Dr David Webber, a researcher in the cultural political economy of football at the University of Warwick, reacts to the latest developments in relation to Fifa.

He said:

“The decision by Swiss investigators to open criminal proceedings against Sepp Blatter last week has left the Fifa president clinging to power and prompted Michel Platini –the man many people tip to become Blatter’s successor – to distance himself from these fresh allegations.

“Both men remain adamant that they are innocent of all wrongdoing and have promised to co-operate fully with the investigation. In an attempt to protect his own bid to become the next Fifa president, Platini has written a letter to all member countries of Uefa, clarifying his version of events.

“But this latest twist in the saga mounts further pressure upon Fifa itself to effectively hand itself over to external reform. With more and more revelations coming to light, of secret deals being struck and huge amounts of money exchanging hands, it is difficult to see how the very organisation tainted by these practices can itself investigate credibly these claims, let alone offer a transparent alternative.

“There is a real concern too that the release of this information might be stage-managed by key figures so as to undermine political rivals. It is absolutely vital that this subterfuge and these political machinations do not draw attention away from the real reason for these investigations.

“What is at stake is far greater than any political rivalry. The football family should be demanding far greater accountability from those charged with the stewardship of the global game, and an organisation free from corruption and fit to govern world football.”

Notes to Editors:

Contact Lee Page, Communications Manager at The University of Warwick. Tel: +44 (0)2476 574 255. Mob: +44 (0)7920 531 221. Email: l.page@warwick.ac.uk.

29 September 2015

Contact

Lee Page, Communications Manager

Tel: +44 (0)2476 574 255.

Mob: +44 (0)7920 531 221.

Email: l.page@warwick.ac.uk