SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Just days after announcing, “I am the president of everybody”, following his re-election as FIFA President, Sepp Blatter has stated that he is to step down from the role.
The news was revealed at a seemingly hastily prepared press conference on 2nd June 2015, precisely five days after he won the first vote 133 to challenger Prince Ali bin-al Hussein’s 73, causing the latter to throw in the towel. A two-thirds voting majority is needed to win outright.
Two days before the presidential election, seven FIFA officials were arrested in a corruption scandal, and many expected the vote to be rescheduled. It went ahead, but the case continues, including one reportedly against Sepp Blatter himself, with US officials following the money trail as part of the same investigation. More details are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks and months.
Stepping down after 17 years, the widely unpopular Blatter explained his belief that whilst the “election is over, FIFA’s challenges are not.” He continued; “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.”
Blatter also stated that a congress to elect a new President would occur “as soon as possible.”
Domenico Scala, FIFA Head of Audit and Compliance, has confirmed that it will take at least four months for the ins and outs to of a new election to be arranged. It is believed that it will take place between December 2015 and March 2016, so as to allow potential candidates time to present themselves, and build their campaigns.
During his re-election speech Blatter stated that he would give FIFA to his successor at the end of his four year term. That term has ended far sooner than anybody could have anticipated, and the bookmakers’ favourites to secure the role are detailed below.
Successor favourites
Prince ali-bin Hussein, and Michel Platini are the bookmakers’ standout favourites with Paddy Power offering evens on Hussein, and 2/1 for Platini, whilst William Hill have UEFA President Platini as their current favourite.
Others expected to be in the running include former FIFA man Jerome Champagne (10/1 at Paddy Power), who has told the BBC that he may stand, and Luis Figo, for whom Ladbrokes are offering odds as low as 6/1.
David Ginola’s team has confirmed he intends to stand once again, though Paddy Power are offering the same price for Ginola as they are a rather unlikely candidate. You can get odds of 50/1 for Barack Obama to be named the next Fifa President over at Paddy.
Who’s your money on?
