Blatter: Those guilty of corruption in football are a "minority"
"Yesterday's events have cast a shadow over football and this congress. The actions of individuals have brought humiliation to football and demand immediate action," said the FIFA president at the opening of the organization's congress in Zurich; he added that the reputation of FIFA "must fall" on him; "Those who are guilty of corruption in football are a minority. And they must be held accountable for their actions. There should be no place for corruption," argued Joseph Blatter, one day after the arrest of seven world football officials investigated for corruption by the FBI; according to him, "other accusations may follow."
247 - FIFA President Joseph Blatter gave a speech of about five minutes during the opening of the FIFA Congress in Zurich on Thursday, the 28th, and stated that those guilty of corruption practices in football are a "minority." Blatter added that there can be no place for corruption within the organization.
"You will agree with me that this is an unprecedented and very difficult moment for FIFA. Yesterday's events have cast a shadow over football and over this congress. The actions of individuals have brought humiliation to football and demand immediate action," declared the head of the governing body of football.
"We can't monitor everyone all the time, always. If FIFA wanted to do wrong, it would also try to hide it. But the reputation of FIFA must fall on me," he continued. "We cannot allow the actions of a few to destroy the hard work of the majority who worked hard for football," he argued.
"I would like to state that those who are guilty of corruption in football are a minority. And they should be held accountable for their actions. We will do everything to cooperate with the authorities to uncover all those responsible and involved. There should be no place for corruption," he said.
"The coming months will not be easy for FIFA. More allegations may arise. But it is necessary to ensure that everyone is held accountable for all cases of corruption. Not only here, but on and off the field. Football, the fans, the world, everyone deserves much more," he stated.
"Tomorrow, at this congress, we will have the opportunity to rebuild and walk this new path. Now, we need to regain that trust, and we will do so through the decisions we are going to make," he said in his speech.
"You saw the opening ceremony, about the spirit of football, which is loved by everyone. Our dancers brought the spirit that gave life to football. It's important that we don't lose sight of the spirit of football. That we must fight for the spirit of football and its preservation. Enjoy the show and reflect on the fact that most of us are in football because we love it," the official added.
"We want to serve the game and achieve positive results with leadership and responsibility. For the game, for the world, for peace. Thank you very much," concluded the FIFA president.