Europe is desperate to force him out
FA chairman Greg Dyke will join a European campaign that will try to force Sepp Blatter out of office despite the FIFA president’s election victory last night. Europe’s 54 countries meet in Berlin on Thursday for a two-day conference ahead of the Champions League Final when they will decide what to do next. And Dyke insisted: ‘This isn’t over by any means. Blatter has had 16 years to reform FIFA but he hasn’t done it. The idea he could reform FIFA is suspect. I’d be very surprised if he was still in this job in two years.’ When pressed on whether nations might pull out of future World Cups, Dyke clarified that wouldn’t
happen without support from other countries. ‘England won’t withdraw from anything on its own and you can be absolutely certain about that. That would be ridiculous,’ he added. ‘There will be discussions in FIFA about this result and what FIFA should do next but that won’t be England alone.’ SFA chief executive Stewart Regan, who was also in Zurich for the Congress, added: ‘We are disappointed but unsurprised by today’s election result and will consult with UEFA to consider our collective position in order to achieve the essential changes required within FIFA.’ UEFA president Michel Platini reiterated his desire for change, saying: ‘I am proud UEFA has supported a movement for change at FIFA, which, in my opinion, is crucial.’ Former Portugal star Luis Figo, who stood in the early stages of the election, said: ‘This vote has only served to endorse the election of a man who can’t remain in charge of football. Mr Blatter had a cynical reaction when he said he couldn’t control everyone. It offends everyone.’ Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, John Whittingdale, said: ‘It’s disappointing when presented with overwhelming demands for change, many FIFA members opted for the status quo.’ FIFPro, the world players’ union, also echoed the calls for change, saying: ‘FIFPro looks ahead with a firm expectation towards all involved in world football to establish a robust commitment to urgent reform.’ Coca-Cola, one of FIFA’s main sponsors, urged ‘concrete actions’ to address the issues that have been raised, adding: ‘FIFA must now seize the opportunity to begin winning back the trust it has lost.’