FIFA president Sepp Blatter made the opening speech at the 65th FIFA Congress on Thursday, May 28, a day after US prosecutors, supported by the FBI, charged seven senior FIFA officials with racketeering and corruption, among a group of 14 indicted.
Blatter rejected calls for his resignation, including from UEFA chief Michel Platini and UK Prime Minister David Cameron, saying he could not be held responsible for actions of individuals. He said FIFA had lost the trust of football fans, and would have to earn it back. FIFA’s presidential election on Friday, May 29, was expected to proceed as planned.