One of Blatter's greatest strategies was his dealing with developing countries. Blatter guaranteed support in his every endeavor from developing nations, especially African countries, due to his record number of development programs for African footballers. There are also allegations of misuse of funds in Africa, especially the newest report of a letter being published from the South African football association to Jerome Valcke, Blatter's deputy, which confirmed a US$10-million payment for an unspecified development program, which is quite possibly a scam. Lots of these development programs might be curtailed under new leadership after Blatter.

The economic ramifications will also be quite extreme. Visa has already threatened to cut ties with FIFA, if allegations of corruptions are proved. Other corporate giants like Coca Cola, Adidas, Hyundai and Budweiser are also threatening to jump off the sinking FIFA boat, unless significant changes and clarity are not shown urgently. Sony, a FIFA goodwill partner, decided not to renew their contract last year. It also takes a good lawsuit to take away once decided World Cup venues from the host countries, like Russia and Qatar in this case, but even if the World Cups are not cancelled, without these big corporates, the host associations will have a giant hole in their pocket, which will not only damage goodwill, but will also be economically crippling.

Blatter was the head of public relations for tourism in the canton of Valais (1959-64), secretary general of the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation (1964-66), and worked in several roles for Longines (1968-75). He joined FIFA in 1975, under the mercurial Joao Havelange, and was director of the technical department from 1975-81, then secretary general under Havelange from 1981-98. The two ran FIFA as their personal fiefdom. Blatter also controversially once mentioned that gay people shouldn't show their sexual orientation in Russia or Qatar as the host societies are so conservative, which goes against the FIFA motto of equality for all. He was also known for his sexist views about women's soccer, where he mentioned that women should wear shorter clothes to attract a greater viewership.

With the regime change at the head of FIFA, a curtain comes down, proving yet again that there is only one country in the world, whose law enforcement arm is the longest. But the drama has arguably just begun.

The writer is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SumantraMaitra.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn

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