E:60 Season 9 Episode 19 The Rise and Fall of Sepp Blatter

The Rise and Fall of Sepp Blatter is the focus of this episode of E:60, as the show investigates the former president of FIFA's meteoric rise to power, and the events that ultimately led to his downfall. Sepp Blatter was the head of FIFA for 17 years, overseeing some of the organization's most successful and tumultuous moments. But as allegations of corruption and bribery began to surface, Blatter's reign became increasingly controversial, leading to his eventual ousting and a major shake-up at one of the world's biggest sporting bodies.

The episode opens with a look at Blatter's origins, tracing his early career in sports journalism before he made the move to FIFA. Through interviews with former colleagues and associates, E:60 explores how Blatter's charm, skill for networking, and ability to speak multiple languages helped him climb the ranks at the organization. But as the documentary continues, it becomes clear that there was also a darker side to Blatter's leadership, with accusations of backroom deals, vote-buying, and other unethical behavior becoming more and more frequent.

One of the key moments in the Blatter story was the 2010 vote that awarded the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar, respectively. E:60 delves into the controversy surrounding this decision, including allegations of vote-rigging and collusion among FIFA officials. The documentary also examines the treatment of migrant workers in Qatar, who faced dire conditions as they worked on the stadiums and infrastructure for the upcoming tournament.

As the allegations against FIFA continued to mount, Blatter maintained his innocence and refused to step down. But in May 2015, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted several top FIFA officials on charges of racketeering, wire fraud, and money laundering. Blatter himself was not indicted, but the scandal finally forced him to announce his resignation as FIFA president. E:60 looks at the aftermath of Blatter's departure, including the appointment of a new president and efforts to reform FIFA's governance and ethics.

Throughout the episode, E:60 features interviews with a wide range of sources, including sports journalists, former FIFA officials, and human rights advocates. The show also incorporates archival footage of Blatter and other key players in the FIFA scandal, giving viewers a rich sense of the history and context behind one of the biggest stories in modern sports. Despite the weighty subject matter, the episode is shot and edited with the flair and energy that E:60 is known for, engaging viewers with a complex and often surprising tale of greed, power, and ambition.

In conclusion, The Rise and Fall of Sepp Blatter is an absorbing and insightful episode of E:60, revealing the many layers to one of the most dramatic scandals in the history of sports. Through interviews, footage, and expert analysis, the show provides a detailed portrait of the rise and fall of a controversial figure, and the larger issues of corruption and reform that continue to shape the world of international sports today. Whether you're a die-hard soccer fan or simply interested in the workings of power and politics, this episode is sure to leave you thinking long after the credits roll.