Sepp Blatter: I am committed to weeding out corruption but our critics must act in a proper manner too
Thursday, 05 May 2011
We live in a world where perception has become the new reality.
Largely depending on our own ability to project what we know to be fact, we are perceived as good (corporate) citizens or an amalgam of "bad men". The negative perception is a direct result of our inability to get our message across. It is of course also the result of improper conduct by a few who tarnish the image of many.
The results of communicative ineptitude can be devastating for all those in an organisation who are decent and hard working, while the few who are responsible for negative attributes often don't care. This is true for FIFA, just as it is true for scores of European politicians with "expenses problems" or "Wall Street" engaging in Mr. Ponzi's craft. But it was never all parliamentarians nor a majority who conducted their affairs improperly; nor was it "Wall Street" as a whole that is rotten, and certainly not all of FIFA has issues with improper conduct. It is always a few who destroy lives and the image and reputation of many.
Communicating professionally, openly and continuously is a leadership responsibility. If we at FIFA have failed to explain our work sufficiently well over a period of time, then that is a reality I am willing to accept and will actively seek to remedy.
If change is what is needed, I am determined to live up to this promise: to improve our openness and to communicate better with all of our target audiences: the fans, the members, the clubs and, quite generally, society at large.
This is a commitment I offer to be held to, and one that will be a crucial part of my last term as President of FIFA if the 208 Members decide to re-elect me on June 1, 2011 in Zurich.
While corruption is a global problem that affects all states and societies around the world, it is based on perception, more often than fact.
The aptly named annual Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International, lists and reviews 178 nations of the world, the majority of which gets pretty awful grades. On the scale of 0 (very bad) to 10 (very clean), the vast majority of countries of this world finds itself in an uneviable position.
FIFA's home, Switzerland, is among the best rated – and far above most western states. With an index of 8.7 the country ranks eighth among 178 nations.
I claim that FIFA is no different to Switzerland as a whole. But the perception of our conduct does not reflect reality.
As an unlisted non-profit organisation, we are not obliged to publish our annual figures nor any data whatsoever under Swiss Law. Despite that, FIFA does publish its figures in accordance with the stringent International Financial Reporting Standards that are far more detailed and demanding than similar accounting standards used in other jurisdictions. I am proud to state that it was under my leadership as FIFA President that we started to publish our figures for the world to see in 2003 for the first time – and have adhered to that policy ever since, and in ever more detail.
But that is not enough.
Which is why, also under my tenure, I proposed to publish FIFA's Annual Activity Report which adds even more detail to the Financial Report, and covers all areas of our corporate affairs, FIFA's corporate social responsibility programmes and the innumerable projects we conduct, administer or have launched around the world.
Let me offer the following bet: 99 per cent of the critics who have nothing but mud flying our way, have never visited this URL: http://www.fifa-e-activityreport.com. I invite them in particular, and all readers who really care to know about FIFA's work and activities, to have a look.
Corruption is by no means a FIFA specific phenomenon, nor is it a systemic problem in football. Since "everybody knows best all matters football", there are often 50,000 or more referees, linesmen and coaches in a stadium of said size. Everybody has an opinion about the game, how it is played and what it should be. This does not ease the burden to communicate properly: when I read about "Blatter's stupid offside rule", then I must smile because it is of course the IFAB that is the guardian of the laws of football – and not FIFA. And certainly not the FIFA President. Yet I have never read about the "IFAB's stupid offside rule" yet.
FIFA has 208 member countries but it also has 300 plus employees at the Home of FIFA. I have no hesitation to put my hand into fire for any and all of them and state that FIFA – those who make up our organisation in Zurich, the staff who work at FIFA – are among the best people in international sports management.
It is easy to attack someone with slanderous remarks, improper allegations and without facts that would stand up in any court of law. And "re-hash ad absurdum" does not improve the veracity of a flawed argument.
It sells to shriek about corruption at FIFA and I am not saying that there are no corrupt elements inside the FIFA family: it is a large family of more than 300 million people.
I am not saying that a handful of administrators from around the world – and FIFA does embody members from every corner of the globe – conducted themselves appropriately at all times. I am not saying that we cannot improve our own conduct.
What I am saying is that it is virtually impossible for an organisation that spans the planet as ours does, to monitor all of its members all the time.
I am committed to help improve FIFA's corporate conduct and to help weed out real corruption (but also to fight against general and unjustified broadsides thrust at our way). What is unacceptable in law (entrapment, for example), must also be unacceptable to those whose mission seems to be grounded in bringing down anything FIFA do. No matter what.
I am aware that we have to further improve our dedication to openness and accessibility. And I am committed to lead the way – as I have in the past by introducing numerous fundamental procedures as outlined further above.
What I am not prepared to do, is to have a few pundits twist the facts and continue to throw mud at people who are doing a massive job for millions around the world. The vast majority of people in football are solid, good and dedicated people.
There is much to do in terms of improvement of our communication effort, of our general corporate governance. I shall make all of that a central point of my last term as FIFA President - if re-elected.
It is of no consequence to me, if he says otherwise. Racism[subtedly in this case], in ALL FORMS is Alive, Well and Kicking' in Aotearoa aka New Zealand as it is globally known.
One of our Notable Football talents who recently was inducted into our Sports Hall of Fame, Wynton Rufer experienced first-hand as young native Maori boy, RACISM...He was called "Blackie" and even in Europe he saw first-hand when he played for Werder Bremen, the banners and the taunts to Black football players. I myself am of the same Maori Tribe as Wynton Rufer, Ngati Porou on the East Coast (Te Tairawhiti) of the North Island of Aotearoa (New Zealand).
Courtesy of FIFAcom
Wynton Rufer
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What these who have commented above me have said, I TAUTOKO (Support) this KAUPAPA (Issue).
Thursday, 05 May 2011
We live in a world where perception has become the new reality.Largely depending on our own ability to project what we know to be fact, we are perceived as good (corporate) citizens or an amalgam of "bad men". The negative perception is a direct result of our inability to get our message across. It is of course also the result of improper conduct by a few who tarnish the image of many.
The results of communicative ineptitude can be devastating for all those in an organisation who are decent and hard working, while the few who are responsible for negative attributes often don't care. This is true for FIFA, just as it is true for scores of European politicians with "expenses problems" or "Wall Street" engaging in Mr. Ponzi's craft. But it was never all parliamentarians nor a majority who conducted their affairs improperly; nor was it "Wall Street" as a whole that is rotten, and certainly not all of FIFA has issues with improper conduct. It is always a few who destroy lives and the image and reputation of many.
Communicating professionally, openly and continuously is a leadership responsibility. If we at FIFA have failed to explain our work sufficiently well over a period of time, then that is a reality I am willing to accept and will actively seek to remedy.
If change is what is needed, I am determined to live up to this promise: to improve our openness and to communicate better with all of our target audiences: the fans, the members, the clubs and, quite generally, society at large.
This is a commitment I offer to be held to, and one that will be a crucial part of my last term as President of FIFA if the 208 Members decide to re-elect me on June 1, 2011 in Zurich.
While corruption is a global problem that affects all states and societies around the world, it is based on perception, more often than fact.
The aptly named annual Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International, lists and reviews 178 nations of the world, the majority of which gets pretty awful grades. On the scale of 0 (very bad) to 10 (very clean), the vast majority of countries of this world finds itself in an uneviable position.
FIFA's home, Switzerland, is among the best rated – and far above most western states. With an index of 8.7 the country ranks eighth among 178 nations.
I claim that FIFA is no different to Switzerland as a whole. But the perception of our conduct does not reflect reality.
As an unlisted non-profit organisation, we are not obliged to publish our annual figures nor any data whatsoever under Swiss Law. Despite that, FIFA does publish its figures in accordance with the stringent International Financial Reporting Standards that are far more detailed and demanding than similar accounting standards used in other jurisdictions. I am proud to state that it was under my leadership as FIFA President that we started to publish our figures for the world to see in 2003 for the first time – and have adhered to that policy ever since, and in ever more detail.
But that is not enough.
Which is why, also under my tenure, I proposed to publish FIFA's Annual Activity Report which adds even more detail to the Financial Report, and covers all areas of our corporate affairs, FIFA's corporate social responsibility programmes and the innumerable projects we conduct, administer or have launched around the world.
Let me offer the following bet: 99 per cent of the critics who have nothing but mud flying our way, have never visited this URL: http://www.fifa-e-activityreport.com. I invite them in particular, and all readers who really care to know about FIFA's work and activities, to have a look.
Corruption is by no means a FIFA specific phenomenon, nor is it a systemic problem in football. Since "everybody knows best all matters football", there are often 50,000 or more referees, linesmen and coaches in a stadium of said size. Everybody has an opinion about the game, how it is played and what it should be. This does not ease the burden to communicate properly: when I read about "Blatter's stupid offside rule", then I must smile because it is of course the IFAB that is the guardian of the laws of football – and not FIFA. And certainly not the FIFA President. Yet I have never read about the "IFAB's stupid offside rule" yet.
