FIFA: "Turbulent times here at FIFA, but even in rough seas we are staying on course" (J. Blatter)

"We are currently experiencing turbulent times here at FIFA, but even in rough seas we are staying on course," writes Joseph Blatter, the FIFA president, on 24/07/2015, on the eve of the draw for the qualifiers for the World Cup 2018 in Russia, in St. Petersburg (RUS).

Joseph Blatter stated, on 20/07/2015, that he would not stand for the presidency of FIFA during the extraordinary Congress to be held on 26/02/2016 to designate the new president of the international federation. Elected for a fifth term (2015-2019) on 29/05/2015, Blatter announced on 02/06/2015 that he would "lay down my mandate" after the crisis resulting from the arrest of seven leaders in football (including two FIFA vice-presidents), on 27/05/2015 in Zurich (SUI), for their extradition to the United States.

"Football is present in every corner of the globe and at every level of society, and neither political turmoil nor war can stop it. And FIFA works, as demonstrated by the outstanding efforts of the entire FIFA team," Blatter said at the conclusion of his column in the FIFA Weekly on 24/07/2015.

"We are also…