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This Is the Current Scenario: Mujica Vs. FIFA
The President´s international prestige is in the spotlight after attacking FIFA, fanning the flames of the current image of the world organization
4 de julio de 2014 14:43 hs
The dialogue took place between the TV presenter Sergio Gorzy and the President José Mujica last Sunday evening, when the head of state was welcoming the Uruguayan National Team in Carrasco Airport. "FIFA leaders are a bunch of old sons of bitches", said Mujica when Gorzy made reference to the participation of Uruguay in the World Cup. The President realized he had said something crazy and ironically covered his mouth and laughed. He believes the sanction imposed to Luis Suárez by FIFA is a fascist action.
The world organization received a lot of criticism after the sanction to Luis Suárez during the world cup because of biting GiorgoChiellini, but Mujica´s insult was the one causing the strongest impact. The news was spread round the world in a matter of seconds, and all international media dedicated some minutes to talk about it.
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FIFA has been in the eye of the storm as it has been accused of corrupt practices and bad handling of funds, but this attack, apart from being strong, comes from a very popular international personality.
Mujica is worshiped by the world because of his lifestyle, his thoughts and wittiness. He was nominated for the Peace Nobel Prize, and his speeches in prestigious international events, such as UN, are seen and shared by millions of people around the world. The impact of his speech against FIFA may then leave a mark on this controversial organization.
FIFA´s power can be measured in money or adherence. Last balance sheets reported a wealth of more than US$ 3 billion, and it has more members than the UN, as it counts on the participation of 193 countries, and FIFA has 204.
It is not usual to hear criticism about Mujica. Spokespeople from FIFA organization were asked and said they had no comments to make, despite of the fact that they were aware of Mujica´s words.
From the moment it sanctioned the biggest idol of Uruguayans, FIFA became an insult in Uruguay. Mujica seems to share such feeling, and in some other way, tried to represent what the people feels.
On the other hand, there is the possibility of Uruguay and Argentina hosting the World Cup 2030.
The formal proposal has been made and both countries are working in a Committee for such purposes. Two years ago, FIFA´s President, Joseph Blatter visited Uruguay and had a meeting with the authorities of the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF). He also had lunch with Mujica.
A source from the government said to El Observador that the Committee for the World Cup is still working on it, even though there´s been a while since they last met. Official sources say Mujica´s words are a personal thought and not a strategy of the government.
Lea la versión en español aquí.