FIFA president Sepp Blatter was elected to a fifth term Friday despite a sprawling criminal investigation of the soccer federation currently underway in the U.S. that has already led to the arrest of more than a dozen FIFA executives.
Blatter, who has not been accused of wrongdoing, was heavily favored to win re-election even after the arrests were made Wednesday. However, many in the soccer community expressed dismay that the man who led FIFA during the period under scrutiny could still be elected so easily.
Here’s a sampling of how people reacted to the news on Twitter
U.S. soccer president Sunil Gulati, who voted against Blatter:
While disappointed with the election result, we will continue working towards bringing meaningful change to FIFA. #FIFAReform
— Sunil Gulati (@sunilgulati) May 29, 2015
ESPN reporter Darren Rovell:
If Roger Goodell is Teflon, Sepp Blatter is Kevlar.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) May 29, 2015
Former English soccer star Gary Lineker:
As predictable as it is depressing. All those FIFA members that voted for Blatter have betrayed the game they are supposed to cherish.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) May 29, 2015
New York Times columnist Juliet Macur:
Blatter just said that he’s the captain of FIFA’s boat and that he will bring it to shore to play beach soccer. And then, “We need ladies.”
— Juliet Macur (@JulietMacur) May 29, 2015
Former English soccer star Stan Collymore:
Embarrassing end to an embarrassing day for an embarrassing organisation. Please @UEFA @FA boycott this shower. It’s a bloody disgrace!
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) May 29, 2015
Sports Illustrated soccer writer Grant Wahl:
Blatter wins another term as FIFA president. Real change will have to come from the outside: US Department of Justice, Swiss WC bid probe.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) May 29, 2015
American singer Josh Groban:
The people hugging Sepp Blatter are literally whispering favor requests into his ear at the same time.
— josh groban (@joshgroban) May 29, 2015
Sports journalist Jim Rome:
Sepp Blatter: “I am the president of everybody.” Right. And Dwight Howard is a champion.
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) May 29, 2015
SportsCenter anchor Max Bretos:
That Speech did nothing to alter the image of Sepp Blatter. Delusional & dealing in non-specifics. Acting as if nothing happened this week.
— Max Bretos (@mbretosESPN) May 29, 2015
Soccer journalist Richard Buxton:
If a picture paints 1000 words, this speaks volumes. Propped up by corruption yet Blatter is whiter than white? #FIFA pic.twitter.com/WZnSnWXedg
— Richard Buxton (@RichardBuxton_) May 29, 2015
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