefa would encourage a boycott of the 2018 World Cup. | He refused to speculate on whether Uefa would encourage a boycott of the 2018 World Cup. |
| Updated at 3.26pm BST | Updated at 3.26pm BST |
| 3.12pm BST15:12 | 3.12pm BST15:12 |
| So after crisis meetings at Fifa HQ, and a personal plea from the Uefa president Michel Platini, Sepp Blatter has resisted calls to step down. Uefa will back his challenger, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein. Here’s the latest from our reporters in Zurich and London: | So after crisis meetings at Fifa HQ, and a personal plea from the Uefa president Michel Platini, Sepp Blatter has resisted calls to step down. Uefa will back his challenger, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein. Here’s the latest from our reporters in Zurich and London: |
| Fifa president Sepp Blatter is to press ahead with his bid for a fifth term at the head of football’s scandal-hit world governing body, rebuffing a personal plea for him to quit from the head of the game in Europe. | Fifa president Sepp Blatter is to press ahead with his bid for a fifth term at the head of football’s scandal-hit world governing body, rebuffing a personal plea for him to quit from the head of the game in Europe. |
| Uefa, European football’s governing body, ruled out seeking a postponement of Friday’s election and will instead back Blatter’s challenger, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan. | Uefa, European football’s governing body, ruled out seeking a postponement of Friday’s election and will instead back Blatter’s challenger, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan. |
| Blatter made his decision to stay after a series crisis meetings at Fifa HQ with representatives of the six regional football confederations. He rejected a face-to-face demand from the president of Uefa, Michel Platini, for his resignation. | Blatter made his decision to stay after a series crisis meetings at Fifa HQ with representatives of the six regional football confederations. He rejected a face-to-face demand from the president of Uefa, Michel Platini, for his resignation. |
| “I asked him to resign: enough is enough, Sepp. He listened to me but he told me it is too late,” Platini told a news conference in Zurich. Platini said he was “disgusted” and “sickened” by the scandal gripping the organisation. | “I asked him to resign: enough is enough, Sepp. He listened to me but he told me it is too late,” Platini told a news conference in Zurich. Platini said he was “disgusted” and “sickened” by the scandal gripping the organisation. |
| Read the full story. | Read the full story. |
| 3.04pm BST15:04 | 3.04pm BST15:04 |
| Key points from Michel Platini press conference | Key points from Michel Platini press conference |
| 2.53pm BST14:53 | 2.53pm BST14:53 |
| The Guardian’s David Conn talking on Sky News: | The Guardian’s David Conn talking on Sky News: |
| There’s a feeling of impotence in the European football associations because they believe Blatter is going to sail through and be elected. The idea of them pressing some sort of D-day and boycotting the world cup, I just cant see there being support for that. | There’s a feeling of impotence in the European football associations because they believe Blatter is going to sail through and be elected. The idea of them pressing some sort of D-day and boycotting the world cup, I just cant see there being support for that. |
| It’s absolutely staggering – reading the indictment you could drown yourself with the detail, then you step back and think this is really happening and this is huge. In the past in general we’ve just had reports and rumours and investigative journalism. | It’s absolutely staggering – reading the indictment you could drown yourself with the detail, then you step back and think this is really happening and this is huge. In the past in general we’ve just had reports and rumours and investigative journalism. |
| [Fifa] feel that they’re not rocked by it. Blatter has got support by African football associations. In the world of Fifa it is not impossible that Blatter thinks in a few weeks time people will move on. | [Fifa] feel that they’re not rocked by it. Blatter has got support by African football associations. In the world of Fifa it is not impossible that Blatter thinks in a few weeks time people will move on. |
| I don’t see the sponsors as any sort of key. For their own PR they have to say something like that this [condemn corruption] but having their name wrapped around the greatest sporting event in the world… I don’t recall a sponsor withdrawing in the past four or five years. | I don’t see the sponsors as any sort of key. For their own PR they have to say something like that this [condemn corruption] but having their name wrapped around the greatest sporting event in the world… I don’t recall a sponsor withdrawing in the past four or five years. |
| 2.44pm BST14:44 | 2.44pm BST14:44 |
| 2.40pm BST14:40 | 2.40pm BST14:40 |
| Platini said it was difficult for him to tell his “friend” Sepp Blatter that he should step down, and said the incumbent president “wants to come out fighting”. Platini finished the press conference saying: | Platini said it was difficult for him to tell his “friend” Sepp Blatter that he should step down, and said the incumbent president “wants to come out fighting”. Platini finished the press conference saying: |
| Europe don’t support Mr Blatter... There are beautiful evenings ahead, but some long days before them. | Europe don’t support Mr Blatter... There are beautiful evenings ahead, but some long days before them. |
| 2.33pm BST14:33 | 2.33pm BST14:33 |
| Michel Platini on Fifa: | Michel Platini on Fifa: |
| I’m responsible for Uefa. Fifa covers more. I don’t know the system, I only here the rumours and read the press – I’m not dumb. | I’m responsible for Uefa. Fifa covers more. I don’t know the system, I only here the rumours and read the press – I’m not dumb. |
| I would have liked to hear the Garcia report. Today we have had proof that there is something that does’t work. We are waiting for the Garcia report and we would have had it for a while now [had it been made public originally]. | I would have liked to hear the Garcia report. Today we have had proof that there is something that does’t work. We are waiting for the Garcia report and we would have had it for a while now [had it been made public originally]. |
| Does Platini believe that Blatter really would have resigned, had he been asked several weeks ago? | Does Platini believe that Blatter really would have resigned, had he been asked several weeks ago? |
| Yes. Yes, yes. I believe, but I couldn’t have asked him a few weeks ago because what happened happened yesterday. | Yes. Yes, yes. I believe, but I couldn’t have asked him a few weeks ago because what happened happened yesterday. |
| 2.26pm BST14:26 | 2.26pm BST14:26 |
| Asked if Europe could boycott the World Cup, Platini said Uefa will remain "open to all options". | Asked if Europe could boycott the World Cup, Platini said Uefa will remain "open to all options". |
| Updated at 2.26pm BST | Updated at 2.26pm BST |
| 2.19pm BST14:19 | 2.19pm BST14:19 |
| Platini said that all of Uefa's representatives on the Fifa ex-co could boycott if Blatter wins. | Platini said that all of Uefa's representatives on the Fifa ex-co could boycott if Blatter wins. |
| 2.18pm BST14:18 | 2.18pm BST14:18 |
| Platini on Prince Ali, who he has vowed to back in tomorrow’s election: | Platini on Prince Ali, who he has vowed to back in tomorrow’s election: |
| Prince Ali is young, he’s ambitious and that’s why I support him. He can do some good, he doesn’t need money. Things are a bit complicated in his region because he doesn’t have the support of his region but he’s a man that can do a lot of good. | Prince Ali is young, he’s ambitious and that’s why I support him. He can do some good, he doesn’t need money. Things are a bit complicated in his region because he doesn’t have the support of his region but he’s a man that can do a lot of good. |
| Does Platini believe Blatter can be beaten tomorrow? | Does Platini believe Blatter can be beaten tomorrow? |
| Yes. Before what happened yesterday, no. But enough is enough. People have really had enough. I think there will be a lot of changes but we’re going to continue working this evening. | Yes. Before what happened yesterday, no. But enough is enough. People have really had enough. I think there will be a lot of changes but we’re going to continue working this evening. |
| 2.15pm BST14:15 | 2.15pm BST14:15 |
| Platini on David Gill, who has said he will resign from the Fifa’s executive committee if Blatter wins the election for presidency: | Platini on David Gill, who has said he will resign from the Fifa’s executive committee if Blatter wins the election for presidency: |
| I brought David into Fifa. He was not interested and I said England has to be in Fifa, it’s too easy to speak in the newspaper it is better to speak in the room. | I brought David into Fifa. He was not interested and I said England has to be in Fifa, it’s too easy to speak in the newspaper it is better to speak in the room. |
| But, he said ‘I will be proposed as vice president of the British before the elections’. Which means he doesn’t know what could be the election of the president after that. | But, he said ‘I will be proposed as vice president of the British before the elections’. Which means he doesn’t know what could be the election of the president after that. |
