Sunil Gulati Says U.S. Will Vote Against Sepp Blatter, Even If It Costs A Chance to Host Future World Cup

The FIFA corruption saga keeps twisting and turning. Tomorrow the 209 member associations will vote for either Sepp Blatter or Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan for FIFA president. U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati says the United States will vote for Prince Ali, even at the cost of losing a future World Cup. Canada — and perhaps a few other CONCACAF — are also voting against Blatter.

This at least casts a little doubt that Blatter — despite the massive scandal — will waltz his way to re-election tomorrow.

Here’s the big meaty pullout quote from Sam Borden of the New York Times:

"“Would I like to see the United States host a World Cup in the future?” Gulati said. “The answer is, of course, yes. But for me, and for U.S. soccer, better governance and more integrity at Concacaf and FIFA are far more important than hosting any international soccer tournament.” He added: “I’m sure there are some people who would disagree with that decision and would prioritize things differently. But this is how we feel, and we are doing what we think is right. If being on the right side of issues costs us from hosting a World Cup in the future, that would be unfortunate. But we are prepared to deal with that.”"

Alexi Lalas took to Twitter Thursday afternoon to ask the question — before the comments from Gulati — about what fans in America would rather see: the United States host the 2026 World Cup or Blatter ousted? It’s an interesting thought and sort of devil’s bargain. The lure of the World Cup and all the spectacle it brings is part of what’s helped keep Blatter in power so long. Bashing Blatter from the comfort of Twitter is easy, but at the cost of hosting a World Cup? That’s not quite so simple, is it?

Of course there’s also the outside chance that Prince Ali comes out the winner. Gulati thinks he might have a shot — UEFA supposedly won’t use its 50+ votes on Blatter. If that happens, we’ll see how adjustable FIFA is to change … and if the disposal of one man at the top makes any tangible difference.