FIFA scandal makes rebuilding and redemption unlikely, but it might try

FIFA President Sepp Blatter reacts after a British comedian interrupted a news conference in Zurich on July 20 by throwing fake dollar bills.The Swiss attorney general's decision to open a criminal investigation against FIFA President Sepp Blatter leaves little doubt the end days have arrived for Blatter's 17-year reign atop soccer's world governing body.

Less certain is whether FIFA itself will fall as well.

The Swiss case, which involves criminal mismanagement and misappropriation of funds, is the latest in a four-month series of legal body blows against the organization.

In May, the U.S. Justice Department handed down indictments against nine high-ranking soccer officials and five sports…