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If this was the corporate world, and not FIFA-land – the CEO would be held accountable with his resignation and shareholders would be demanding a thorough and transparent review of what and how a multi-national organisation conducts business. The scandal of ‘vote rigging’ via bribes for the FIFA Word Cup is not going to go away soon. You see – FIFA was one of the world’s most respected albeit secretive ‘brands’ in the world of Sports. It is a ‘brand’ in that it holds the ownership and responsibility for the World Cup franchise, which represents billions of dollars of income, and sponsorship for the world’s top football (soccer) clubs. The President, Sepp Blatter has pointedly refused to accept that despite proven evidence of corrupt practices within the organisation involving Committee members (the people who vote to determine which countries get to ‘host’ the World Cup) – there is no ‘crisis’ of confidence within his organisation. Despite the allegations and evidence being provided from WITHIN the organisation, Mr Blatter has reacted angrily to the free press by almost accusing them of creating the ‘scandal’ that besmirches the name and reputation of FIFA. His recent press conference in Zurich was a perfect example of how NOT to handle a crisis and press corps. His performance was compared to those of leaders in the Middle East who are now desperately clinging on to power without legitimacy and any shred of credibility. What makes this more fascinating is that Mr Blatter now stands unopposed for ‘election’ to retain his position.

So, what is going on here? Welcome to the new world of Open and Transparent communications Mr Blatter. The power and freedom of information and digital media is now changing the way all institutions and organisations need to be governed. Yes, it is a ‘private’ organisation with no ‘public’ shareholders. However, the WORLD CUP and its legacy belong to the fans and the sporting organisations and bodies which run the sport around the world. It is stewarded by FIFA, not ‘owned’ by FIFA and that ‘stewardship’ is now in disarray. Why? Because, to be honest – the ‘stewards’ on rather large salaries in a rather grandiose HQ in Switzerland believed they were ‘un-accountable’ to anyone other than themselves. Their privileged and monopolistic-like status and ‘respect’ has been shaken by the now open admission (by their own management!) that the practice of ‘vote rigging’ and ‘bribery’ was occurring despite continual denials from all quarters of the FIFA management. The Lord Triesman affair in the UK and the ensuing allegations of corruption related to the 2018 and 2022 World Cup ‘bids’ (successfully won by Russia and Qatar) were, it seems, just the tip of the iceberg. Now, FIFA stands accused of not only corruption but of an arrogance and pomposity about their own status, which threatens the very nature of the organisation’s role. Why? Because – the whole basis of football and sports in general is that ‘fair play’ and ‘sportsmanship’ is governed by rules, transparency and impartiality. If the organisation whose sole purpose is to promote sportsmanship and international standards in football is seen to be ‘less than honest, fair or professional’ then the whole sport is tainted. The sport and international competitions are now big business. Big sponsors spend millions on these events to create ‘halo’ associations with their brands (such as Coca Cola and Adidas), and this relationship continues down from International governing bodies and events all the way down to regional/national and local organisations and events. Therefore, it is in the public and sponsors interests that the governing body (FIFA) reclaims the moral and professional authority to govern – and, to govern fairly and wisely. By being open and transparent FIFA can demonstrate that the ‘rules’, which establish respect and fair engagement, also apply to themselves.

Legitimacy and authority are at stake along with FIFA’s credibility. President Blatter needs to get with the programme. Today, the world is being increasingly governed by the code of freedom and transparency. The legitimacy and authority of any organisation or brand does not exist in the ‘power’ of the paid leaders who govern or administer an organisation (whether that is a Fortune 500 company or a country) – but, rather in the hearts and minds of the key stakeholders for whom the organisation and its actions carry meaning, influence or impact. Stakeholders – such as Corporate Sponsors, National Governing bodies/organisations and the people…yes, the people carry influence. From the grassroots, the people who watch the matches, buy the sports kit, attend and/or participate in the sport itself are the most important stakeholders. For it is with the people that the spirit of football and sports (and sportsmanship) has resonance and impact. Mr Blatter has made the mistake to assume that he and the other leadership of FIFA are insulated from any accountability. The world of money, sports celebrity, fame and exposure can be a beguiling mistress as it seduces through power and influence. Mr Blatter has forgotten, though not overtly a democratic process or organisation – the world judges and believes that FIFA SHOULD be more accountable. After all, that is why his title is PRESIDENT and not a more authoritarian title. An election with only one candidate is not an election at all – but, a ‘coronation’.

Last night, the FIFA ‘Congress’ opened with an act by singer Grace Jones. I wonder if there was not some irony if the song Demolition Man was sung – for if Mr Blatter does not respond to the calls for more open, independent and transparent management and accountability at FIFA, he may be the President who leaves the organisation and sport of football in a worse position and reputation than before he assumed his leadership role.

Grace Jones Demolition Man Lyrics:
Tied to the tracks and the train’s just coming
Strapped to the wing with the engine running
You say that this wasn’t in your plan
And don’t mess around with the demolition man
Tied to a chair, [and] the bomb is ticking
This situation was not of your picking
You say that this wasn’t in your plan
And don’t mess around with the demolition man
I’m a walking nightmare, an arsenal of doom
I kill conversation as I walk into the room
I’m a three line whip
I’m the sort of thing they ban
I’m a walking disaster
I’m a demolition man
You come to me like a moth to the flame
It’s love you need but I don’t play that game
You kept on coming, you should have ran
‘Cos I’m nobody’s friend
I’m a demolition man
I’m a walking nightmare, an arsenal of doom
I kill conversation as I walk into the room
I’m a three line whip
I’m the sort of thing they ban
I’m a walking disaster
I’m a demolition man
Demolition man…
(to end)