In a statement released by FIFA, Blatter had this to say, via The Guardian online, “It is disturbing, to say the least, to hear Dr. Chung Mong-joon describe Fifa as “a corrupt organisation” during a press conference announcing his candidacy to the next election for the Fifa presidency”.
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Blatter was re-elected for a fifth term when the crisis was unfolding but later confirmed a new president would be elected at an extraordinary congress in February.
Former Brazil great Zico, who scored 48 goals in 71 games for his country, and Liberian soccer federation president Musa Bility are also among those reportedly planning to run.
“For any successful organization to be free of corruption, it needs periodic change of leadership. Absolute power corrupts absolutely”, Chung said. He also criticizes Platini’s shift in attitude toward Blatter.
“This is not a good situation for Michel and I think it is good for Michel Platini not to be a candidate this time”.
“During lunch, Platini had sat down at my brother’s table and said: “‘Tell Sepp to withdraw from the election or he will go to prison”.
The world governing physique confirmed on Monday it might probe claims a member of Blatter’s employees authored a file on Platini which was closely important of the favorite to succeed the Swiss as its president. Blatter announced his plans to step down as president just a few days later.
The doc, entitled “Platini – skeleton within the closet”, was allegedly despatched to a number of media organisations from Fifa’s Zurich headquarters. “Fifa is investigating the matter”. Educated at the prestigious Seoul National University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Johns Hopkins University, he controls Hyundai Heavy Industries, one of the world’s biggest engineering groups.
In football, he is already an honorary vice president of FIFA, having served on its executive committee from 1994 to 2011. In the past he has also been a competitive equestrian competitor and cross-country skier.
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FIFA’s ethics committee does not comment on ongoing cases and there has been no confirmation from the governing body that Chung is in their crosshairs.
