Bernstein: We can’t allow Sepp coronation
Bernstein wants FIFA to appoint an independent body to supervise reforms after the scandals which have engulfed the world governing body.
The FA will need 75% of the 208 associations to back them today — and that looks a forlorn hope.
Bernstein admitted: “To get 150-odd votes clearly would be extremely difficult when we are starting from a standing start but there was actually a matter of principle.
“Going forward in this situation if he does with a coronation rather than an election I don’t think does anybody any good — including Mr Blatter.”
Bernstein’s move came after Asian football chief Mohamed Bin Hammam pulled out of the race against Blatter at the weekend, hours before he and FIFA vice-president Jack Warner were provisionally banned from all football-related activities on bribery charges.
The FA’s move has been publicly supported only by the Scottish FA, and there was criticism from the USA’s FIFA member Chuck Blazer, the man who blew the whistle on the bribery claims.
Blazer said: “Unfortunately with them [the FA], everything is too little too late. If they wanted other candidates they should have done things before the deadline. If they wanted to report malfeasance, they shouldn’t have waited for a parliamentary hearing. The FA needs to learn to be ahead of the curve and not behind the game.”
Bernstein insisted that there was “latent support” for the FA’s move and said he was not afraid of the organisation becoming isolated.
He added: “I don’t think we are going to be isolated and nor should we be, this is meant to be a democratic organisation, one’s entitled to a minority view, even a singular view.
“Sometimes in life you have to take a jump even if you aren’t quite sure how solid the ground is beneath you.”
Blatter officially opened FIFA’s Congress last night and admitted in his speech that FIFA’s stability was threatened by a “lurking danger”.
He said: “I thought we were living in a world of fair play and respect and discipline, and unfortunately see this is no longer the case because the famous FIFA pyramid is suddenly unstable and there is a danger. Tomorrow I will speak to you on this danger that is lurking, and tell you how we can fight and work against this threat.”
Blazer also revealed he has reported Warner to FIFA for allegedly violating his ban from football-related activity.
Blazer said: “We have clear evidence of a violation of his suspension and we have reported that to FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke.”
In a further twist late last night, CONCACAF acting president Lisle Austin attempted to sack Blazer.
Lisle sent a letter to Blazer saying they are terminating his contract, though it remains to be seen whether they have the authority to do so.
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