SEPP BLATTER DEFENDS HIS LEGACY: “THE WORK I DID AT FIFA IS GOOD”
Despite widespread criticism and ongoing controversy, Sepp Blatter continues to stand by his 17-year tenure at the head of FIFA. In an interview with the BBC, the Swiss former president refused to take any personal blame for the scandals that rocked world football’s governing body.
“I’m sure people will realize that the work I did at FIFA is good, that it’s the right work for the development of football, for the education of young people,” Blatter insisted. “If there are people who don’t like the organization or don’t like me, they will realize that they were wrong… They will realize it.”
Blatter, who resigned in 2015 amid multiple corruption investigations, claimed that perceptions vary greatly depending on the region:
“Go around the world, go to Asia, go to Africa, go to China, ask them what they think about FIFA and Blatter, and it’s different,” he said.
While his reputation has taken a hit in the West, Blatter continues to be seen more favorably in parts of the Global South, where FIFA invested heavily in football infrastructure during his time in charge.
