Make no mistake, for many of the reasons that comedian and keen political observer John Oliver brilliantly pointed out, I’m no fan of the current head of world football’s governing body (FIFA), Sepp Blatter. Under Blatter’s rule, FIFA’s reputation has been significantly tarnished and many of the organization's recent decisions (Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup!) simply boggle the mind. However, from an intercultural standpoint, one really has to hand it to Blatter. For a guy who comes across with all the humility of an aging James Bond villain, his ability to hold on to power for over 17 years is really quite amazing. And the single reason why Blatter has maintained control of the world’s most significant and profitable global sports governing body is rather simple – Sepp Blatter understands the role that culture plays in the global workplace and is a master relationship builder.
International CEO’s and managers should take note of how Blatter built and consolidated his powerbase—it’s a virtual master class on global business leadership–minus the occasional bribe or two. As a recent article in The Guardian points out, how Blatter won the hearts and minds of Africa and South America was impressive and culturally astute. Blatter played to his strengths. He’s a relationship guy. As opposed to attempting to placate the established and powerful football associations of Europe, like England, Germany and France, Blatter built relationships with nations and football associations that were newer to the world of global football, namely Africa, Central and South America. He built powerful relationships with newer FIFA member nations and gave them a real voice in the decisions of world football.
After all, when it came time for FIFA elections, it didn’t matter whether you were England or Zimbabwe, each nation only gets one vote.
I’m not going so far as to suggest that the manner in which Blatter built and maintained his powerbase was good and just. Clearly it wasn’t. He sent his minions into countries where bribery and corruption get things done, and then turned a blind eye to it. Many of his more noble soccer development programs in Africa never came to fruition. And Blatter used people and turned on loyal associates who dared to question his tactics. He was also often incredibly arrogant and shockingly sexist. But he did seem to understand culture, know where and when and with whom to build relationships, when to exercise status and power, and when to show respect and give voice to those who often felt voiceless. Of course, he was using most of these people and situations for his own advancement, but that’s not say there’s nothing to learn from the way he went about his business and ran his organization.
How about you, world football lovers, now that Sepp Blatter has been reelected FIFA president - despite all the recent charges and arrests - what do you think? Is the guy an agile cultural player, or a modern day futbol Mafioso...or maybe a bit of both?
Speaking of soccer, want to learn more about the cultures of the Women's World Cup teams? Click below to explore our Interactive Women's World Cup Map.
