FA must keep heat on Blatter
SEPP BLATTER has made a few concessions, none of which really add up to much on their own, and I think he thinks it will all blow over.
But the anger of the football fans and the concerns raised over the last few days are not going to be addressed by what’s happened.
People in Fifa have been frightened of sticking their head above the parapet and would rather do deals behind closed doors. I think the last few days have changed that. The concern expressed by Fifa sponsors is interesting; they’ll be keeping a close eye on this.
The genie’s out of the bottle, and Blatter has to work very hard to reassure people Fifa is changing, becoming more open and accountable, and is serious about dealing with allegations of corruption.
The FA have made their stand – it’s a shame they couldn’t have started earlier – what’s important is they build on that now and work with other countries to establish a coalition for change within Fifa council, not go away again.
Damian Collins MP is a leading supporter of lobby group Change Fifa.