Elections Stir Waters in FIFA Amid Corruption Scandal

FIFA President Joseph Blatter speaks during the opening ceremony of the FIFA Gongress at Theater 11 in Oerlikon, Zuerich, Switzerland, 28 May 2015. Photo: EPA/BGNES

 It is expected that all 209 FIFA members will determine the future president of the organization Friday. The vote will be executed amidst the corruption scandal, involving high level officials.

Current President and largely considered favorite for the position Sepp Blatter (aged 79) is no longer likely to win the confidence vote. His main competitor is the Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan (aged 39).

The winning candidate needs to get at least 140 (two thirds) of the total votes in order to win. The results will be announced until the end of the day.

Sepp Blatter made a statement Thursday on account of the corruption scandal, and assured that he has no intention of stepping down and will not be assuming the responsibility for the actions of the accused officials.

The corruption scandal involving high FIFA officials also involved an international investigation and joint efforts by the US Department of Justice and the Swiss Attorney General.

Meanwhile, a number of the most prominent sponsors of the football organization have stated that they are likely to withdraw their support on account of its tarnished reputation.

 

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!