ZURICH (AP) – While accepting the trust of world soccer has to be regained, FIFA President Sepp Blatter responded to the arrest of top officials on Wednesday by insisting it showed his efforts to eradicate corruption were working.
The deepest crisis in FIFA’s 111-year history is threatening Blatter’s bid to win a fifth, four-year term in a contest against Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan on Friday, with European soccer leaders trying to delay the election.
“This is a difficult time for football, the fans and for FIFA as an organization,” Blatter said in a statement. “We understand the disappointment that many have expressed and I know that the events of today will impact the way in which many people view us.”
Blatter accepted that many in the game are “frustrated with the pace of change.”
“We will continue to work with the relevant authorities and we will work vigorously within FIFA in order to root out any misconduct, to regain your trust and ensure that football worldwide is free from wrongdoing,” Blatter said.