As a man who survived at or near the summit of world football governance for many decades, Sepp Blatter knows an enemy when he sees one.
And in the early 1970s, he immediately recognised an enemy - in the shape of pantyhose.
Pantyhose, or 'tights' in the Irish vernacular, was becoming more popular among women in the 1970s. This was at the expense of stockings and suspenders.
Blatter was dismayed at this development.
And in 1971, he was elected President of the World Society of Friends of Suspenders.
The noble body of men were a 160 strong international organisation with a single purpose.
Their sole aim was to lobby women to continue wearing stockings and suspenders.
At this remove, it is difficult to assess the success of their efforts. Perhaps the most one could say is they succeeded in promoting stockings and suspenders as a sexier alternative to tights.
However, pantyhose remains the more popular item among women.
Blatter will argue he fought the good fight but it is probably fair to say the war against pantyhose was lost.
As female footballers will be aware, Blatter retained a keen interest in women's clothing until well into his FIFA Presidency when he made the novel suggestion that the women's game should attract male viewers by wearing 'tighter shorts... like they do in volleyball'.
Norwegian footballer Lise Klaveness responded to his suggestion thus:
As footballers we have to think practically. If the crowd only wants to come and watch models then they should go and buy a copy of Playboy.
If you wish to support the heroic efforts of the 'World Society of Friends of Suspenders', their facebook page is here.
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