FIFA arrests may be turning point, say S’pore ex-players

SINGAPORE — Former Singapore internationals R Sasikumar and Aleksandar Duric believe the ongoing investigations into alleged corrupt practices within FIFA could be a definitive moment for the embattled world governing body of football.

A total of 14 senior FIFA officials were arrested in Zurich on Wednesday over corruption charges that include racketeering, wire fraud and a money-laundering conspiracy.

While the widespread view is that FIFA president Sepp Blatter will see off challenger Prince Ali of Jordan and win a fifth term in elections in Zurich today, former Singapore defender Sasikumar believes the developments could make today’s vote less predictable.

“Nobody knows how the investigation is going to shake things up at FIFA,” said Mr Sasikumar.

“A lot of people will be thinking, ‘What should be done next?’ It remains to be seen if Blatter can retain power now and even if he wins the election, he will have his work cut out for him to restore public faith in the organisation.

“I’m sure there must be a good reason for such a high-powered organisation like the FBI (United States Federal Bureau of Investigation) to get involved. But if it’s good for the game, then it should be done — I think this could define world football for a long time to come.”

Mr Duric, who retired as a player last year at the age of 44, also said: “I think this (corruption in FIFA) has gone on for a long-time. So I’m glad that someone has finally stepped in to do something. It is time for big changes in FIFA and we need someone with a footballing brain, rather than a business brain, to take charge.”

While the FBI probe centred on FIFA officials from CONCACAF and CONMEBOL — the football governing bodies for North and Central America and South America, respectively — Swiss authorities have opened criminal proceedings against the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar, which have been overshadowed by claims of bribery since it was awarded in December 2010.

Among those indicted are CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb, former Brazilian Football Confederation chief Jose Maria Marin and former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner.