FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, who led the world’s soccer governing body for 17 years, announced on Tuesday that he would resign from his position.
The announcement was made in Zurich as law enforcement officials in the United States confirmed that he was a focus of a federal corruption investigation.
Highway Mail took to a local shopping mall in Pinetown to find out what locals thought about Blatter’s resignation and what kind of impact they thought this would have on the image of FIFA:
“The laws that were implemented by him could change, for example the rule about referees using spray on the field to use as markings on the pitch when making a ruling.” – Simpiwe Zuma, 30, of Dasenhoek.
“He was the best: whoever takes over from him has big boots to fill, and they must live up to his standards.” – Musawakhe Ntsele, 34, of Mariannhill
“I think things will go wrong, and many followers will complain as he was liked by many, especially in South Africa.” – Busani Dlamini, 26, of Clermont.
“Blatter came up with the rotation system – if that system was not in place South Africa would not have gotten a chance of hosting the World Cup, so for Africa it is a great loss.” – Piet Nkosi, 45, of Cato Ridge.
“I don’t think there is someone suitable to replace him, FIFA as a brand will definitely change.”-Akhona Mtolo, 21, of Musgrave.
“We can’t have the same leader forever, he has shown the world how to head up a huge organisation and now it is time for new blood.”- Kwanda Ndlovu, 21, of Ntuzuma.
It seems the soccer followers and Blatter’s fans are afraid this was not a great move for universal soccer, as they they feel laws and system created by Blatter benefited South Africa in a huge way.