FIFA president Sepp Blatter has issued his first public statement since announcing his resignation two days ago, saying he has already started the process of reforming football’s governing body.
Blatter said on Tuesday he would step down amid a corruption crisis that has shaken FIFA and football officials around the world.
FIFA said Blatter met with audit and compliance chairman Domenico Scala on Thursday to instigate meaningful reform of the administration and structure of FIFA.
“I had a good, constructive meeting with Mr. Scala to establish a framework for action and a timetable. I am pleased to take advice and guidance from Mr. Scala,” Blatter said. “I want a comprehensive program of reform and I am very aware that only the FIFA Congress can pass these reforms. Furthermore, the Executive Committee has a particular duty to share the responsibility of driving this process.”
Venezuelan military intelligence officers have raided the headquarters of the Venezuelan Football Federation amid the spiraling FIFA scandal.
Venezuela’s public prosecutor’s office said agents raided the Venezuelan organisation’s offices on Wednesday to gather evidence for a criminal investigation.
The organisation’s former head, Rafael Esquivel, was detained in Switzerland last week along with six other FIFA officials accused of taking bribes.
The raid came hours after the prosecutor’s office asked that Esquivel’s bank accounts be frozen as he is investigated for money laundering.
Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro has expressed support for the public prosecutor’s actions against Esquivel even as he’s raised concerns about the role of the U.S. in the larger investigation. Esquivel, 68, may face extradition to the United States.
