Blatter, welcoming FIFA's 208 delegates at the opening
ceremony which featured jugglers, folk dancers and singer Grace Jones, said he
would speak in more detail about the problems facing FIFA before the business
part of the Congress starts on Wednesday.
However, he warned: "I thought we were living in a
world of fair play, respect and discipline but I must unfortunately say this is
no longer the case because our pyramid, the famous FIFA pyramid, is suddenly
unsure on its basis and there is danger." FIFA has been rocked by a series
of allegations over the last nine months regarding officials on the executive
committee.
Two Confederation presidents, Mohamed Bin Hammam of Asia and
Jack Warner of CONCACAF, have been banned from the Congress after being
suspended from all football related activity on bribery allegations.
Blatter continued: "Tomorrow, dear friends, when I open
the Congress agenda, I will speak of the danger lurking and I will tell you how
we can fight this threat of danger, how our sport can play its role in bringing
people together in the future.
"Tonight we want to meet in a festive atmosphere, but
to keep the fascination of our sport we must respect it, it's up to all of us.
It's our game, all of us have a duty to protect this sport and this is what we
want to do. I am certain we will achieve this." Blatter is expected to be
re-elected FIFA president by acclamation for a fourth term on Wednesday,
although a number of associations, including England and Scotland could call
for the election to be postponed in the light of the corruption claims.
International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge told
FIFA they were not the only sports body to have faced problems, recalling the
IOC's own cash-for votes crisis over the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games.
Appearing to lend support to Blatter, who sits on the IOC as
FIFA president, Rogge told delegates: "FIFA is now facing allegations and
controversy. "Thirteen years ago we had to face the same ordeal regarding
the Salt Lake City Games. The IOC however ultimately emerged a stronger organization
and from within.
"I
will definitely not point the finger, nor be lecturing, but I am sure that FIFA
can emerge stronger and from within. Have a good Congress, thank you very
much."
