Sepp Blatter resigned as Fifa President amidst bribery and corruption allegations. Photo / AP
Opinion
Decision to vote against Sepp Blatter and take a stand against corruption in the sport was a brave one.
Ten days ago, in the run-up to the Fifa presidential election, New Zealand Football appeared to be in a no-win situation. It had enjoyed a strong relationship with the long-term incumbent, Sepp Blatter, and voting against him would be at odds with the other 10 members of the Oceania Confederation.
It would also risk damaging repercussions. But a vote for him would disregard the global corruption scandal that was rocking football's governing body to its core.
It chose to oppose Mr Blatter, and today NZ Football has every reason to wear the most satisfied of smiles. It did not look that way initially. Mr Blatter was re-elected on the strength of votes from Asia, Africa and Oceania, and immediately this country was dealt a blow. Fifa decreed that the current allocation of World Cup confederation slots would remain in place for the tournaments in 2018 and 2022. There would be no easier qualifying path for the All Whites. NZ Football had done the right thing, but it was now to pay a price.
In midweek, however, Mr Blatter resigned suddenly and dramatically. New Zealand now has the opportunity to explore new possibilities for the Oceania Confederation. The path to the 2022 World Cup, at least, could become more straightforward. NZ Football can also congratulate itself for being on the right side of history. It has been richly rewarded for having the courage to do what most New Zealanders wanted when supporting Mr Blatter or abstaining would have been by far the safer course.
