Sepp Blatter resigned?
Yes. In a very hastily announced press conference around 5.30pm on Tuesday evening, Sepp Blatter announced that he will “lay down his mandate.”
The 79-year-old was re-elected for a fifth term as Fifa president on Friday but remained under intense pressure as corruption scandals continue to engulf world football’s governing body.
Why did he resign?
Although he was re-elected just two days after nine Fifa officials were arrested as part of corruption investigations, Blatter faced significant opposition and did not secure the 2/3 majority needed in the first round of voting.
The investigations of both the US and the Swiss authorities are continuing but Blatter has not been arrested as part of either probe.
Reading from a prepared statement, he said:
While I have a mandate from the membership of FIFA, I do not feel that I have a mandate from the entire world of football – the fans, the players, the clubs, the people who live, breathe and love football as much as we all do at FIFA.
So is that him gone?
Not yet — Blatter will continue on as president until an extraordinary elective Congress can be convened to choose his successor.
When will that be?
It could take a while yet.
The next ordinary Fifa Congress is scheduled for 13 May 2016 — nearly a full year away. Blatter himself said that this would cause an “unnecessary delay” which is why they will need to convene an extraordinary meeting.
Initial indications are that the election is unlikely to be called before December of this year. ”This will need to be done in line with FIFA’s statutes and we must allow enough time for the best candidates to present themselves and to campaign,” Blatter said.
What will Blatter do in the meantime?
He has promised to use the time to enact “deep-rooted structural change”…
This includes:
- Reducing the size of the Fifa executive committee
- Direct elections by the Fifa Congress
- Integrity checks organised centrally through Fifa rather than by each individual confederations
- Term limits for the Fifa president and all ExCo members — which would most likely prevent anybody from serving a 17-year term to rival Blatter’s
“I have fought for these changes before and, as everyone knows, my efforts have been blocked. This time, I will succeed.”
Will any of that actually happen?
Who knows?
Read Sepp Blatter’s resignation statement in full here >
Cork are very poor ,,!!!
When I saw the Cork team on Friday night with only 3 city players I new mass was over for the rebels this is the worst team Cork ever brought to Thurles sad.
Some dire stuff from Cork so far. Aimless balls down the field. They’ll need to improve drastically in the second half or this will be a rout
Great to see the sweeper system being destroyed early on.
That’s one poor cork team Christ above going to get throttled here today.
Early test of both teams ambition for the season. Nothing like the clash of the ash to kick off the summer.
Only this year it is starting with a whimper. Today and last night’s game both brutal.
Dire stuff from the rebels
It’s tipps year :-)
Premature to come out with that comment.
Barry Kelly is a shit ref.
Game over cork keep playing into tips hands
Cork are 11/4 in the bookies. As a Cork man I’ll take that price all day, championship hurling in Thurles, anything can happen!! Rebels Abú!!!
Never bet on your own team
Just been a pitch invasion by the Tipp supporters at the final whistle in Thurles. Where are the horse mounted police? Greyhounds even.
Cork really poor. The score is actually flattering should be down by more. Hopefully it will be a closer second half
Tipp’s full forward line is going to take some stopping of we’re going to get a result. Can never write us off in championship though, Rebels abú.
Good to see kieran Kingstons chopping and changing of the teams went so well for cork. He must be so proud…
Lots of stuff happening off the ball, ruining the flow of the game.
Cork are a big of a joke alright.
And cork lads coming on here giving out is golden. Long may it last.
What’s the longest ye have gone without an AI lads? Big 3 me hole.
Switchin over to watch Rory win the golf
Great shot from Rory there
You’re missing the comeback, three quick goals for cork
Dubai golf classic? Sounds like the Tommy Murphy cup.
As a Cork man….very disappointed. …maybe it’s a cunning plan….use the back door route to develop the team. .. ya right …will wake up from that dream soon..and come back to reality…
I never thought I would see the day when Cork hurling would hit such a low point even Kerry are putting in more professional performances.
No point having millions in the bank and no talent coming forward.
The OAP’S in county board.
we’ll need I say anymore!!!!!