Pick of the reactions to Sepp
Blatter’s shock announcement on Tuesday he would step down as president of
world football’s governing body FIFA after 17 years in charge:
“It was a difficult decision, a
brave decision, and the right decision.”
FIFA boss
— UEFA president Michel Platini, who
called on members of his federation to vote against Blatter in last Friday’s
presidential vote.
“We highly respect this decision of
President Blatter to step down and to initiate the necessary reforms – and to
make way for a new leadership of FIFA to drive these changes.”
— International Olympic Committee
president Thomas Bach,
“Why didn’t he step down last week?
Clearly there’s a smoking gun of some sort. He’s not been honourable in years.
Now he’s gone – let’s celebrate.”
— English Football Association (FA)
president Greg Dyke, one of Blatter’s sternest critics.
“Platini remains my favoured
candidate. I always said that.”
— French Federation president Noel
Le Graet, who ignored Platini’s advice and voted for Blatter in the FIFA
election.
“For me his (Blatter) resignation
came as a complete surprise.”
— Russian Sports Minister and FIFA
executive committee member Vitaly Mutko.
“It’s a tragedy why he didn’t spare
us all, and himself, by doing this sooner.”
— German Football Association
president Wolfsgang Niersbach, a FIFA executive committee member.
“Prince Ali is ready to take over as
FIFA head at any moment, should they ask him.”
— Sala Sabra vice-president of the
Jordanian Football Federation, signalling that Prince Ali bin al Hussein will
run in the next FIFA election.
“The best news for ages! Joseph
Blatter stepping down as FIFA president represents the beginning of a new era
for world football.”
Brazilian football great and
politician Romario.
“Change is finally coming. I said on
Friday that the day would come sooner or later. Here it is!” — Portuguese
football legend Luis Figo, who withdrew from the presidential race to allow
Prince Ali be the sole anti-Blatter candidate.
“Very good news.” Dutch federation
president Michael van Praag, who also stepped aside to allow Prince Ali a free
run at Blatter
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