Dutch FA President Urges Sepp Blatter Not to Seek Another FIFA Term
Sepp Blatter’s bid for another term as FIFA president has come under public criticism from Michael van Praag, the president of the Dutch Football Association.
Speaking at a UEFA meeting on Tuesday, Van Praag did not hold back in addressing Blatter’s controversial decision to stand for re-election after leading the global football body since 1998.
“Mr Blatter told us into the microphone that he had changed his mind, as any human being has the right to do. He confirmed that he had indeed said in 2011 that this would be his last term, but that he had changed his mind,” Van Praag said.
However, the Dutch FA chief then took a firm stance, urging Blatter not to run again.
“I said into the microphone: ‘I like you very much, don’t take it personally, but FIFA’s reputation today is inseparable from corruption, FIFA has a president, you are responsible, you should not run again.’”
Blatter, who has also addressed confederations from Africa, Asia, and CONCACAF, received a standing ovation in those sessions. But according to Van Praag, at the UEFA meeting the response was notably muted.
“This time, in front of UEFA, he didn’t get one,” he said.
Van Praag’s outspoken plea reflects growing concerns about FIFA’s governance and the scandals that have plagued the organisation during Blatter’s tenure.
With elections looming, the pressure is mounting on Blatter as calls for reform intensify within football’s governing body.
