FIFA President Sepp Blatter resigned on Tuesday, four days after being re-elected amid a corruption and bribery scandal within football's governing body. The London TELEGRAPH compiled int'l reaction to Blatter's resignation, which included comments from numerous football and political execs and current and former players.
FA Chair Greg Dyke: "Blatter's resignation is brilliant for world football."
One-time FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali bin al-Hussein: "I am at the disposal of our national associations."
U.K. Culture Secretary John Whittingdale: "Governments, national associations and international confederations, along with players and fans have all called for Sepp Blatter to resign in recent days. We welcome his belated announcement today but this is only the beginning of the process of change we need to see from FIFA."
FIFPro: "FIFPro welcomes the decision of FIFA president Sepp Blatter to resign as this creates an overdue and unique opportunity to fundamentally reform the governance of football. FIFPro insists that only flawless governance will be acceptable to protect the wellbeing of the players and the integrity of the game."
Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko: "For me his [Blatter] resignation came as a complete surprise. Blatter's statement makes it quite clear that he wants to keep FIFA united. He is looking for the continuation of FIFA reforms" (TELEGRAPH, 6/2). The AP collected additional comments:
UEFA President Michel Platini: "It was a difficult decision, a brave decision, and the right decision."
One-time FIFA presidential candidate Luís Figo: "A good day for FIFA and for football ... Change is finally coming. I said on Friday that the day would come sooner or later. Here it is! Now we should, responsibly and calmly, find a consensual solution worldwide in order to start new era of dynamism, transparency and democracy in FIFA."
Russian Football Union Acting President Nikita Simonyan: "[Michel Platini] suits the role of president of FIFA better than anyone else ... (He is) a more prepared and experienced person."
Man City and Belgium defender Vincent Kompany: "Blatter wasn't sole responsible, more have to follow. Transparency and voting reform, then we move on and bring back ethics."
Simon Johnson, member of England's team that unsuccessfully bid to stage the 2018 World Cup: "I want the full facts around the bidding to be known. If there was fairness and transparency, then good, well done. If it is found there was improper behavior in any way they must have a look at whether they should reopen the processes."
English FA Vice Chair David Gill: "As I announced following the election at FIFA Congress, I simply could not countenance serving on the FIFA Executive Committee alongside Mr. Blatter. I respect his decision but am pleased he is standing aside and by the clear determination for real change within FIFA. This in turn allows me to reconsider my position."
Former Brazilian footballer Romário: "His fall will come as a tsunami to every corrupt leader in the confederations around the world. ... We need the corrupt ones in prison, and we need the contributions from great idols, good sports leaders and football lovers."
Former French footballer and one-time FIFA presidential candidate David Ginola: "This man (Blatter) was probably and surely under a lot of pressure and he resigned from the game and now it's time to reboot FIFA and reboot the game of football and that's the most important" (AP, 6/2). REUTERS also collected comments on the news:
Uruguayan FA President and CONMEBOL VP Wilmar Valdez: "It's an incomprehensible decision. He was very certain he could continue. It is clear that someone important got to him in the last few hours for him to make a decision of this kind."
Bundesliga President Reinhard Rauball: "This is a good day for world football. Sepp Blatter has done FIFA a great service by resigning. All who seriously advocate a reform of FIFA must now contribute constructive proposals for the unity of football. Credibility and transparency have to come first."
Dutch FA: "Blatter is out! This is where (sic) we fought for."
European Commission spokesperson for sport Nathalie Vandystadt: "This is an important step but a lot of work remains. We now expect a long process of change that is needed to restore trust and set up a solid system of good governance at FIFA" (REUTERS, 6/2).