FIFA has 208 member countries but it also has 300 plus employees at the Home of FIFA. I have no hesitation to put my hand into fire for any and all of them and state that FIFA – those who make up our organisation in Zurich, the staff who work at FIFA – are among the best people in international sports management.
It is easy to attack someone with slanderous remarks, improper allegations and without facts that would stand up in any court of law. And "re-hash ad absurdum" does not improve the veracity of a flawed argument.
It sells to shriek about corruption at FIFA and I am not saying that there are no corrupt elements inside the FIFA family: it is a large family of more than 300 million people.
I am not saying that a handful of administrators from around the world – and FIFA does embody members from every corner of the globe – conducted themselves appropriately at all times. I am not saying that we cannot improve our own conduct.
What I am saying is that it is virtually impossible for an organisation that spans the planet as ours does, to monitor all of its members all the time.
I am committed to help improve FIFA's corporate conduct and to help weed out real corruption (but also to fight against general and unjustified broadsides thrust at our way). What is unacceptable in law (entrapment, for example), must also be unacceptable to those whose mission seems to be grounded in bringing down anything FIFA do. No matter what.
I am aware that we have to further improve our dedication to openness and accessibility. And I am committed to lead the way – as I have in the past by introducing numerous fundamental procedures as outlined further above.
What I am not prepared to do, is to have a few pundits twist the facts and continue to throw mud at people who are doing a massive job for millions around the world. The vast majority of people in football are solid, good and dedicated people.
There is much to do in terms of improvement of our communication effort, of our general corporate governance. I shall make all of that a central point of my last term as FIFA President - if re-elected.
Kiaora (Greetings).
"We live in a world where perception has become the new reality".
I found dealing with what was "perception" my self yesterday, I did not see "perception" I saw RACISM from a football chairman. I downloaded a copy of Football New Zealand's 2010 annual report. I read the President's report and then I came to the chairman's report...and what struck me was his inclusion at the top of his report was an image of 3 little 'white boys' holding a soccer ball and at the rear, somwhat clouded appearance was a Polynesian mama and what appeared to be a young Polynesian boy. I saw RED! of the NECK KIND.
It is of no consequence to me, if he says otherwise. Racism[subtedly in this case], in ALL FORMS is Alive, Well and Kicking' in Aotearoa aka New Zealand as it is globally known.
One of our Notable Football talents who recently was inducted into our Sports Hall of Fame, Wynton Rufer experienced first-hand as young native Maori boy, RACISM...He was called "Blackie" and even in Europe he saw first-hand when he played for Werder Bremen, the banners and the taunts to Black football players. I myself am of the same Maori Tribe as Wynton Rufer, Ngati Porou on the East Coast (Te Tairawhiti) of the North Island of Aotearoa (New Zealand).
Courtesy of FIFAcom
Rufer: Football has power to unite
Wynton Rufer
(FIFA.com) Tuesday 19 April 2011
The name Wynton Rufer is legendary in New Zealand football circles with the Wellington-native named Oceania Player of the Century for his goal-scoring feats with both club and country. As a youngster Rufer helped his nation to an against-the-odds qualification for the 1982 FIFA World Cup™ before carving out an impressive career in Switzerland, Germany, Japan and finally, in New Zealand. Most notable was a lengthy spell at Werder Bremen with Rufer’s stay coinciding with one of the most successful stints in the club’s history.
Now based in Auckland, Rufer runs a highly successful youth academy, often providing an outlet for youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds. With Maori bloodlines on his mother’s side, Rufer talks to FIFA.com about his own experiences with racism and discrimination and expands on football’s unique ability to deal with such issues.
FIFA.com: With your Maori parentage did you experience discrimination as a youngster?
Wynton Rufer: I used to sometimes get called Blackie as a youngster, and sometimes people try to say hurtful things, just to try and cut you down. From a very young age I was very driven to succeed and turned my focus elsewhere. I always tried to remain positive and look to the big picture.
Did you ever find yourself looked down upon in your younger days when football was very much a second-tier sport in New Zealand? In some ways we were like second-class citizens and I can’t disagree with that view but I don’t want to make a big deal about it. I always liked to channel positive energy which is now why I now work with youth trying to make a difference with local communities and teaching good values.
In your playing career did you experience direct instances of racism or discrimination? Definitely, playing in European football with Werder Bremen there were experiences with negative banners for one. Also from time to time in the Bundesliga as well, with African players being taunted which was pretty low and it was sad to see.
We experienced problems especially in Eastern Europe but it has largely changed. There is more integration in modern society and things have changed for the better.
For instance, Poland had a Nigerian-born player [Emmanuel Olisadebe] at the [2002] World Cup, so times have changed.
