In the wake of embattled FIFA president Sepp Blatter’s surprising announcement that he would be stepping down as FIFA president, the conversation quickly turned to the candidate to replace him.
Blatter governed the biggest sport franchise on Earth for nearly two decades, for years untouched personally by allegations of corrupt practices, but never admitted to any wrong doings.
The 79-year old manipulated football and never responded to public outcry. He surrounded himself with core loyalist, many of whom he raised from obscurity to lead powerful national and regional federations. He put them in control of billions of dollars for TV contracts, endorsements of national teams and where the biggest tournaments were held.
Over the last few years, he replaced many of his deputies who were indicted for scandals and took credit for helping clean up the mess.
After 17 years of reign and bringing the biggest game events to new heights, the pressure became too much. The world’s largest football nations were in open rebellion and discussing an alternate tournament to the World Cup. Sponsors from the world’s most-popular soft drink to best-selling video game questioned their ties to FIFA.
Blatter admitted he had lost too much support to remain in office, a decision he hastily announced. But did not take responsibility for the huge corruption scandals under his watch.
He declared he was now free from constraints and could clean up the game the way he has wanted to.
As FIFA thrived through allegations of bribery, vote-buying and World Cup ticket scams, 79-year-old Blatter built a strong base of support by bolstering the sport in developing countries and brought the first World Cup to Africa.
Blatter succeeded Joao Havelange, who was considered to be corrupt.
The process of electing a credible candidate to replace Blatter might be complicated as lots of the mechanisms from Africa, Asia and South America that kept Blatter in power for so long remain in power.
Taking a look at potential successors to jump into the power vacuum and seize control of one of the world’s most influential organizations, which is expected to hold a congress between December and March 2016:
Among the possible candidates are:
Michel Platini
The UEFA president had been widely tipped to take over as the new president, having fallen out with Blatter towards the end of his reign. The 59-year old French led the anti-Blatter vote at the recent election and could be the right replacement.
Prince Ali
Prince Ali lost out to Blatter in last month’s presidential election is also a strong contender to take over from the Swiss when he steps down.
Zico
The former Brazil international, served as his country’s sports minister in the 1990s, has expressed a desire to run for the seat of FIFA president.
Luis Figo
The Portuguese puts himself forward as a high-profile contender to take over from Blatter in the recent election but did not make it to the election after failing to secure the necessary support. Would be a high-profile candidate who could secure popular support.
Michael van Praag
The former Ajax chairman announced his intention to stand against Blatter in January but fell short of sufficient numbers of backers. Might be tempted to try again.
A final decision on the date for a presidential election would be made in July, when FIFA will hold an extraordinary meeting of its executive committee.
Source: Anthony Nlebem
@AnthonyNlebem
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