Football was still the “beautiful game” and could not be destroyed by those running its governing body
Pele
Gurgaon: As the world football crisis deepens in the wake of the corruption scandal involving Fifa president Sepp Blatter and several top officials, Brazil legend Pele on Thursday termed it a “shame” saying the international football federation needed “nicer leaders”. He, however, stressed that football was still the “beautiful game” and could not be destroyed by those running its governing body.
“It’s a shame what is happening now but this is not football, this is some people who work within football,” said Pele who reached here after a three-day visit to Kolkata. “Of course, we are sorry about what happened now in Fifa.” The thrice World Cup winner did not name potential candidates to take over the world body, but added, “I want nice people, I want somebody who respects the people.”
Asked about the corruption scandal that has led to suspensions of both Blatter and European governing body head Michel Platini, Pele said. “But, we cannot mix this (corruption scandal) with football. This is due to some people who administer football.” The bans on Blatter and Platini were announced by Fifa this month as its ethics watchdog ramps up its investigation into fraud and corruption at the heart of the organisation.
“It is easy to criticise things and say that these things have been happening in Fifa. But you should not forget that because of the Fifa, if you see football today, it is the most popular sport in the world. “More and more people are playing football and the game is developing worldwide, be it in Asia, Africa, South America or anywhere. If you see in history, football has united people, and have saved people from drug abuse etc,” he said.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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