| To be clear, if we can win the election we meet all the general secretaries in Berlin at the final of the Champions League and we can make decisions, other decisions. Many people don’t want to stay with this Fifa. It could be... it could be in Berlin. | To be clear, if we can win the election we meet all the general secretaries in Berlin at the final of the Champions League and we can make decisions, other decisions. Many people don’t want to stay with this Fifa. It could be... it could be in Berlin. |
| 2.11pm BST14:11 | 2.11pm BST14:11 |
| Platini confirms he asked Blatter to leave but that the incumbent said it was too late for him to quit, one day before the Congress. | Platini confirms he asked Blatter to leave but that the incumbent said it was too late for him to quit, one day before the Congress. |
| Platini says he does not regret not standing for the Fifa presidency and defends his previous support for Blatter. | Platini says he does not regret not standing for the Fifa presidency and defends his previous support for Blatter. |
| 2.07pm BST14:07 | 2.07pm BST14:07 |
| Platini on meeting with Blatter: | Platini on meeting with Blatter: |
| I told him ‘Sepp, I’d like to speak to you man to man, face to face.’ He said ‘It’s too late. I can’t all of a sudden leave when congress starts this afternoon.’ | I told him ‘Sepp, I’d like to speak to you man to man, face to face.’ He said ‘It’s too late. I can’t all of a sudden leave when congress starts this afternoon.’ |
| I told Sepp Blatter to leave, to step down, because you are giving Fifa a terrible image. It’s not easy to tell a friend that he must leave but that is the way history is going. I’m saying this with sadness, with tears in my eyes. There have been too many scandals. | I told Sepp Blatter to leave, to step down, because you are giving Fifa a terrible image. It’s not easy to tell a friend that he must leave but that is the way history is going. I’m saying this with sadness, with tears in my eyes. There have been too many scandals. |
| Updated at 2.11pm BST | Updated at 2.11pm BST |
| 2.03pm BST14:03 | 2.03pm BST14:03 |
| Michel Platini: | Michel Platini: |
| Today we had a meeting of the 54 members, tomorrow when it comes to the election of the presidency a very big majority of European national associations will vote Prince Ali. People don’t want (Sepp Blatter) anymore and I don’t want him anymore either. I have always said they want Fifa to be strong and Fifa is no longer strong. I am still trying to convince some [European football associations] who are not totally convinced. | Today we had a meeting of the 54 members, tomorrow when it comes to the election of the presidency a very big majority of European national associations will vote Prince Ali. People don’t want (Sepp Blatter) anymore and I don’t want him anymore either. I have always said they want Fifa to be strong and Fifa is no longer strong. I am still trying to convince some [European football associations] who are not totally convinced. |
| 2.00pm BST14:00 | 2.00pm BST14:00 |
| Michel Platini speaks to the press following Fifa’s meeting: | Michel Platini speaks to the press following Fifa’s meeting: |
| Sometimes I have stomach troubles and that relates to Fifa problems. Honestly, myself as a lover of Fifa, I’m a great admirer of it’s history, I really don’t know where to put myself. I have had enough, enough is enough. Too much is too much. | Sometimes I have stomach troubles and that relates to Fifa problems. Honestly, myself as a lover of Fifa, I’m a great admirer of it’s history, I really don’t know where to put myself. I have had enough, enough is enough. Too much is too much. |
| 1.56pm BST13:56 | 1.56pm BST13:56 |
| 1.50pm BST13:50 | 1.50pm BST13:50 |
| Michael van Praag, the Dutch FA president, says boycotting the Congress would achieve nothing and hand Blatter victory. | Michael van Praag, the Dutch FA president, says boycotting the Congress would achieve nothing and hand Blatter victory. |
| 1.42pm BST13:42 | 1.42pm BST13:42 |
| Our chief sport correspondent Owen Gibson has filed this from Zurich: | Our chief sport correspondent Owen Gibson has filed this from Zurich: |
| European football’s governing body has ruled out seeking a postponement of Friday’s Fifa presidential election despite the crisis gripping the organisation and will instead back Sepp Blatter’s challenger Prince Ali bin al-Hussein. | European football’s governing body has ruled out seeking a postponement of Friday’s Fifa presidential election despite the crisis gripping the organisation and will instead back Sepp Blatter’s challenger Prince Ali bin al-Hussein. |
| Following a meeting of all 54 Uefa members, it also emerged that former Manchester United chief executive David Gill has vowed to relinquish his seat as Fifa vice president if Blatter wins Friday’s election. | Following a meeting of all 54 Uefa members, it also emerged that former Manchester United chief executive David Gill has vowed to relinquish his seat as Fifa vice president if Blatter wins Friday’s election. |
| The Uefa and FA board member received applause when he said he would not take up the seat he was due to inherit from Jim Boyce after Friday’s Fifa Congress. | The Uefa and FA board member received applause when he said he would not take up the seat he was due to inherit from Jim Boyce after Friday’s Fifa Congress. |
| The Uefa president, Michel Platini, who had earlier met personally with Blatter to ask him to stand down in the wake of Wednesday’s dramatic wave of arrests, told the delegates that the confederation needed to unite in support of Blatter’s challenger Prince Ali. Most of Uefa’s members will back Ali in Friday’s election though some, including Russia and Spain, will remain staunch backers of the incumbent. | The Uefa president, Michel Platini, who had earlier met personally with Blatter to ask him to stand down in the wake of Wednesday’s dramatic wave of arrests, told the delegates that the confederation needed to unite in support of Blatter’s challenger Prince Ali. Most of Uefa’s members will back Ali in Friday’s election though some, including Russia and Spain, will remain staunch backers of the incumbent. |
| Prince Ali is understood to have told the Uefa delegates that he believed he had the support of more than 60 associations outside Europe, which would give him more than enough backing to take the contest to a second round. Ali or Blatter would need a two thirds majority to win in the first round and a simple majority thereafter. | Prince Ali is understood to have told the Uefa delegates that he believed he had the support of more than 60 associations outside Europe, which would give him more than enough backing to take the contest to a second round. Ali or Blatter would need a two thirds majority to win in the first round and a simple majority thereafter. |
| Following a morning of crisis meetings at Fifa HQ with representatives of each confederation, Blatter has resolved to press ahead with Friday’s election. | Following a morning of crisis meetings at Fifa HQ with representatives of each confederation, Blatter has resolved to press ahead with Friday’s election. |
| One Uefa source said that when Platini, a former supporter of Blatter, personally asked the president to stand down he told him that he would not but that he might have considered it if he had been asked earlier. | One Uefa source said that when Platini, a former supporter of Blatter, personally asked the president to stand down he told him that he would not but that he might have considered it if he had been asked earlier. |
| Michael van Praag, the Dutch FA president who stood down from the race to succeed Blatter last week before Tuesday’s dramatic arrests, said that Uefa had decided against a boycott of Friday’s vote because that would guarantee Blatter victory. | Michael van Praag, the Dutch FA president who stood down from the race to succeed Blatter last week before Tuesday’s dramatic arrests, said that Uefa had decided against a boycott of Friday’s vote because that would guarantee Blatter victory. |
| 1.34pm BST13:34 | 1.34pm BST13:34 |
| Uefa’s meeting sparked quite the media scrum: | Uefa’s meeting sparked quite the media scrum: |
| Absolute chaos at the UEFA Confederation meeting. Just a mess. https://t.co/m24YztDz8Z | Absolute chaos at the UEFA Confederation meeting. Just a mess. https://t.co/m24YztDz8Z |
| 1.32pm BST13:32 | 1.32pm BST13:32 |
| Uefa’s stance was confirmed by John Delaney, chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland: | Uefa’s stance was confirmed by John Delaney, chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland: |
| “David Gill stood up and said he won’t take up his seat, that was the big thing. I think it was very brave and very honest of him and there was a good round of applause, people thought ‘that’s a man of honour’. From his own personal perspective he doesn’t want to serve under Blatter and you have to respect that position. | “David Gill stood up and said he won’t take up his seat, that was the big thing. I think it was very brave and very honest of him and there was a good round of applause, people thought ‘that’s a man of honour’. From his own personal perspective he doesn’t want to serve under Blatter and you have to respect that position. |
| “There wasn’t a vote taken but Michel Platini will tell you Uefa is unified, whether all 53 transfer their votes over I don’t know, I think one or two will be lost along the way.” | “There wasn’t a vote taken but Michel Platini will tell you Uefa is unified, whether all 53 transfer their votes over I don’t know, I think one or two will be lost along the way.” |
| 1.23pm BST13:23 | 1.23pm BST13:23 |
| Platini asked Blatter to stand down after one on one meeting. Blatter, unsurprisingly, refused. | Platini asked Blatter to stand down after one on one meeting. Blatter, unsurprisingly, refused. |
