I did a lot for world soccer, Blatter insists
ZURICH: Outgoing Fifa president Sepp Blatter believes his critics will realise they have been wrong and will recognise his achievements once he has left soccer’s world governing body.
In an interview with the BBC, the 79-year-old Swiss defended his record at the head of scandalplagued Fifa and said he was respected in many parts of the world.
Blatter noted he was often subjected to hostile treatment on social media but said: “Go to the world, go to Asia, go to Africa… go to China, ask them what they think about Fifa and Blatter, that’s different.
“At least (I am) respected, because I have done a lot. I am sure this will be recognised.
“I am sure people are realising that the job I have done in Fifa is a good job, it’s the right job for the development of football, the right job for education of youth,” he added.
“If there are people who don’t like the organisation or don’t like me, they will realise they have been wrong.”
Blatter was re-elected for a fifth term on May 29, but four days later announced he would lay down his mandate as Fifa was engulfed in the worst crisis in its 111-year history.
The world soccer body was thrown into turmoil when 14 sports marketing executives and soccer officials were indicted in the US in May on bribery, money laundering and wire fraud charges involving more than $150 million (R1.9 billion) in payments.
Blatter’s replacement is due to be elected at an extraordinary congress on February 26.
Blatter reiterated that it was individuals rather than Fifa who were under investigation.