Walter Nyamilandu hails Blatter resignation
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) president, Walter Nyamilandu, has hailed beleaguered Fifa boss Sepp Blatter for his decision to quit following a corruption scandal that has rocked the world football governing body.
The corruption scandal climaxed last week with the arrests of six officials at Fifa Congress on charges of racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering as part of a US prosecution that also indicted 14 people.
A separate criminal investigation by Swiss authorities into how the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were allocated is also under way.
Nyamilandu said Blatter’s resignation was an honourable thing to do considering mounting pressure from stakeholders.
“It’s shocking news but I am not surprised because it was only a matter of time before he could succumb to pressure,” Nyamilandu said.
“It’s the most honourable thing to do for the good of the game; otherwise the image of football was at stake.”
Nyamilandu hailed the Fifa boss for his development projects in Africa.
“We will fondly remember him for the development agenda and Goal Projects he brought to Africa and Malawi in particular,” Nyamilandu said.
The Fam boss, however, said the current Goal Project 4 and 5 would not be affected by Blatter’s resignation.
“We are in completion phase. All the contracts were signed and sealed,” he said. “These are ongoing projects that Fifa is committed to.”
The 79-year-old Swiss has called an extraordinary Fifa congress “as soon as possible” to elect a new president.
“My mandate does not appear to be supported by everybody,” Blatter said.
“I am very much linked to Fifa and its interests. Those interests are dear to me and this is why I am taking this decision,” added Blatter.
“What counts most to me is the institute of Fifa and football around the world.”
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