Sil 2007: Cameron Slams Blatter Leadership Stance

Leader of the Opposition Party David Cameron launched a stinging attack on Sepp
Blatter at the Sport Industry Lecture 2007, commenting that the FIFA president’s
view that sport is a reflection of society’s ills was ‘not good enough as a
leadership stance’.

Cameron made the comments during the question and answer session following
his inaugural sport policy speech at last night’s Sport Industry Lecture when he
was quizzed on the negative reputation surrounding behaviour in football.

The Conservative Leader referenced a quote made by Blatter during the Sport Industry Interview in February
when the FIFA president claimed that football can only be as good as the society
around it.

‘Quite frankly that view is nowhere near good enough,’ commented Cameron.
‘Sport needs to lead from the front as a driver of cultural change.’

‘Just look at the success of programmes like the ‘Kick Racism out of
Football’ campaign. The progress made came from strong leadership, not by
sitting back. Issues such as hooliganism and the behaviour of fans abroad is
hugely improved but there’s still a way to go.’