| Gill got a round of applause from Uefa delegates when he said he would stand down from Fifa ex co if Blatter wins. | Gill got a round of applause from Uefa delegates when he said he would stand down from Fifa ex co if Blatter wins. |
| 1.20pm BST13:20 | 1.20pm BST13:20 |
| Uefa will not boycott election; Gill to resign if Blatter wins | Uefa will not boycott election; Gill to resign if Blatter wins |
| So Uefa has decided not to boycott tomorrow’s scheduled election for Fifa presidency and will instead get behind Prince Ali in a bid to oust Sepp Blatter from power and prevent the 79-year-old securing a fifth-term. | So Uefa has decided not to boycott tomorrow’s scheduled election for Fifa presidency and will instead get behind Prince Ali in a bid to oust Sepp Blatter from power and prevent the 79-year-old securing a fifth-term. |
| In addition, PA are reporting that David Gill will resign from Fifa’s executive committee if Blatter is re-elected as president. | In addition, PA are reporting that David Gill will resign from Fifa’s executive committee if Blatter is re-elected as president. |
| Updated at 1.22pm BST | Updated at 1.22pm BST |
| 1.12pm BST13:12 | 1.12pm BST13:12 |
| Uefa won't boycott congress and will largely vote for Prince Ali. David Gill to step down from Fifa ex co if Blatter wins. | Uefa won't boycott congress and will largely vote for Prince Ali. David Gill to step down from Fifa ex co if Blatter wins. |
| Prince Ali told Uefa that he believes he has 60 votes outside Europe. | Prince Ali told Uefa that he believes he has 60 votes outside Europe. |
| Updated at 1.12pm BST | Updated at 1.12pm BST |
| 1.11pm BST13:11 | 1.11pm BST13:11 |
| A reminder that we are still waiting to hear the fallout from Sepp Blatter’s emergency meeting with the heads of the representatives from Fifa’s six confederations, which includes Uefa’s Michel Platini – and it is being reported that Uefa will not boycott tomorrow’s scheduled election for Fifa presidency. | A reminder that we are still waiting to hear the fallout from Sepp Blatter’s emergency meeting with the heads of the representatives from Fifa’s six confederations, which includes Uefa’s Michel Platini – and it is being reported that Uefa will not boycott tomorrow’s scheduled election for Fifa presidency. |
| Updated at 1.12pm BST | Updated at 1.12pm BST |
| 1.00pm BST13:00 | 1.00pm BST13:00 |
| 12.51pm BST12:51 | 12.51pm BST12:51 |
| Though some of the tweets need no translation... | Though some of the tweets need no translation... |
| The USA in meddling in internal affairs again. #FIFAarrests pic.twitter.com/7JbH9aOnYY | The USA in meddling in internal affairs again. #FIFAarrests pic.twitter.com/7JbH9aOnYY |
| Это круто! Стали известны обложки, к новой ФИФА 2016:) #юмор #футбол pic.twitter.com/zCw3DvdbB7 | Это круто! Стали известны обложки, к новой ФИФА 2016:) #юмор #футбол pic.twitter.com/zCw3DvdbB7 |
| .@SeppBlatter when he remembered Russia destroyed the computers used for our #FIFA world cup bid. #FIFAarrests pic.twitter.com/YEsRKi2ju7 | .@SeppBlatter when he remembered Russia destroyed the computers used for our #FIFA world cup bid. #FIFAarrests pic.twitter.com/YEsRKi2ju7 |
| 12.45pm BST12:45 | 12.45pm BST12:45 |
| Reaction in Russia to events has ranged “from the droll to the pugnacious”, according to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, who translate a number of tweets to convey public perception: | Reaction in Russia to events has ranged “from the droll to the pugnacious”, according to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, who translate a number of tweets to convey public perception: |
| Before the Kremlin commented on the shocking legal drama unfolding over alleged activities at global soccer authority FIFA, the Russian Internet and other media lit up as Russians reacted to news of investigations that could cast a harsh light on Russia’s successful bid to host the 2018 World Cup. | Before the Kremlin commented on the shocking legal drama unfolding over alleged activities at global soccer authority FIFA, the Russian Internet and other media lit up as Russians reacted to news of investigations that could cast a harsh light on Russia’s successful bid to host the 2018 World Cup. |
| Swiss authorities on May 27 arrested senior soccer officials for alleged corruption in connection with a U.S. case targeting FIFA executives and launched their own criminal proceedings relating to the way the World Cups in 2018 and 2022 were awarded to Russia and Qatar. | Swiss authorities on May 27 arrested senior soccer officials for alleged corruption in connection with a U.S. case targeting FIFA executives and launched their own criminal proceedings relating to the way the World Cups in 2018 and 2022 were awarded to Russia and Qatar. |
| From the droll to the pugnacious, Russian commentary blended jokes at the expense of Russia’s World Cup bid, fears that Russia could lose its 2018 host status, the usual smattering of conspiracy theories, and a healthy dose of anti-Americanism. | From the droll to the pugnacious, Russian commentary blended jokes at the expense of Russia’s World Cup bid, fears that Russia could lose its 2018 host status, the usual smattering of conspiracy theories, and a healthy dose of anti-Americanism. |
| The latter dovetailed with the comment that the Russian Foreign Ministry finally released in the evening, calling the arrests “the latest case of illegal extraterritorial application of American legislation.” | The latter dovetailed with the comment that the Russian Foreign Ministry finally released in the evening, calling the arrests “the latest case of illegal extraterritorial application of American legislation.” |
| Updated at 12.52pm BST | Updated at 12.52pm BST |
| 12.41pm BST12:41 | 12.41pm BST12:41 |
| This tweet captures what the shadow culture, media and sport secretary, Chris Bryant, put in strong terms this morning in the House of Commons: “Workers are dying, 62 per match. Human rights are systemcaticlly being abused. Now that (sponsors) have raised concerns, should the bidding rounds [for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups] not be reopened?” | This tweet captures what the shadow culture, media and sport secretary, Chris Bryant, put in strong terms this morning in the House of Commons: “Workers are dying, 62 per match. Human rights are systemcaticlly being abused. Now that (sponsors) have raised concerns, should the bidding rounds [for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups] not be reopened?” |
| The human toll of FIFA’s corruption, in one chart http://t.co/reXXZRhkt4 pic.twitter.com/7NI1QiVxPF | The human toll of FIFA’s corruption, in one chart http://t.co/reXXZRhkt4 pic.twitter.com/7NI1QiVxPF |
| Updated at 12.59pm BST | Updated at 12.59pm BST |
| 12.36pm BST12:36 | 12.36pm BST12:36 |
| Inside World Football reports further African backing for the embattled Fifa president, with Guinea-Bissau FA president Manuel Nascimento Lopes describing the “conspiracy” against Blatter as “blasphemy”. | Inside World Football reports further African backing for the embattled Fifa president, with Guinea-Bissau FA president Manuel Nascimento Lopes describing the “conspiracy” against Blatter as “blasphemy”. |
| Western-led calls for Sepp Blatter to resign as FIFA president in the wake of the gravest corruption crisis to hit his organisation was described today as “blasphemy” by one of Africa’s federation presidents who said his continent was more firmly behind the veteran Swiss than ever. | Western-led calls for Sepp Blatter to resign as FIFA president in the wake of the gravest corruption crisis to hit his organisation was described today as “blasphemy” by one of Africa’s federation presidents who said his continent was more firmly behind the veteran Swiss than ever. |
| While few federations have been prepared to speak out following the astonishing corruption claims in the United States, coupled with an unrelated seperate Swiss probe into the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bid process, Guinea-Bissau FA president Manuel Nascimento Lopes said it was totally unfair to blame Blatter for the shady conduct of others. | While few federations have been prepared to speak out following the astonishing corruption claims in the United States, coupled with an unrelated seperate Swiss probe into the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bid process, Guinea-Bissau FA president Manuel Nascimento Lopes said it was totally unfair to blame Blatter for the shady conduct of others. |
| “I’m a Christian and this is blasphemy,” Nascimento Lopes said. | “I’m a Christian and this is blasphemy,” Nascimento Lopes said. |
| Updated at 12.37pm BST | Updated at 12.37pm BST |
| 12.29pm BST12:29 | 12.29pm BST12:29 |
| The Guardian political reporter Frances Perraudin has this on the news that David Cameron has joined calls for Blatter to resign: | The Guardian political reporter Frances Perraudin has this on the news that David Cameron has joined calls for Blatter to resign: |
| The prime minister backs the culture secretary’s call for Sepp Blatter to resign, a Downing Street spokesperson has told journalists in Westminster. | The prime minister backs the culture secretary’s call for Sepp Blatter to resign, a Downing Street spokesperson has told journalists in Westminster. |
| Asked if the prime minister supported comments John Whittingdale made in parliament this morning, his spokesperson said: “I associated the prime minister in full with what John Whittingdale was saying.” | Asked if the prime minister supported comments John Whittingdale made in parliament this morning, his spokesperson said: “I associated the prime minister in full with what John Whittingdale was saying.” |
