Five things Sepp Blatter just said about Fifa’s crisis after winning presidential election
Newly re-elected Fifa president Sepp Blatter has given a press conference in Zurich where he answered the many burning questions posed by journalists following the corruption scandal which exploded this week.
Here's what he had to say.
1. "I have no $10m"
Did Blatter know who it is that is alleged to have given money to Jack Warner? He denied any knowledge, saying: "The only thing I can say is I have no $10m."
2. "Arrested for what?"
“Have you had any contact with the Swiss authorities and are you concerned you will be arrested?” asked one journalist.
“Question number one: no. Question number two: arrested for what? Next question,” replied Blatter.
3. "I forgive and don't forget in regard to persons"
That's what Blatter told a reporter from ESPN who asked if the action taken by US authorities would hinder a bid by the country to host the 2026 World Cup.
Blatter earlier today told a Swiss TV channel he would forgive but not forget Uefa's rebellion. “It is a hate that comes not just from a person at Uefa, it comes from the Uefa organisation that cannot understand that in 1998 I became president,” he said.
4. "I will bring them all back"
Sponsors, that is. If any were thinking about jumping ship, a personal visit will solve that. "We have already had contact with the sponsors after the revelations … we have exchanged letters … and the contact with our partners, I am sure I will bring them all back with a personal visit to them," said Blatter.
5. "It's very easy"
Does Blatter still believe he should be the man in charge? “It is very easy, you have seen the results of the Congress and they think that I am still the man to solve these problems,” he said confidently.
What now?
The scandal engulfing the game shows no signs of abating with Blatter's surprise re-election.
The FA's David Gill has rejected his place on Fifa's executive committee.
"Reputation is critical to me," said Gill in a statement. "I simply do not see how there will be change for the good of world football while Mr Blatter remains in post."
Meanwhile, Russian president Vladimir Putin welcomed Blatter's return. Here's what Putin said in a congratulatory telegram to Blatter.
Over the 17 years that you have stood at the head of Fifa, you have acquired great respect among fans, coaches and players. I am certain that your experience and organisational talent, and your efforts aimed at consistently expanding football’s geography will serve to further develop and increase the popularity of this ‘number one sport’ that unites millions of fans all over the world.
I would like to stress that Russia is ready for further close and constructive cooperation with Fifa, which is especially important ahead of the 2018 World Cup. I am confident that through our joint efforts, we will hold an exceptional championship from an organisational and athletic standpoint.”
Russia will still host the World Cup in three years time, as will Qatar in 2022 after Blatter's decision that there will be no re-run of the bidding.
Asked what the reaction of Fifa's executive committee was to his decision at its first meeting since his re-election, Blatter replied: "Some were more grumpy than others."