So what, as an individual, can one do to combat that kind of racism when it happens? People must speak up about it either as a direct victim or a witness. We must communicate openly about it and only then can we fight the problem head on.
Is football uniquely placed among all sports to take effective action? Football plays such an important role in modern society as the most popular sport in the world. It unites people like nothing else, as we saw in South Africa last year and it can genuinely make the world a better place. The various governing bodies have good campaigns based on values of respect and tolerance which is really positive.
How do you think soccer and FIFA can help in the fight against discrimination? Dealing with it openly in forums such as this interview is important and all part of the process. Players speaking openly, such as Samuel Eto’o a few years ago, and not tolerating bad behaviour is important. It is something we need to teach our youth in local communities and footballers as role-models can significantly help. Teaching kids to understand this responsibility, which is something that starts in their own small communities. It’s all about making a difference in people lives and making the world a better place. That is the power sport has. It can unite the people. Loyalty, honesty, friendship, solidarity, these are all values that need to be promoted so that we can combat discrimination.
Now based in Auckland, Rufer runs a highly successful youth academy, often providing an outlet for youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds. With Maori bloodlines on his mother’s side, Rufer talks to FIFA.com about his own experiences with racism and discrimination and expands on football’s unique ability to deal with such issues.
FIFA.com: With your Maori parentage did you experience discrimination as a youngster?
Wynton Rufer: I used to sometimes get called Blackie as a youngster, and sometimes people try to say hurtful things, just to try and cut you down. From a very young age I was very driven to succeed and turned my focus elsewhere. I always tried to remain positive and look to the big picture.
Did you ever find yourself looked down upon in your younger days when football was very much a second-tier sport in New Zealand? In some ways we were like second-class citizens and I can’t disagree with that view but I don’t want to make a big deal about it. I always liked to channel positive energy which is now why I now work with youth trying to make a difference with local communities and teaching good values.
In your playing career did you experience direct instances of racism or discrimination? Definitely, playing in European football with Werder Bremen there were experiences with negative banners for one. Also from time to time in the Bundesliga as well, with African players being taunted which was pretty low and it was sad to see.
We experienced problems especially in Eastern Europe but it has largely changed. There is more integration in modern society and things have changed for the better.
For instance, Poland had a Nigerian-born player [Emmanuel Olisadebe] at the [2002] World Cup, so times have changed.
So what, as an individual, can one do to combat that kind of racism when it happens? People must speak up about it either as a direct victim or a witness. We must communicate openly about it and only then can we fight the problem head on.
Is football uniquely placed among all sports to take effective action? Football plays such an important role in modern society as the most popular sport in the world. It unites people like nothing else, as we saw in South Africa last year and it can genuinely make the world a better place. The various governing bodies have good campaigns based on values of respect and tolerance which is really positive.
How do you think soccer and FIFA can help in the fight against discrimination? Dealing with it openly in forums such as this interview is important and all part of the process. Players speaking openly, such as Samuel Eto’o a few years ago, and not tolerating bad behaviour is important. It is something we need to teach our youth in local communities and footballers as role-models can significantly help. Teaching kids to understand this responsibility, which is something that starts in their own small communities. It’s all about making a difference in people lives and making the world a better place. That is the power sport has. It can unite the people. Loyalty, honesty, friendship, solidarity, these are all values that need to be promoted so that we can combat discrimination.
20/04/2011 at 11:00
22792RS (England)
It is important that racism and discrimination is tackled within the sporting world. FIFA's fair play system has been brilliant and effective for the game as it spreads a message to players and fans that we are all equl individuals
Reply to this comment20/04/2011 at 10:09
Burnside-NZL (New Zealand)
Wynton Rufer you are a true Kiwi football legend!!!
Reply to this comment19/04/2011 at 20:56
Jake15243 (Australia)
Football brings the world together, if they are able to have Palestinian and Israeli kids play together why can't anyone else be tolerant of everyone. I hope there is a day where racism and discrimination is wiped out.
Reply to this comment19/04/2011 at 18:33
xyz420 (Mexico)
Football is the best sport in the world. Football is bigger than racism.
What these who have commented above me have said, I TAUTOKO (Support) this KAUPAPA (Issue).
The best way for me to deal with the racism, the bias is to carry on loving my family, good people and ignoring bad people but also to espouse Cultural Awareness and Understanding for the greater good of mankind.
I must remain true to myself however, I shall not acknowledge no longer New Zealand Football Federation but having stated that, I do wish the All Whites (Now that name Pisses me off!, David) allthe best in future international football games and their wonderful notable manager as well.