| He added: “We are squarely behind the FA. The FA, as John Whittingdale said in his statement, supports the candidacy of Prince Ali, and we are full square behind that.” | He added: “We are squarely behind the FA. The FA, as John Whittingdale said in his statement, supports the candidacy of Prince Ali, and we are full square behind that.” |
| The spokesperson was asked whether the prime minister thought the next World Cup should take place in Russia. | The spokesperson was asked whether the prime minister thought the next World Cup should take place in Russia. |
| “I understand that many England fans were disappointed that England’s bid hadn’t been successful,” he said. “You know that the prime minister was one of them. He was out there along with others of course trying to get a successful England bid at that time.” | “I understand that many England fans were disappointed that England’s bid hadn’t been successful,” he said. “You know that the prime minister was one of them. He was out there along with others of course trying to get a successful England bid at that time.” |
| He added: “What we now need to see is the criminal investigations and there are of course two distinct ones – there is a US one and one by the Swiss authorities ... – and they of course should be completed. And then what you need in terms of governance, as John Whittingdale was rightly saying – and I would associate the prime minister with his remarks in full – you will want to see reform of FIFA.” | He added: “What we now need to see is the criminal investigations and there are of course two distinct ones – there is a US one and one by the Swiss authorities ... – and they of course should be completed. And then what you need in terms of governance, as John Whittingdale was rightly saying – and I would associate the prime minister with his remarks in full – you will want to see reform of FIFA.” |
| Updated at 12.31pm BST | Updated at 12.31pm BST |
| 12.23pm BST12:23 | 12.23pm BST12:23 |
| #AFC + #CAF have now re-iterated their support for #Blatter + insist the election should go ahead. Waiting on outcome from #UEFA meeting... | #AFC + #CAF have now re-iterated their support for #Blatter + insist the election should go ahead. Waiting on outcome from #UEFA meeting... |
| Updated at 12.23pm BST | Updated at 12.23pm BST |
| 12.20pm BST12:20 | 12.20pm BST12:20 |
| Caf has released a statement opposing any postponement of tomorrow’s Fifa presidential election: | Caf has released a statement opposing any postponement of tomorrow’s Fifa presidential election: |
| The Confederation of African Football opposes any postponement of the 65th FIFA Congress and the election for the presidency scheduled May 29, 2015 in Zurich. During the meeting of the federation held May 27, 2015 in Zurich, the FCA reiterated its support for the candidacy of Sepp Blatter in the election. | The Confederation of African Football opposes any postponement of the 65th FIFA Congress and the election for the presidency scheduled May 29, 2015 in Zurich. During the meeting of the federation held May 27, 2015 in Zurich, the FCA reiterated its support for the candidacy of Sepp Blatter in the election. |
| It should be noted that CAF is following with particular attention the events that occur at this time in the football family. It reaffirms its commitment to work and to cooperate in safeguarding the ethical and moral values that underlie the practice of the sport, its organization and administration. Hence its full and ongoing support to the package of measures driven to FIFA in recent years in improving governance. | It should be noted that CAF is following with particular attention the events that occur at this time in the football family. It reaffirms its commitment to work and to cooperate in safeguarding the ethical and moral values that underlie the practice of the sport, its organization and administration. Hence its full and ongoing support to the package of measures driven to FIFA in recent years in improving governance. |
| CAF reaffirms its readiness to cooperate in this direction with all the institutions that engage and subscribes it to zero tolerance regarding offenders regardless of their profile or origin. | CAF reaffirms its readiness to cooperate in this direction with all the institutions that engage and subscribes it to zero tolerance regarding offenders regardless of their profile or origin. |
| Updated at 12.22pm BST | Updated at 12.22pm BST |
| 12.17pm BST12:17 | 12.17pm BST12:17 |
| Reuters report that the Russian sports minister, Vitaly Mutko, said today there was “no risk” of Russia losing the right to host the 2018 World Cup after Swiss investigators opened a criminal investigation into the bidding process. | Reuters report that the Russian sports minister, Vitaly Mutko, said today there was “no risk” of Russia losing the right to host the 2018 World Cup after Swiss investigators opened a criminal investigation into the bidding process. |
| This follows Vladamir Putin’s strong words earlier on state TV which accused the US of “meddling” in affairs outside of their jurisdiction: | This follows Vladamir Putin’s strong words earlier on state TV which accused the US of “meddling” in affairs outside of their jurisdiction: |
| “This is yet another blatant attempt [by the United States] to extend its jurisdiction to other states,” the Russian president said on Thursday. | “This is yet another blatant attempt [by the United States] to extend its jurisdiction to other states,” the Russian president said on Thursday. |
| Putin added that the arrests were a “clear attempt” to prevent the re-election of Fifa head Sepp Blatter and that the Swiss had Russia’s backing. | Putin added that the arrests were a “clear attempt” to prevent the re-election of Fifa head Sepp Blatter and that the Swiss had Russia’s backing. |
| “It looks very strange, the arrests are carried out on the request of the USA side,” he said. | “It looks very strange, the arrests are carried out on the request of the USA side,” he said. |
| “They are accused of corruption – who is? International officials. I suppose that someone broke some rules, I don’t know. But definitely, it’s got nothing to do with the USA. Those officials are not US citizens. If something happened it was not in the US and it’s nothing to do with them. | “They are accused of corruption – who is? International officials. I suppose that someone broke some rules, I don’t know. But definitely, it’s got nothing to do with the USA. Those officials are not US citizens. If something happened it was not in the US and it’s nothing to do with them. |
| “It’s another clear attempt by the USA to spread its jurisdiction to other states. And I have no doubt – it’s a clear attempt not to allow Mr Blatter to be re-elected as president of Fifa, which is a great violation of the operating principles of international organisations. The US prosecutor, as our media report, has already said that those Fifa officials have committed a crime. As if the prosecutor didn’t know about the principle of the presumption of innocence.” | “It’s another clear attempt by the USA to spread its jurisdiction to other states. And I have no doubt – it’s a clear attempt not to allow Mr Blatter to be re-elected as president of Fifa, which is a great violation of the operating principles of international organisations. The US prosecutor, as our media report, has already said that those Fifa officials have committed a crime. As if the prosecutor didn’t know about the principle of the presumption of innocence.” |
| 12.09pm BST12:09 | 12.09pm BST12:09 |
| Updated at 12.13pm BST | Updated at 12.13pm BST |
| 12.06pm BST12:06 | 12.06pm BST12:06 |
| Key developments this morning | Key developments this morning |
| Updated at 12.12pm BST | Updated at 12.12pm BST |
| 11.58am BST11:58 | 11.58am BST11:58 |
| Blatter held an emergency meeting with representatives from the six confederations including Uefa president Michel Platini this morning, it has been confirmed. A Fifa official told PA: “A meeting was held with representatives from the confederations but there is no further information.” | Blatter held an emergency meeting with representatives from the six confederations including Uefa president Michel Platini this morning, it has been confirmed. A Fifa official told PA: “A meeting was held with representatives from the confederations but there is no further information.” |
| 11.54am BST11:54 | 11.54am BST11:54 |
| Prime Minister David Cameron has joined the calls for Sepp Blatter to resign, says his official spokesman: | Prime Minister David Cameron has joined the calls for Sepp Blatter to resign, says his official spokesman: |
| “I’ve associated the Prime Minister in full with what John Whittingdale was saying. The FA – and we are squarely behind the FA – supports the candidacy of Prince Ali [bin al-Hussein]. | “I’ve associated the Prime Minister in full with what John Whittingdale was saying. The FA – and we are squarely behind the FA – supports the candidacy of Prince Ali [bin al-Hussein]. |
| “I understand that many England fans were disappointed that England’s bid hadn’t been successful. You know that the Prime Minister was one of them. | “I understand that many England fans were disappointed that England’s bid hadn’t been successful. You know that the Prime Minister was one of them. |
| “He was out there, along with others of course, trying to get a successful England bid at that time. But I terms of the focus now, it is the investigations and reform of Fifa.” | “He was out there, along with others of course, trying to get a successful England bid at that time. But I terms of the focus now, it is the investigations and reform of Fifa.” |
| Updated at 11.56am BST | Updated at 11.56am BST |
| 11.49am BST11:49 | 11.49am BST11:49 |
| Uefa president Michel Platini trapped in lift - the only way is up pic.twitter.com/kHkMRqoCqm | Uefa president Michel Platini trapped in lift - the only way is up pic.twitter.com/kHkMRqoCqm |
