Joseph "Sepp" Blatter, president of the international soccer organization FIFA, has been recommended to receive the "Bundesverdienstkreuz", Germany's version of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Former Minister of the Interior Otto Schily made the proposal, which his successor Wolfgang Schäuble said he would gladly carry out. President Horst Köhler, however, will make the final decision.

Questionable practices

But other politicians in Germany have begun to voice criticism of the plan.

"I don't see it as necessary," Peter Struck, leader of the Social Democratic Party in parliament told reporters Thursday. "I wouldn't give it to him." Struck is not alone in his disapproval of the medal candidate. Greens Party chairman Reinhard Bütikofer said it would be tasteless to award Blatter the medal while he is still under investigation in his native Switzerland concerning the legality of a marketing deal.

The 70-year-old Swiss millionaire has been accused of misusing funds and succumbing to commercialization during his FIFA presidency.

"Extravagancy from sports officials should not be rewarded," Secretary of State Michael Müller told reporters. "The Bundesverdienstkreuz is meant for dedicated volunteers, not for association presidents with heavy pockets."

Blatter's nomination has been understood as a thank-you for bringing this year's World Cup to Germany. However, when the location was being decided on, Blatter had clearly spoken against Germany in favor of an African host country for the international soccer event.

Decision to come

The Bundesverdienstkreuz, which can also be presented to non-Germans, is intended to honor significant contributions to society, including achievements in politics, economics or culture. Artists, doctors, statesmen, musicians, writers, entrepreneurs make up the bulk of the recipient list.

Closer examination, however, will reveal that Blatter's occupation alone doesn't automatically disqualify him. Soccer great Franz Beckenbauer, for example, received the national honor in 1986 and a boxer and a referee are also on the list. President Köhler, then, will be left to weigh the significance of Blatter's contribution to Germany, whether or not he takes into account the FIFA president's standing with both the law and the public.