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The dramatic rise and fall of Sepp Blatter

We look back at one of the most intriguing weeks in world football.

*Updated at 7.40am

27 May, 6am – Zurich

Rob Harris / AP/Press Association Images Rob Harris / AP/Press Association Images / AP/Press Association Images

In the early hours of last Wednesday, a dozen plain clothes Swiss police officers descended on the the luxury Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich.

Two current Fifa vice-presidents — Jeffery Webb and Eugenio Figueredo — are among 14 arrested and indicted.

27 May, 9.30am – Zurich

Swiss federal prosecutors announce they have opened criminal proceedings into the awarding of both the 2018 (Russia) and 2022 World Cup (Qatar).

27 May, 2.30pm – New York

Mark Lennihan / AP/Press Association Images Mark Lennihan / AP/Press Association Images / AP/Press Association Images

Just one hour after former Fifa executive Chuck Blazer was revealed as one of four men to plead guilty to corruption charges, US Attorney General Loretta Lynch tells a news conference that corruption has been marring football for at least 24 years with Fifa officials solicited bribes from sports marketing firms and other parties.

28 May, midnight – London

English FA Chairman Greg Dyke tells the Press Association that “Blatter must go”. However, despite calls from Uefa, Fifa announce the up-coming presidential elections will not be postponed.

28 May, 1pm - Johannesburg

South African officials deny a $10 million bribe was paid to Fifa officials in order to host the 2010 World Cup with Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula saying: “We as a government and people managing the resources of the South African people — we did not share part of your resources with criminals, I am saying it now and forever.”

28 May, 5pm – Zurich

Despite Michel Platini stating that Uefa would vote against Sepp Blatter — and saying he asked him to step down — both the Asian and African unions row in behind the 79-year old Swiss and it looks certain he will be re-elected for a fifth term.

29 May, 6.15pm – Zurich

Adam Davy / PA Wire/Press Association Images Adam Davy / PA Wire/Press Association Images / PA Wire/Press Association Images

As expected, Blatter is elected to the presidency for a fifth term after his only challenger, Prince Ali of Jordan, withdraws before the second round of voting.

30 May, 9am – Zurich

A rejuvenated Blatter slams US Authorities and Uefa suggesting a hate campaign against Fifa from the latter and an attempt to interfere with his re-election from the former. David Gill stands by his promise not to take up a role with the Fifa executive committee.

1 June, 1pm – Qatar

An ex-Qatari prime minister – Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber — denies all allegations that corruption played a role in his country being awarded the 2022 World Cup.

2 June, midnight – New York

Following a few short days respite, reports in the US place Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke right at the centre of the scandal once more.

2 June, 5.43pm – Zurich

Sepp Blatter announces he is to step down as president of Fifa after being in the role since 1998.

Sepp Blatter resigns as Fifa president

Fifa admits controversial $10m payment – but says Blatter’s right-hand man was not involved

Author
Steve O'Rourke
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