| 11.45am BST11:45 | 11.45am BST11:45 |
| Owen Gibson on the latest from Zurich, where Uefa are meeting now to discuss the crisis: | Owen Gibson on the latest from Zurich, where Uefa are meeting now to discuss the crisis: |
| Michel Platini has just arrived at the Uefa meeting at which the European confederation will decide whether to push for a postponement of Friday’s election. He came straight from an emergency meeting convened by Sepp Blatter. Uefa sources are split over whether to push for a postponement of Friday’s vote, while some including Russia and Spain will continue to back Blatter. Following the meeting Platini will hold a press conference. | Michel Platini has just arrived at the Uefa meeting at which the European confederation will decide whether to push for a postponement of Friday’s election. He came straight from an emergency meeting convened by Sepp Blatter. Uefa sources are split over whether to push for a postponement of Friday’s vote, while some including Russia and Spain will continue to back Blatter. Following the meeting Platini will hold a press conference. |
| 11.38am BST11:38 | 11.38am BST11:38 |
| David Smith has the view from the ground in Zambia, where Sepp Blatter has skilfully commandeered backing from football associations across the African game, using projects like Goal to garner support: | David Smith has the view from the ground in Zambia, where Sepp Blatter has skilfully commandeered backing from football associations across the African game, using projects like Goal to garner support: |
| Fraying at the edges, Fifa’s flags twist in the wind outside Football House in the Zambian capital, Lusaka, with the national flag between them. A nearby inscription is badly faded in the sun. It reads: “The Football Association of Zambia, Football House, built as part of Fifa’s Goal development programme was inaugurated in Lusaka on 6 April 2002 by Joseph S Blatter, Fifa president.” | Fraying at the edges, Fifa’s flags twist in the wind outside Football House in the Zambian capital, Lusaka, with the national flag between them. A nearby inscription is badly faded in the sun. It reads: “The Football Association of Zambia, Football House, built as part of Fifa’s Goal development programme was inaugurated in Lusaka on 6 April 2002 by Joseph S Blatter, Fifa president.” |
| Presenting Zambian football with its first home is just one example of how Blatter has won the hearts and minds of Africa’s football establishment. Its loyalty has enabled him to ride out every storm and is more critical than ever as seeks re-election at the helm of an organisation embroiled in the biggest scandal in its history. | Presenting Zambian football with its first home is just one example of how Blatter has won the hearts and minds of Africa’s football establishment. Its loyalty has enabled him to ride out every storm and is more critical than ever as seeks re-election at the helm of an organisation embroiled in the biggest scandal in its history. |
| On Wednesday, Swiss authorities arrested seven high-ranking Fifa officials in a dawn raid at the behest of the United States and opened criminal proceedings over the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Loretta Lynch, the US attorney general, said the officials whose extradition she is seeking had allegedly lined their pockets with $150m, in what another US official dubbed “a World Cup of fraud”. The crisis has put Blatter under intense scrutiny as he runs for a fifth term as president of world football’s governing body. | On Wednesday, Swiss authorities arrested seven high-ranking Fifa officials in a dawn raid at the behest of the United States and opened criminal proceedings over the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Loretta Lynch, the US attorney general, said the officials whose extradition she is seeking had allegedly lined their pockets with $150m, in what another US official dubbed “a World Cup of fraud”. The crisis has put Blatter under intense scrutiny as he runs for a fifth term as president of world football’s governing body. |
| Yet in all likelihood, the 79-year-old will prevail again on Friday. He has ensured that Fifa gives enough money and encouragement to guarantee the loyalty of the various confederations that vote for the new president every four years. The Confederation of African Football (Caf), for example, has traditionally voted for the Swiss because it believes he alone cares about the continent. | Yet in all likelihood, the 79-year-old will prevail again on Friday. He has ensured that Fifa gives enough money and encouragement to guarantee the loyalty of the various confederations that vote for the new president every four years. The Confederation of African Football (Caf), for example, has traditionally voted for the Swiss because it believes he alone cares about the continent. |
| Read David Smith’s full piece: How Sepp Blatter won the hearts and minds of Africa to ride out Fifa storms . | Read David Smith’s full piece: How Sepp Blatter won the hearts and minds of Africa to ride out Fifa storms . |
| 11.29am BST11:29 | 11.29am BST11:29 |
| There is plenty of focus on South Africa this morning and the winning bid to host the 2010 World Cup, with Danny Jordaan coming under scrutiny. The South African government have today denied any wrongdoing over allegations that huge bribes were paid during the bidding process, as AFP in Johannesburg report: | There is plenty of focus on South Africa this morning and the winning bid to host the 2010 World Cup, with Danny Jordaan coming under scrutiny. The South African government have today denied any wrongdoing over allegations that huge bribes were paid during the bidding process, as AFP in Johannesburg report: |
| “When we concluded the FIFA World Cup here in South Africa we got a clean audit report,” Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe told reporters in Cape Town. “There has never been any suggestion that anything untoward happened in South Africa.” | “When we concluded the FIFA World Cup here in South Africa we got a clean audit report,” Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe told reporters in Cape Town. “There has never been any suggestion that anything untoward happened in South Africa.” |
| Radebe, who was on the local organising committee (LOC), did not directly address the US indictment, which alleged that $10,000 was handed over in Paris as a bribe by a “high-ranking South African bid committee official”. | Radebe, who was on the local organising committee (LOC), did not directly address the US indictment, which alleged that $10,000 was handed over in Paris as a bribe by a “high-ranking South African bid committee official”. |
| It also alleged the South Africa government agreed that $10 million that was due to be paid to South Africa to run the World Cup was instead transferred from FIFA’s funds to pay bribes. “Ernst and Young is a reputed auditing firm,” Radebe said. | It also alleged the South Africa government agreed that $10 million that was due to be paid to South Africa to run the World Cup was instead transferred from FIFA’s funds to pay bribes. “Ernst and Young is a reputed auditing firm,” Radebe said. |
| “When we concluded the FIFA World Cup here in South Africa we got a clean audit report, so what came yesterday, I think the due process will take place. But, as far as we are concerned as former members of the LOC, there was a clean audit report.” | “When we concluded the FIFA World Cup here in South Africa we got a clean audit report, so what came yesterday, I think the due process will take place. But, as far as we are concerned as former members of the LOC, there was a clean audit report.” |
| Updated at 11.30am BST | Updated at 11.30am BST |
| 11.20am BST11:20 | 11.20am BST11:20 |
| 11.15am BST11:15 | 11.15am BST11:15 |
| Rowena Mason | Rowena Mason |
| Developments over the past 24 hours have provoked powerful words in the House of Commons this morning, as political correspondent Rowena Mason reports: | Developments over the past 24 hours have provoked powerful words in the House of Commons this morning, as political correspondent Rowena Mason reports: |
| John Whittingdale, the new culture, media and sport secretary, suggested Blatter should quit Fifa as the “deeply flawed and corrupt organisation” needs a change of leadership. He also urged sponsors to follow the lead of Visa and “reflect on their links to Fifa”. | John Whittingdale, the new culture, media and sport secretary, suggested Blatter should quit Fifa as the “deeply flawed and corrupt organisation” needs a change of leadership. He also urged sponsors to follow the lead of Visa and “reflect on their links to Fifa”. |
| He said football’s reputation had been “dragged into the mud” and that while the arrests of Fifa officials in Zurich were “shocking in both their scope and scale”, they also “far from surprising”. Whittingdale then paid tribute to the Insight team at the Sunday Times whose revelations increased scrutiny of Fifa. | He said football’s reputation had been “dragged into the mud” and that while the arrests of Fifa officials in Zurich were “shocking in both their scope and scale”, they also “far from surprising”. Whittingdale then paid tribute to the Insight team at the Sunday Times whose revelations increased scrutiny of Fifa. |
| The government will now write to other European sports ministers, setting out the UK’s concerns and seeking their support. The UK will also make information available to US prosecutors, while British authorities would no doubt be looking at the allegations to see whether laws have been broken in this country, Whittingdale added. | The government will now write to other European sports ministers, setting out the UK’s concerns and seeking their support. The UK will also make information available to US prosecutors, while British authorities would no doubt be looking at the allegations to see whether laws have been broken in this country, Whittingdale added. |
