FIFA secretary general: ‘I’m being as transparent as I can’
In the midst of a huge bribery scandal, the soccer organization announced Wednesday it would postpone the bidding process for the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke announced Wednesday that the soccer organization would postpone bidding on the 2026 World Cup because of its ongoing bribery scandal.
According to Sky News, Valcke said it would be “nonsense to start any bidding process for the time being.”
Valcke was on the defensive throughout his remarks and at a later press conference. Things got particularly touchy when the topic of a $10 million payment from South Africa to then-FIFA executive and CONCACAF president Jack Warner came up. The FBI alleges that payment was a bribe.
“I don’t understand what’s the problem and why I am such a target in this question,” he said.
Later, in the press conference, he added: “You have decided that after [FIFA President Sepp] Blatter, I am the head to be cut? Fine, but don’t say it is because of this $10 million.”
Blatter announced last week his intention to resign as the head of FIFA.
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