U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati, a member of the FIFA Exec Committee and who opposed outgoing President Sepp Blatter’s re-election, called yesterday's announcement that Blatter would step down an “exceptional and immediate opportunity for positive change within FIFA," according to a front-page piece by Futterman & Robinson of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. Gulati added, "Today is an occasion for optimism and belief for everyone who shares a passion for our game" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 6/3). In Winnipeg, David Larkins notes Blatter's decision "was greeted with support" from members of the U.S. women's national team. U.S. MF Carli Lloyd: "There's been a cloud over FIFA with the bribes and the corruption and, if these allegations are true, I think it will be really good for our game. A new leader can come on and just have equal rights for men and women. I would love to see someone come on board and really support us and want to grow the game. And that's what it takes.” Larkins writes it is "no secret the Americans had little respect for Blatter" (WINNIPEG SUN, 6/3). In N.Y., Filip Bondy writes the U.S. and its national institutions "are the heroes in all" the changes at FIFA. Bondy: "We did for the world what the world wouldn’t do for itself, after FIFA began to spin further out of control." But Americans are "doing this at considerable political risk." By "bringing down Blatter, the U.S. is alienating his strong voting bloc in Asia and Africa." Maybe "because of that, the USSF canceled a telephone conference" with Gulati. He "doesn’t want to come across as the sanctified choir boy, or appear too pleased with himself" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/3).
I FOUGHT THE LAW: In N.Y., Mike Lupica writes U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch "and our government are the ones with the mandate here, to do what soccer refused to do on its own: Clean up the biggest sport in the world." A source said, "These people really have no idea what it's like to have the federal government come after them this way" (
N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/3). In L.A., Kevin Baxter notes the U.S. DOJ and the FBI "played a huge role" in the FIFA takedown. But U.S. Soccer and Gulati "have been relatively quiet -- especially in comparison" to England FA Chair Greg Dyke and UEFA President Michel Platini, who were "among the first to call for Blatter's ouster" (
L.A. TIMES, 6/3). In Ft. Lauderdale, Dave Hyde writes, "Maybe, finally, everyone will welcome the United States into the global community as the soccer powerhouse we are today. ... Name someone in the world with more impact on the sport right now than U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and the investigators who got the goods on FIFA?" (
South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 6/3). In Orlando, David Whitley writes the DOJ "cured the world of its Blatter infection." The "irony should not be lost on anyone," as the world's "most backward soccer country freed the sport of the clowns and grifters who were running it into the ground" (
ORLANDO SENTINEL, 6/3). NBCSN’s Roger Bennett said, “If 20th Century history proves one thing, America gets to the fight a little bit late and they always emerge victorious. This is the case with the FBI versus FIFA” (
"Morning Joe," MSNBC, 6/3). In Miami, Linda Robertson writes FIFA "still needs a deep cleaning." The "first step of the overhaul is being led" by the U.S., a nation where the "domestic form of football -- not the global game of football -- is the most popular sport" (
MIAMI HERALD, 6/3).
WELCOME NEWS: AD AGE noted reaction to Blatter's resignation from around the soccer world "came swiftly." Former Brazilian player Romario wrote on his Facebook page, "This is the best news of the recent times." Ireland FA CEO John Delaney: "It's a good day for world football" (ADAGE.com, 6/2). In DC, Hobson & Horwitz note Blatter's resignation was "welcomed by government officials, players, and commentators from across Europe." Latin American websites were "running banner headlines of the news, and much of the tone was exultant, as players and officials celebrated his departure and expressed hope of cleaning up the sport" (WASHINGTON POST, 6/3). One-time FIFA presidential candidate Luís Figo said, "A good day for FIFA and for football ... Change is finally coming" (REUTERS, 6/2).