| Chris Bryant, the shadow culture, media and sport secretary, then called for bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to be re-opened, or for the major football associations to the world to think about creating a new World Cup. He argued it was “inconceivable” that Blatter could stay in his post and highlighted the human rights abuses associated with World Cup stadium construction in Qatar. | Chris Bryant, the shadow culture, media and sport secretary, then called for bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to be re-opened, or for the major football associations to the world to think about creating a new World Cup. He argued it was “inconceivable” that Blatter could stay in his post and highlighted the human rights abuses associated with World Cup stadium construction in Qatar. |
| “Can anyone be in any doubt that Fifa is rotten to the core and needs swift and wholesale reform?” he added. | “Can anyone be in any doubt that Fifa is rotten to the core and needs swift and wholesale reform?” he added. |
| Updated at 11.23am BST | Updated at 11.23am BST |
| 11.08am BST11:08 | 11.08am BST11:08 |
| 10.59am BST10:59 | 10.59am BST10:59 |
| Russian President Vladimir Putin has been speaking on state TV in the past few minutes, and had this to say on the Fifa arrests: | Russian President Vladimir Putin has been speaking on state TV in the past few minutes, and had this to say on the Fifa arrests: |
| It looks very strange, the arrests are carried out on the request of the USA side. They are accused of corruption – who is? International officials. I suppose that someone broke some rules, I don’t know. But definitely, it’s got nothing to do with the USA. Those officials are not US citizens. If something happened it was not in the US and it’s nothing to do with them. | It looks very strange, the arrests are carried out on the request of the USA side. They are accused of corruption – who is? International officials. I suppose that someone broke some rules, I don’t know. But definitely, it’s got nothing to do with the USA. Those officials are not US citizens. If something happened it was not in the US and it’s nothing to do with them. |
| It’s another clear attempt by the USA to spread its jurisdiction to other states. And I have no doubt – it’s a clear attempt not to allow Mr Blatter to be re-elected as president of Fifa, which is a great violation of the operating principles of international organisations. The US prosecutor, as our media report, has already said that those Fifa officials have committed a crime. As if the prosecutor didn’t know about the principle of the presumption of innocence. | It’s another clear attempt by the USA to spread its jurisdiction to other states. And I have no doubt – it’s a clear attempt not to allow Mr Blatter to be re-elected as president of Fifa, which is a great violation of the operating principles of international organisations. The US prosecutor, as our media report, has already said that those Fifa officials have committed a crime. As if the prosecutor didn’t know about the principle of the presumption of innocence. |
| We know the position of the USA regarding Mr Snowden. Who uncovered the practice of illegal actions of the US all over the world including tapping in on leaders of other countries. Everyone discussed that, including in Europe. But no one wants to give him refuge and guarantee his security (apart from Russia). No one wants to fight with their partner, their senior partner – He’s a US citizen. What about Assange? Who has to hide for several years in foreign embassy. What’s he sought for? Sexual crimes? No one believes that. Because he spread info regarding the actions of the US military, including in Iraq. | We know the position of the USA regarding Mr Snowden. Who uncovered the practice of illegal actions of the US all over the world including tapping in on leaders of other countries. Everyone discussed that, including in Europe. But no one wants to give him refuge and guarantee his security (apart from Russia). No one wants to fight with their partner, their senior partner – He’s a US citizen. What about Assange? Who has to hide for several years in foreign embassy. What’s he sought for? Sexual crimes? No one believes that. Because he spread info regarding the actions of the US military, including in Iraq. |
| Why do I recall these cases? The US use these methods to achieve their self-interested aims. And they do it illegally. They harass people. I don’t rule out that the same is happening regarding Fifa. Although I don’t know how that will end but the fact it’s happening on the eve of the election of Fifa head points to that aim. | Why do I recall these cases? The US use these methods to achieve their self-interested aims. And they do it illegally. They harass people. I don’t rule out that the same is happening regarding Fifa. Although I don’t know how that will end but the fact it’s happening on the eve of the election of Fifa head points to that aim. |
| 10.52am BST10:52 | 10.52am BST10:52 |
| John Whittingdale also called for Michael Garcia’s report into the World Cup bids to be made public – in full. | John Whittingdale also called for Michael Garcia’s report into the World Cup bids to be made public – in full. |
| 10.50am BST10:50 | 10.50am BST10:50 |
| The issue is currently being discussed in the House of Commons. John Whittingdale, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport, is answering for the government and has said in the past few minutes: | The issue is currently being discussed in the House of Commons. John Whittingdale, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport, is answering for the government and has said in the past few minutes: |
| “The English FA and home nations, I will be in touch with them. I am very pleased that all four have take then same approach in supporting Uefa in terms of [Fifa’s] leadership and postponement of the [Fifa presidential] election tomorrow. | “The English FA and home nations, I will be in touch with them. I am very pleased that all four have take then same approach in supporting Uefa in terms of [Fifa’s] leadership and postponement of the [Fifa presidential] election tomorrow. |
| “I hope that one of the consequences is that we will now have a proper investigation which will lead to reform [of Fifa].” | “I hope that one of the consequences is that we will now have a proper investigation which will lead to reform [of Fifa].” |
| MP Chris Bryant spoke passionately on the crisis: | MP Chris Bryant spoke passionately on the crisis: |
| “Football belongs to mums and dads taking kids to their first match, not the fat cats creaming millions off the top for themselves. Is it not inconceivable that Sepp Blatter can continue now?” | “Football belongs to mums and dads taking kids to their first match, not the fat cats creaming millions off the top for themselves. Is it not inconceivable that Sepp Blatter can continue now?” |
| Regarding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he adds: | Regarding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he adds: |
| “Matches will be played indoors in 40 degrees. Workers are dying, 62 per match. Human rights are systemcaticlly being abused. Now that (sponsors) have raised concerns, should the bidding rounds [for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups] not be reopened?” | “Matches will be played indoors in 40 degrees. Workers are dying, 62 per match. Human rights are systemcaticlly being abused. Now that (sponsors) have raised concerns, should the bidding rounds [for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups] not be reopened?” |
| Updated at 10.52am BST | Updated at 10.52am BST |
| 10.33am BST10:33 | 10.33am BST10:33 |
| What could worsen an already disastrous situation for Fifa is the response of the organisation’s key sponsors. PA report that South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai have said it is “extremely concerned” by the allegations. | What could worsen an already disastrous situation for Fifa is the response of the organisation’s key sponsors. PA report that South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai have said it is “extremely concerned” by the allegations. |
| “As a company that places the highest priority on ethical standards and transparency, Hyundai Motor is extremely concerned about the legal proceedings being taken against certain FIFA executives and will continue to monitor the situation closely,” it said in a statement. | “As a company that places the highest priority on ethical standards and transparency, Hyundai Motor is extremely concerned about the legal proceedings being taken against certain FIFA executives and will continue to monitor the situation closely,” it said in a statement. |
| A spokesman for McDonald’s, a second-tier sponsor, said: “McDonald’s takes matters of ethics and corruption very seriously and the news from the US Department of Justice is extremely concerning. We are in contact with FIFA on this matter. We will continue to monitor the situation very closely.” | A spokesman for McDonald’s, a second-tier sponsor, said: “McDonald’s takes matters of ethics and corruption very seriously and the news from the US Department of Justice is extremely concerning. We are in contact with FIFA on this matter. We will continue to monitor the situation very closely.” |
