By Paul Nicholson in Rio
June 18 – FIFA president Sepp Blatter has warned that football cannot be just about profit and that with so much money coming into the game, also comes risks and responsibility. Opening the FT/IFA football business conference here on Monday, Blatter pointed out that although football “will always be a simple and beautiful game…the last few decades have also seen our sport transform into a complex global force with significant economic, political and social power.”
It is this power which, he emphasised, must not be abused. “How we harness and use that power will dictate what kind of future waits our sport.”
For Blatter the risks are to the “spirit and essence” of the game, as well as integrity and the financial stability of clubs, players, leagues and organisations. That said, Blatter emphasised that “we, at FIFA, applaud and welcome those in the business community who want to invest in our sport. But football must never be seen as just a money making venture.”
While acknowledging that finance and business have a crucial role to play in ensuring that football can continue to grow and develop, Blatter said there had to be a sensible balance between governing bodies, clubs and the business community to ensure the game remains sustainable at all levels.
“Let us remember that the future of football depends on integrity, responsibility and grassroots development. Best practice at all levels of financial management; Protecting the game and those who take part in it; Fair value, equality, environmental sustainability and ethical work practices
“While money is important, we must never forget what makes football such an inspiring and enduring force. No amount of money, profit or business will ever replace the social benefits that a sport like football brings to its fans and players.”
FIFA gives $250,000 annually to each of its 209 members every year and its confederations each receive $5.5 million a year. “We have built up prudent financial reserves as an insurance policy so that the football and business community can have confidence in the financial stability of FIFA and our tournaments,” said Blatter. “That is a very real investment in the future of football.”
Blatter does not expect the FIFA mission to be replicated in the business worl. “Running a business for profit is a different prospect. But FIFA and the football community expect investors – as they look for opportunities in football – to help us protect and develop the game. We all have a shared interest in that.”
Meanwhile, a in Rio newspaper interview, Blatter, jeered at the opening match of the Confederations Cup last weekend, shrugged off the various demonstrations taking place in different cities on the sidelines of the tournament.
“Football is stronger than the dissatisfaction of a handful of people,” he charged. “I have told (Brazilian president) Senhora Dilma (Roussef) and [Sports Minister] Aldo Rebelo that we have every confidence in them. Now that the games are under way people will see that there is no more to be gained and the situation will calm down.”