Joseph Sepp Blatter ascended to the presidency of FIFA in 1998, initiating a seventeen-year tenure that fundamentally reshaped international football. Born in Visp, Switzerland, in 1936, he leveraged his background in business and sports administration to consolidate power within the governing body, eventually presiding over global tournaments amidst significant financial growth and persistent, high-profile controversy regarding his leadership style.
Professional Origins
Before entering the upper echelons of global sport, Blatter studied at the University of Lausanne and HEC Lausanne, graduating with a degree in business and economics in 1959. His early career included roles as the head of public relations for the Valais tourist board and general secretary of the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation. He also served as the Director of Sports Timing and Relations for Longines S.A., gaining experience through his involvement in the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Games.
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Blatter joined FIFA in 1975, initially serving as technical director before his appointment as Secretary General in 1981. In 1998, he succeeded João Havelange as the eighth president of the organization. Over the next two decades, he secured re-election in 2002, 2007, 2011, and 2015. His strategy involved expanding the influence of Asian and African football associations by increasing tournament participation, though this period was marked by ongoing allegations of financial mismanagement and bribery.
Scandal and Sanctions
The stability of his administration fractured in 2015 following United States government indictments of multiple FIFA officials for money laundering and bribery. Although Blatter initially announced his intention to resign, the Swiss Attorney General opened criminal proceedings against him that September for suspected criminal mismanagement. The FIFA Ethics Committee subsequently suspended him from all activities. A second ban was imposed in 2021 alongside a CHF 1,000,000 fine following investigations into unauthorized bonus payments.
Fast facts
- Born: 1936, Visp, Switzerland
- Education: University of Lausanne, HEC Lausanne
- FIFA President: 1998–2015
- FIFA Secretary General: 1981–1998
- Languages spoken: French, German, Italian, Spanish, English, Swiss German
- Awards include: Order of African Redemption, Order of Zayed, Order of the Rising Sun
Questions readers ask
What led to Blatter's departure from FIFA?
He was ejected from office by the FIFA Ethics Committee in 2015 following corruption investigations and subsequent bans.
How long was Blatter banned from FIFA activities?
He received an initial eight-year ban in 2015, reduced to six years in 2016, and received a second six-year ban in 2021.
Achievements
- president of FIFA (1998–2015)
- Secretary General of FIFA (1981–1998)
- Knight of the Legion of Honour — 2004
- Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany — 2006
- Order of Francisco de Miranda — 2007
- Great Silver Medal of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria — 2008
- Educated at University of Lausanne and HEC Lausanne
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