| This follows yesterday’s initial reaction from brands including Visa and Coca-Cola: | This follows yesterday’s initial reaction from brands including Visa and Coca-Cola: |
| Fifa sponsors, including Adidas, Visa and Coca-Cola, are calling for the body to reform its practices. Visa issued a statement on Wednesday expressing its “disappointment and concern with Fifa”. It said that unless football’s world governing body rebuilds a corporate culture with “strong ethical practices” at its heart, “we have informed them that we will reassess our sponsorship”. | Fifa sponsors, including Adidas, Visa and Coca-Cola, are calling for the body to reform its practices. Visa issued a statement on Wednesday expressing its “disappointment and concern with Fifa”. It said that unless football’s world governing body rebuilds a corporate culture with “strong ethical practices” at its heart, “we have informed them that we will reassess our sponsorship”. |
| Coca-Cola said: “This lengthy controversy has tarnished the mission and ideals of the Fifa World Cup and we have repeatedly expressed our concerns about these serious allegations.” | Coca-Cola said: “This lengthy controversy has tarnished the mission and ideals of the Fifa World Cup and we have repeatedly expressed our concerns about these serious allegations.” |
| South Korean firm Hyundai Motor Company, the sole Asian Fifa partner for the 2018 World Cup to be held in Russia, said it was extremely concerned. Anheuser-Busch InBev, whose Budweiser brand is a sponsor of the 2018 World Cup, said: “We expect all of our partners to maintain strong ethical standards and operate with transparency.” McDonald’s, meanwhile, said it was monitoring the situation. | South Korean firm Hyundai Motor Company, the sole Asian Fifa partner for the 2018 World Cup to be held in Russia, said it was extremely concerned. Anheuser-Busch InBev, whose Budweiser brand is a sponsor of the 2018 World Cup, said: “We expect all of our partners to maintain strong ethical standards and operate with transparency.” McDonald’s, meanwhile, said it was monitoring the situation. |
| Updated at 10.33am BST | Updated at 10.33am BST |
| 10.25am BST10:25 | 10.25am BST10:25 |
| It’s worth noting that there is an urgent question in the House of Commons today regarding Fifa. John Whittingdale, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport, will be answering for the government, and we can expect him to have strong words on the crisis facing football’s governing body. | It’s worth noting that there is an urgent question in the House of Commons today regarding Fifa. John Whittingdale, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport, will be answering for the government, and we can expect him to have strong words on the crisis facing football’s governing body. |
| 10.19am BST10:19 | 10.19am BST10:19 |
| In Russia, Reuters report that President Vladimir Putin has accused the US of meddling outside its jurisdiction: | In Russia, Reuters report that President Vladimir Putin has accused the US of meddling outside its jurisdiction: |
| “This is yet another blatant attempt (by the United States) to extend its jurisdiction to other states,” Putin said. He added the arrests were a “clear attempt” to prevent the re-election of Fifa head Sepp Blatter and that he had Russia’s backing. | “This is yet another blatant attempt (by the United States) to extend its jurisdiction to other states,” Putin said. He added the arrests were a “clear attempt” to prevent the re-election of Fifa head Sepp Blatter and that he had Russia’s backing. |
| 10.16am BST10:16 | 10.16am BST10:16 |
| South Africa’s successful bid to host the 2010 World Cup is also facing scrutiny. Danny Jordaan, president of the South African Football Association who led the bid, has been elected unopposed as mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth. The opposition parties boycotted. | South Africa’s successful bid to host the 2010 World Cup is also facing scrutiny. Danny Jordaan, president of the South African Football Association who led the bid, has been elected unopposed as mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth. The opposition parties boycotted. |
| Here is how the Mail & Guardian reported the story in South Africa today: | Here is how the Mail & Guardian reported the story in South Africa today: |
| South Africa and its football officials stand accused of buying the vote that landed the country the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Now all eyes are on Danny Jordaan, who led the bid and hopes to be elected mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay on Thursday. | South Africa and its football officials stand accused of buying the vote that landed the country the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Now all eyes are on Danny Jordaan, who led the bid and hopes to be elected mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay on Thursday. |
| United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch dropped her bombshell indictment on international football on Wednesday, alleging “corruption that is rampant, systemic and deep-rooted”, spanning two-and-a-half decades and multiple jurisdictions. | United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch dropped her bombshell indictment on international football on Wednesday, alleging “corruption that is rampant, systemic and deep-rooted”, spanning two-and-a-half decades and multiple jurisdictions. |
| The indictment was unsealed after Swiss police dramatically arrested seven Fifa officials who had gathered in Zurich for the world football governing body’s elective congress, due to start on Friday. The arrests were at the behest of the US authorities, but in apparent investigations of their own, Swiss authorities raided Fifa offices. | The indictment was unsealed after Swiss police dramatically arrested seven Fifa officials who had gathered in Zurich for the world football governing body’s elective congress, due to start on Friday. The arrests were at the behest of the US authorities, but in apparent investigations of their own, Swiss authorities raided Fifa offices. |
| Altogether nine Fifa or Fifa member organisation officials and five company executives are indicted by the US. Another four individuals and two sports companies have already been convicted quietly, after plea bargains. | Altogether nine Fifa or Fifa member organisation officials and five company executives are indicted by the US. Another four individuals and two sports companies have already been convicted quietly, after plea bargains. |
| Where this leaves Jordaan is unclear. As head of the South African Football Association, he was reportedly due to fly to Zurich on Thursday to attend the congress – the same day he could be elected as mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay – should the ANC succeed in mustering its small majority in the metro. | Where this leaves Jordaan is unclear. As head of the South African Football Association, he was reportedly due to fly to Zurich on Thursday to attend the congress – the same day he could be elected as mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay – should the ANC succeed in mustering its small majority in the metro. |
| Jordaan could not be reached for comment before going to press and did not respond to text messages. When amaBhungane phoned the ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa on Wednesday evening, the call was cut mid conversation, and he did not respond to text messages. | Jordaan could not be reached for comment before going to press and did not respond to text messages. When amaBhungane phoned the ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa on Wednesday evening, the call was cut mid conversation, and he did not respond to text messages. |
| Updated at 11.24am BST | Updated at 11.24am BST |
| 10.08am BST10:08 | 10.08am BST10:08 |
| The Australian Associated Press report that police in the country have been asked to investigate a payment of $500,000 by Football Federation Australia to former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner: | The Australian Associated Press report that police in the country have been asked to investigate a payment of $500,000 by Football Federation Australia to former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner: |
| It’s understood Bonita Mersiades, a former Australian football executive turned whistleblower, has written to the AFP asking that it investigate the matter following raids that resulted in the arrests of seven high-ranking executives of football’s global governing body. | It’s understood Bonita Mersiades, a former Australian football executive turned whistleblower, has written to the AFP asking that it investigate the matter following raids that resulted in the arrests of seven high-ranking executives of football’s global governing body. |
| The AFP’s commissioner, Andrew Colvin, on Thursday confirmed that it may investigate the allegations after the matter was raised by the South Australian senator Nick Xenophon during a Senate hearing in Canberra. | The AFP’s commissioner, Andrew Colvin, on Thursday confirmed that it may investigate the allegations after the matter was raised by the South Australian senator Nick Xenophon during a Senate hearing in Canberra. |
| Xenophon has also called on FFA to formally report to US authorities the payment it made to Warner, who is facing eight counts of corruption. | Xenophon has also called on FFA to formally report to US authorities the payment it made to Warner, who is facing eight counts of corruption. |
| He’s also urged the federal government to denounce Fifa’s president, Sepp Blatter, and request a fresh vote for the 2022 World Cup. | He’s also urged the federal government to denounce Fifa’s president, Sepp Blatter, and request a fresh vote for the 2022 World Cup. |
