ACTUALITE |
29.05.2002
Chung launches surpise attack against Blatter
SEOUL
South Korea`s powerful FIFA vice-president Chung Mong-Joon warned FIFA members here on Wednesday at the opening of the movement`s 53rd congress that football`s governing world body was deeply split and in crisis.
"FIFA is now in a serious organisational crisis. FIFA is seriously divided. Our pride is damaged," an emotional Chung told the 200 plus delegates at the congress to vote on who will lead FIFA for the next four years.
Beleaguered president Sepp Blatter is favourite to be re-elected but he is being challenged by African soccer head and FIFA vice-president Issa Hayatou.
Chung, who has been one of Blatter`s strongest critics and a firm backer of Hayatou, threw down a challenge to the 66-year-old Blatter.
"We need to know the truth," he demanded to a startled Blatter.
Chung and four other FIFA-vice presidents recently went to a Swiss court to lay charges of missmanagement and corruption against Blatter.
They also accuse Blatter of taking FIFA to the edge of bankruptcy. Blatter insists that FIFA`s finances are sound and that the body is awash with money.
At the start of the year the five forced Blatter of set up an internal investigation into FIFA finances but no sooner had it started than Blatter halted it, accusing Chung of leaking confidential information from the inquiry.
Chung has denied the charges and on Wednesday he demanded what proof Blatter had of such leaks.
A stoney faced Blatter stared straight ahead as Chung used his welcome speech to the delegates to launch an attack on Blatter.
"A very unique welcome address," remarked Blatter after Chung had finished.
The vote for the presidency is expected to be held in the early afternoon.
Chung warned that the vote would not bring an end to the problems that have plunged FIFA into its worst ever crisis.
"The problems of FIFA will not disappear after the election. The question is can we really transform FIFA into a premiere sports organisation. I hope we all realise how important this congress is for the future of world football," said Chung
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