How much faith do you have in humanity? As sports fans, we usually think about this question in a simple, noble way. We believe that the best will always win, that hard work is the key to success, and that fans will always support their team. Faith in humanity in the realm of sports should be simple thing, but now, more than ever, it is clear that it is not.
With the resignation of Sepp Blatter, the world of soccer is in a state of change. That state of change is perfectly encapsulated in what might go down as the image of the year in soccer, if not the world.
This could go down as the image of the year. Photo: @blakehounshell | Twitter
In it, we see Blatter walking towards the back door after his resignation speech. Ignoring the comedy of the man formerly known as “The Most Powerful Man in Soccer” walking out of a back door like some kind of low budget motivational speaker, the simple imagery and visual metaphor involved here are brilliant. He is leaving the FIFA, and walking towards a door that leads to the unknown (Ok, probably a driveway, but just play along); with him, the corruption inherent in FIFA for so long is supposedly leaving as well, but where is it going, what will happen to it, and who is to say that it won’t still be there when all is said and done?
Both the reactions to his resignation and the opinions about the future of FIFA are split into two croups: the optimistic and the cynical. The former think that Blatter’s resignation is a sure-fire sign that things will change for the better, and that a corrupt FIFA is a thing of the past. The later think that, logically speaking, there is too much systematic corruption standing in the way of change, Blatter or no Blatter. No one knows that is going to happen.
In his resignation speech, Blatter said that he will “focus on driving far-reaching, fundamental reforms that transcend [FIFA’s] previous efforts.” If you read one word from that quote, let it be “driving.” Blatter still has power, and you can bet he plans on using it. No, not on sweeping reforms.
Blatter has chosen the man that will choose his successor. It is hardly a concrete indication of foul play, but it is naiveto believe that Blatter intends to play no part in who is chosen to replace him. The pieces are in place for Blatter to perpetuate corruption. Those who align themselves with the cynical have plenty of reason to believe that they are right.
Then again, the United States and Switzerland are still grinding away on investigations into corruption, investigations that are said to involve Blatter himself. With how much has already happened because of those investigations, it is impossible to predict the limit of the impacts these investigations could have.
So, again, we have no idea what the future has in store for corruption, FIFA, and Sepp Blatter. All we have is that picture, which just happens to be worth every one of a thousand words as we contemplate what will happen. So let’s do our best impression of art house regulars and stare, appreciate, and contemplate our faith in humanity.
Follow Ivan on Twitter: @yetly