| Australians should be worried about the $45m it spent on a “fixed” bidding process to host the event after several top FIFA officials were arrested on corruption charges, he said. | Australians should be worried about the $45m it spent on a “fixed” bidding process to host the event after several top FIFA officials were arrested on corruption charges, he said. |
| “The beautiful game has been turned into an incredibly ugly business,” Xenophon said on Thursday. “There needs to be action taken, but the first step is that we need to say that this is just outrageous.” | “The beautiful game has been turned into an incredibly ugly business,” Xenophon said on Thursday. “There needs to be action taken, but the first step is that we need to say that this is just outrageous.” |
| Both the Australian government and FFA needed to speak out about Blatter and the need for reform at Fifa to restore some integrity in the sport, he said. | Both the Australian government and FFA needed to speak out about Blatter and the need for reform at Fifa to restore some integrity in the sport, he said. |
| “I think once you get some countries such as Australia speaking out, the dam will break and many others will speak out on this.” | “I think once you get some countries such as Australia speaking out, the dam will break and many others will speak out on this.” |
| It’s alleged Warner stole the money which had been intended for a stadium upgrade in Trinidad and Tobago in 2010. | It’s alleged Warner stole the money which had been intended for a stadium upgrade in Trinidad and Tobago in 2010. |
| Read the full story. | Read the full story. |
| Updated at 10.09am BST | Updated at 10.09am BST |
| 10.01am BST10:01 | 10.01am BST10:01 |
| Here is the latest from Owen Gibson, the Guardian’s chief sports correspondent, in Zurich: | Here is the latest from Owen Gibson, the Guardian’s chief sports correspondent, in Zurich: |
| FA chairman Greg Dyke has moved to dismiss speculation that the current Fifa crisis could lead to England hosting the 2018 World Cup. | FA chairman Greg Dyke has moved to dismiss speculation that the current Fifa crisis could lead to England hosting the 2018 World Cup. |
| “This absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with an England bid for the World Cup or England hosting the World Cup,” said Dyke, ahead of a Uefa meeting to decide how best to challenge Blatter ahead of Friday’s scheduled presidential election. | “This absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with an England bid for the World Cup or England hosting the World Cup,” said Dyke, ahead of a Uefa meeting to decide how best to challenge Blatter ahead of Friday’s scheduled presidential election. |
| “This is about one thing: how do you re-build the reputation of Fifa and turn it into an open, fair and honest organisation with Blatter still at the helm?” | “This is about one thing: how do you re-build the reputation of Fifa and turn it into an open, fair and honest organisation with Blatter still at the helm?” |
| Dyke has previously called on Blatter to go and questioned whether Friday’s vote could take place in light of the arrest of seven Fifa officials including two vice presidents by police in Zurich. | Dyke has previously called on Blatter to go and questioned whether Friday’s vote could take place in light of the arrest of seven Fifa officials including two vice presidents by police in Zurich. |
| The suggestion that the controversial 2018 and 2022 World Cup race could could be reopened followed comments by Lennart Johansson, the former Uefa president who once failed to beat Sepp Blatter to the Fifa presidency, who says he expects Fifa to “reconsider the (World Cup) decisions.” (More from Johansson below). | The suggestion that the controversial 2018 and 2022 World Cup race could could be reopened followed comments by Lennart Johansson, the former Uefa president who once failed to beat Sepp Blatter to the Fifa presidency, who says he expects Fifa to “reconsider the (World Cup) decisions.” (More from Johansson below). |
| In the strongest intervention yet by a top Fifa partner Visa has called for urgent reform and said it would otherwise consider its relationship with world football’s governing body, which currently runs until 2022. | In the strongest intervention yet by a top Fifa partner Visa has called for urgent reform and said it would otherwise consider its relationship with world football’s governing body, which currently runs until 2022. |
| “It will be interested to see how many other sponsors come out and say things like that,” said Dyke. | “It will be interested to see how many other sponsors come out and say things like that,” said Dyke. |
| 9.51am BST09:51 | 9.51am BST09:51 |
| I understand FIFA Presidential candidate Prince Ali wants tomorrow's election to go ahead, & feels like it is not a foregone conclusion | I understand FIFA Presidential candidate Prince Ali wants tomorrow's election to go ahead, & feels like it is not a foregone conclusion |
| 9.46am BST09:46 | 9.46am BST09:46 |
| The latest dissenting voice towards Blatter comes from his former rival for Fifa presidency, Lennart Johansson. The former head of Uefa, who lost the 1998 Fifa presidential election to Blatter, says Russia and Qatar’s respective wins to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups should be reviewed following fresh corruption charges: | The latest dissenting voice towards Blatter comes from his former rival for Fifa presidency, Lennart Johansson. The former head of Uefa, who lost the 1998 Fifa presidential election to Blatter, says Russia and Qatar’s respective wins to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups should be reviewed following fresh corruption charges: |
| “I expect they will reconsider the (World Cup) decisions. Blatter himself has said that the decision to go east wasn’t proper. I am sure the initiative will now be taken to make a new decision. | “I expect they will reconsider the (World Cup) decisions. Blatter himself has said that the decision to go east wasn’t proper. I am sure the initiative will now be taken to make a new decision. |
| “England haven’t had it since 1966 and it’s considered ’the motherland of football’, whatever we might think. They are worthy of the attention. | “England haven’t had it since 1966 and it’s considered ’the motherland of football’, whatever we might think. They are worthy of the attention. |
| “I’m not surprised at what is happening. Blatter will obviously ensure that he wins the election in his own way. I think it’s unfortunate that the world’s biggest sporting movement has such a leader at the top, I really do.” | “I’m not surprised at what is happening. Blatter will obviously ensure that he wins the election in his own way. I think it’s unfortunate that the world’s biggest sporting movement has such a leader at the top, I really do.” |
| Read the full story. | Read the full story. |
| Updated at 9.49am BST | Updated at 9.49am BST |
| 9.35am BST09:35 | 9.35am BST09:35 |
| The Guardian front page, Thursday 28 May 2015: The stench of corruption pic.twitter.com/7YCnGD2hbh | The Guardian front page, Thursday 28 May 2015: The stench of corruption pic.twitter.com/7YCnGD2hbh |
| 9.30am BST09:30 | 9.30am BST09:30 |
| The Guardian’s front page this morning leads with the growing number of voices throughout football as well as key stakeholders outside the game calling for Sepp Blatter to resign as Fifa president. | The Guardian’s front page this morning leads with the growing number of voices throughout football as well as key stakeholders outside the game calling for Sepp Blatter to resign as Fifa president. |
| Greg Dyke, the chairman of the English Football Association, is one of those demanding Blatter immediately steps down: | Greg Dyke, the chairman of the English Football Association, is one of those demanding Blatter immediately steps down: |
| “Blatter has put out a statement saying now is the time to start rebuilding the trust in Fifa – there is no way of re-building trust in Fifa while Sepp Blatter is still there. | “Blatter has put out a statement saying now is the time to start rebuilding the trust in Fifa – there is no way of re-building trust in Fifa while Sepp Blatter is still there. |
| “Sepp Blatter has to go. He either has to go through a resignation, or he has to be out-voted or we have to find a third way. I think the time has come where the damage this has done to Fifa is so great that it can’t be re-built while Blatter is there so Uefa has got to try to force him out.” | “Sepp Blatter has to go. He either has to go through a resignation, or he has to be out-voted or we have to find a third way. I think the time has come where the damage this has done to Fifa is so great that it can’t be re-built while Blatter is there so Uefa has got to try to force him out.” |
| Updated at 9.47am BST | Updated at 9.47am BST |
| 9.19am BST09:19 | 9.19am BST09:19 |
| 9.11am BST09:11 | 9.11am BST09:11 |
| Key developments yesterday | Key developments yesterday |
| In case you missed it, here is what happened on an unprecedented day of crisis for Fifa yesterday: | In case you missed it, here is what happened on an unprecedented day of crisis for Fifa yesterday: |
| Updated at 12.13pm BST | Updated at 12.13pm BST |
| 9.03am BST09:03 | 9.03am BST09:03 |
| Welcome to today’s live blog covering the developments in Zurich as the crisis at Fifa rumbles on. We will have the latest on this live blog as the story develops. Here’s a quick summary of the latest news. | Welcome to today’s live blog covering the developments in Zurich as the crisis at Fifa rumbles on. We will have the latest on this live blog as the story develops. Here’s a quick summary of the latest news. |