Everything you missed during the 9-hour FIFA presidential election
It only took over nine hours, but FIFA has a new president.
Congratulations are in order for Gianni Infantino, but also to all those who were able to sit through this entire, agonizingly slow process.
FS1's coverage of FIFA's "Extraordinary Congress" in Zurich kicked off at 3am ET Friday morning, and while our heroes Rob Stone and Alexi Lalas remained on the air all the way through the second and final round of voting, spurred along by what we can only assume was enough caffeine to kill a small horse, somehow a few brave souls on Twitter kept them company.
It is through that lense of social media that we take a look back at the proceedings, and get all of you normal, smart humans who decided to stay in bed, up to speed with what transpired.
First, Rob Stone revealed how he prepped for this nine-hour marathon: Red Bull and 7/11 snacks!
Want to spend the night with @RobStoneONFOX? Tonight's your chance! #ThanksFIFAhttps://t.co/GDp4KT9rfZ
— FSLive: Jay & Dan (@FOXSportsLive) February 26, 2016
The Congress couldn't have started more promising, when a standard test of its electronic voting system produced this head-scratcher:
Next, a kindergarten-style roll call for the most powerful organization in sports. You know, because why not. It's not like we're in the 21st century.
Roll call complete. Everybody is present! #FIFAelection pic.twitter.com/tgodqMidhl
— KICKTV (@KICKTV) February 26, 2016
Full disclosure: that took about 10 minutes. It felt like 45.
About two hours in, FIFA's only accomplished the roll call, some filler speeches and the appointment of "the scrutineers" (whatever that means). This prompts some terrible ideas from Lalas and Stone:
Drink every time the word "transparency" is used. #FIFAelection
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) February 26, 2016
Just went down a slippery slope. #FIFAelection pic.twitter.com/FHMGysC1Ju
— Rob Stone (@RobStoneONFOX) February 26, 2016
Hey, look! Stu Holden popped in... unvoluntarily
Up for a 2 AM diaper change, did I miss anything @RobStoneONFOX @AlexiLalas ? #FIFAelection
— Stuart Holden (@stuholden) February 26, 2016
Finally, some news. FIFA passes huge reforms package, universally deemed vital to the organization's survival.
#FIFACongress approves extensive reforms and all statutory changes required to implement them. Vote count: 179 YES 22 NO (201 valid votes)
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) February 26, 2016
A look at some of the key proposals passed with the reforms package. #FIFAelection pic.twitter.com/nrS8VqxaC7
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 26, 2016
And now, lunch! Awww yissss.
Then, it was time for the five candidates' final speeches before the first ballot. The key moment there: Tokyo Sexwale suspending his campaign after a bizarre speech, basically disappointing everyone:
Tokyo Sexwale: "I am a soldier. I will die with my boots on"
— TEAMtalk (@TEAMtalk) February 26, 2016
He's just withdrawn from the #FIFA election. True to his words until the end
Five hours into our coverage, the first ballot begins!
The dumping of the ballots! Feel the excitement! #FIFAelection pic.twitter.com/hcAUMv4hfv
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 26, 2016
And the results are in... we need a second ballot (Oh joy!)
Gianni Infantino and Sheikh Salman are in a dead heat after the first ballot. #FIFAelection pic.twitter.com/g6hH3j37QR
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 26, 2016
REVIEWED THE FIFA BALLOTS FOR THE 1ST ROUND TO VOTING, NO PRESIDENT. pic.twitter.com/kwdA9KXkSa
— Dr Joe (@FauxDrJoe) February 26, 2016
Round 2 of the #FIFAelection calls for a second round of ... pic.twitter.com/oFFatw1USV
— Rob Stone (@RobStoneONFOX) February 26, 2016
Finally, after another two fun hours none of us will ever get back, finally, a winner: Gianni Infantino!
Congratulations to @Gianni_2016 on being elected #FIFA President. We look forward to working together to embrace reform and good governance.
— Sunil Gulati (@sunilgulati) February 26, 2016
Congratulations @Gianni_2016 finally the change arrived ?? it's time for a new era in FIFA pic.twitter.com/8VMnOmXiRV
— Luís Figo (@LuisFigo) February 26, 2016
No question that @ussoccer played a critical role in helping whip the votes between ballots. Switched to Infantino and brought friends.
— Sam Borden (@SamBorden) February 26, 2016
Political wisdom long held a Bald Man can't become President. Gianni Infantino is a game changer for all Balds pic.twitter.com/PEGLPgOnZk
— roger bennett (@rogbennett) February 26, 2016
Congrats @Gianni_2016 but I thought we ran a good campaign ... https://t.co/d5hW8ZLFJq
— Jay Onrait (@JayOnrait) February 26, 2016
Gianni Infantino gives his victory speech after being elected as FIFA's ninth president. #FIFAelection https://t.co/jM1k9CZpeL
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 26, 2016
USSF president @sunilgulati confirms exclusively to @FOXSports: @ussoccer voted for Gianni Infantino on 2nd ballot. https://t.co/pYlvrXqsVn
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 26, 2016
