Australian Whistleblower Who Took on FIFA Corruption: Sepp Blatter's Resignation Long Overdue

"Democracy Now!" airs weekdays at 9 a.m. PT on KCET.

The beleaguered head of the international soccer governing body FIFA has resigned over a growing corruption scandal. Sepp Blatter's announcement follows last week's indictments of 14 people on corruption charges, including two FIFA vice presidents.

The New York Times reported Blatter's secretary general, Jérôme Valcke, allegedly made $10 million in bank transactions that are central elements of the bribery scandal. U.S. officials have confirmed Blatter is the focus of a criminal investigation, with investigators hopeful those already charged will cooperate. The resignation won't take effect for another four months due to FIFA rules.

"Democracy Now!" is joined by Bonita Mersiades, the former head of corporate and public affairs with the Football Federation of Australia during Australia's bid for the 2022 World Cup, which ultimately was awarded to Qatar. Mersiades was let go from the bid team after disagreeing with a policy to influence the vote of FIFA's Executive Committee members with money for pet projects, and testified during FIFA's own investigation into corruption in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding process.

Image Credit: Reuters