The $10m Bribe Scandal
“I have been reflecting deeply about my presidency and about the 40 years in which my life has been inextricably bound to FIFA and the great sport of football. I cherish FIFA more than anything and I want to do only what is best for FIFA and for football.
It is my deep care for FIFA and its interests, which I hold very dear, that has led me to take this decision,” he said.
I would like to thank those who have always supported me in a constructive and loyal manner as president of FIFA and who have done so much for the game that we all love. What matters to me more than anything is that when all of this is over, football is the winner.”
June 8, 2015 Mr. Sepp BlatterPresidentFederation Internationale de Football AssociationFIFA-Strasse 20 Zurich, Switzerland. Sir, On behalf of myself, lovers of football worldwide and those that cherish you, l wish to congratulate you on your well-de-served election on Friday, May 29, 2015 for a fifth term in office as FIFA President.
Your vote tally of 133 against 73 for your challenger, Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, was not the landslide victory you expected, given your years of service to FIFA and football, but it quickly secured you a fifth term in office, when Al-Hussein read the Handwriting on the Wall and conceded defeat, rather than go for a second round.
Sir, your electoral victory was a reflection of your standing amongst the various football associations around the globe. It was sweet victory, snatched through clenched fists in the midst of flying bribery allegations and audacious arrest of nine FIFA officials, 48 hours to your Great Day.
Without consulting late Octopus Paul (The Oracle) in the grave, or Babalawo (local African fortune-teller), the arrests were strategically designed to derail your victory in favour of your opponent.
Thank goodness you won!Over the years, you have favoured Africa (South Africa 2010), Russia (2018) and the Middle East (Qatar 2022) in terms of World Cup hosting. More importantly sir, you graciously increased the representation slot of Africa to 5, giving Africans the football opportunity to feature prominently in World Cup tournaments.
As expected, we (Confedera-tion of African Football) and other beneficiaries of your LARGE HEART, voted for you to stoutly defy the rebellious Europeans (UEFA) and their collaborating Yankees (Americans).It was a stroke of political football ingenuity, the stuff that only a Blatter could pull off and smile home.
Mr. Blatter, while we were dancing in the streets and thumbing our chests savouring your Golden Victory, news filtered into town that you have decided to resign to create room for a better FIFA.Sir, that was a football masterstroke of uncommon value.
In taking this decision, you have walked honourably into the World Football Hall of Fame. You have also confounded and humbled your critics. You have amply demonstrated your unquenching love for the Beautiful Game.
Indeed, you hit the nail on the head with this statement:
“While I have a mandate from the membership of FIFA, I do not feel that I have a mandate from the entire world of football — the fans, the players, the clubs, the people who live, breathe and love football as much as we all do at FIFA.”
Sir, Stepping Aside (apologies to our own Evil Genius) is your greatest victory since you first became FIFA President on June 8, 1998. To the major sponsors of football (Coca-Cola, Visa, Adidas), the FIFA brand remains a Brand of Choice to invest in.To the fans worldwide, the credibility of football remains intact and without blemish.
To the players, your stepping down will allow them to fully concentrate and showcase their skills on the field of play without doubts or reservations.Sir, you fought a good fight and won.
You conquered selfishness. You conquered greed. You conquered arrogance. You conquered the lure of office.Enjoy your great victory sir.
Victory At Last! King regards.
Prince Cookey
Lagos, Nigeria.
