THIS week, FIFA football’s governing body, has been the subject of more damaging corruption claims – but later today, it looks likely that Sepp Blatter will be elected to serve a fifth term as president.

Two separate corruption inquiries have been launched into FIFA.

The first, and most dramatic, began with a dawn raid on a hotel in Switzerland on Tuesday morning, with seven officials arrested at the request of the US authorities after they were indicted for corruption.

Hours later, Swiss authorities launched their own criminal investigation into the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

As much as £100million has allegedly changed hands illegally since 1991. That’s a lot of money that’s gone out of the sport and into the pockets of already rich individuals.

It’s a terrible mess, and while Blatter has welcomed the inquiries, it’s pretty obvious to me that his position is untenable.

The people who have been arrested were working as part of FIFA, the organisation that he heads up.

If he knew something was amiss, he’s complicit and should be under investigation himself. If he didn’t know, then he should have done.

As president, he is ultimately responsible for FIFA as a whole. These alleged offences took place on his watch.

Despite all of this, it seems almost certain that Blatter will stand for re-election again today. Even worse, it’s highly unlikely that he will lose.

Most of the European nations may vote for his opponent, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein. They may be joined by dissenting voices from the USA and South America.

However, despite everything, Blatter still commands almost unilateral support in the rest of the world.

Why is this? The answer is alarmingly simple and a major cause of concern. It all comes down to money again.

Over the course of his presidency, Blatter has ensured that smaller and poorer footballing nations across the world have been supported financially.

In theory, there’s nothing wrong with this. In fact, I’m sure that football in places like Africa and Central America has benefitted as a result.

However, considering the events of this week, the whole thing carries far more damaging undertones. It may be that these nations continue to support Blatter because of the good things he has done for them, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that this is just another case of cash for votes.

So, how can anybody try to ensure that things change?

Michel Platini has said that, should Blatter win the election, UEFA will meet to discuss the future of its relations with FIFA.

I’d imagine that the big footballing nations would back a withdrawal or some sort of action being taken. But, the chances are that they will be outnumbered by countries whose football system does not have the same financial clout.

It keeps coming back to money, and I’m afraid that the only way things will change is if the financial situation changes.

Several FIFA sponsors have voiced their concern over the situation. If Blatter cannot get them onside, then even he may have to admit that it’s time to face the music.