Sepp Blatter and FIFA
“Leadership Integrity Is Not a Fashion. Strong corporate governance ensures transparency, accountability, compliance, it encourages ethical behaviour, so the leaders model the organisation’s purpose, vision, mission, and values globally”
👏 Happy Friday!
On this day, June 2nd, 2015, Sepp Blatter, president of international soccer’s governing body FIFA, steps down, just a few days after he had been re-elected to a fifth four-year term. His resignation came amidst mounting allegations of fraud and corruption, which have tarnished his 17-year tenure. The week leading up to Blatter's resignation marked a turning point for FIFA. The U.S. Attorney General, Loretta Lynch, announced a wide-ranging investigation into the organisation, revealing decades of bribery totalling over $150 million. The investigation led to the indictment of 14 individuals, including nine current or former FIFA executives, on federal racketeering charges. In a dramatic turn of events, seven individuals were arrested near FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, sending shockwaves throughout the soccer world. Blatter was cleared of fraud by a Swiss court, but he has been banned from participating in FIFA activities since 2015 and will remain banned until 2027.
✅ Sepp Blatter insists he is not to blame for FIFA’s corruption scandal because he could not possibly monitor the actions of everyone working under him. When faced with calls to resign, Blatter defended himself. “I know many people hold me ultimately responsible for the actions and reputation of the global football community, whether it’s a decision for the hosting of the World Cup, or a corruption scandal [but] I cannot monitor everyone all of the time.” It is strange how so many people who are the ultimate leaders of their organisation do not take the blame for things that go wrong on their watch. Leadership Integrity Is Not a Fashion.
“Leadership Integrity Is Not a Fashion. Strong corporate governance ensures transparency, accountability, compliance, it encourages ethical behaviour, so the leaders model the organisation’s purpose, vision, mission, and values globally"
👉 During times of organisational change, the significance of good governance, accountability, and oversight cannot be overstated. These elements play a crucial role in ensuring the successful implementation of change initiatives. Governance, in particular, encompasses the systems and methods that dictate how a change programme is authorised, monitored, and supported by its sponsoring organisation. It establishes the framework for effective management and consistent execution of change programmes throughout their life cycle.
Have a fantastic weekend with the ones you love and care for, enjoy some fresh air, exercise, eat, drink and be happy.
Further Reading: Change Management Leadership - Leadership of Change Volume 4.
Peter consults, speaks, and writes on the Leadership of Change®.
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Peter F Gallagher is a Change Management Global Thought Leader, Guru, Expert, International Speaker, Author and Leadership Alignment Coach.
Listed #1 by leadersHum Top 40 Change Management Gurus You Should Follow in 2022 (Mar 2022).
Ranked #1 Change Management Global Thought Leader: Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Change Management (2023-2022-2021-2020) by Thinkers360.
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Business Book Ranking
Change Management Behaviour - Leadership of Change® Volume 6, listed among the 50 Books from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders to read in 2022.
Change Management Adoption - Leadership of Change® Volume 5, listed among year-to-date’s (Jul 2021) most popular books on business and technology from Thinkers360 member thought leaders.
Change Management Handbook - Leadership of Change® Volume 3, listed among the 50 Business and Technology Books from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders to read in 2021.
Change Management Pocket Guide - Leadership of Change® Volume 2, ranked within the top 50 Business and Technology Books (Jan 2020) from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders.