Backflip lands Blazer back in role

CONCACAF have made a dramatic back flip, re-instating Chuck Blazer as the federation’s general secretary.

Blazer – a member of FIFA’s executive committee – accused AFC President Mohammed bin Hammam and FIFA Vice-President Jack Warner of corruption on Thursday, which led to the duo being suspended by the world’s governing body.

Blazer, whose allegations involved claims of corruption against Caribbean football federations, was removed from his post within CONCACAF after he received a letter from Lisle Austin – the temporary president of the federation in place of the suspended Warner – telling him his services were no longer required.

But just as news broke around the world of Blazer’s sacking, CONCACAF released a statement explaining that Austin did not have the power to remove the general secretary and that he would be re-instated immediately.

“Today an unauthorized declaration was made by Lisle Austin attempting to remove Chuck Blazer as General Secretary of CONCACAF,” the statement posted on the CONCACAF website said.

“This attempted action was taken without any authority. Under the CONCACAF Statutes, jurisdiction over the General Secretary rests solely with the CONCACAF Executive Committee which has taken no action.”

“Further a majority of the Executive Committee Members have advised Mr. Austin that he does not have the authority to take such action.”

“Chuck Blazer continues as CONCACAF General Secretary and with the full authority of his office. The Confederation continues its normal operations including the Gold Cup commencing on June 5th at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas.”

The saga is just the latest episode in the FIFA corruption drama, with current president Sepp Blatter set to run unopposed for his current title on Wednesday.