The first big victory of the World Cup goes to a balding economist who loves the spotlight and isn’t afraid to make enemies.
Sepp Blatter, elected Monday as president of the international soccer federation FIFA, also is a big fan of the way the United States deals with the world’s most popular sport. His triumph could mean another World Cup on American shores sooner than expected.
Blatter, general secretary of FIFA for more than 17 years, capped a whirlwind 2 1/2 months by beating Lennart Johansson, president of the European soccer union UEFA, who was unchallenged until the 62-year-old Swiss entered the race March 31.
Their contest was brief but also expensive and nasty, costing more than $1 million.
Blatter, who earlier acknowledged he could not serve as No. 2 under Johansson, said the campaign had been rough but was now in the past.
Blatter had the support of Joao Havelange, the 82-year-old Brazilian industrialist retiring after six four-year terms.
– John Kowalski resigned as coach of the Tampa Bay Mutiny, the worst team in Major League Soccer (3-12) and was replaced by Tim Hankinson, former MLS director of player development and coach of the U.S. Project-40 select team, which develops young talent.
