FIFA Arrests Made for Fraud

[rudebwoyben]

Not a day for gloating. No matter how it's twisted it's a sad day for the game.

No, it was sad for the game that this had been allowed to go on for years. This is the start of a new era.

 

[George Reilly's Hairpiece]

If the message from the developments in the last week is that FIFA aren't above the law, then that is a very positive step in reforming what has been a corrupt, arrogant organisation. When you can award a summer World Cup to Qatar and then change it at the drop of a hat to a winter one, you're not even trying to conceal the contempt you have for others.

I don't expect things to change overnight, but I would hope at least that some people will think twice before abusing their position and others are rightly no longer sleeping quite so soundly in their richly feathered beds.

 

[yellow]

This feels a bit like when Voldemort got killed in Harry Potter and the Ministry of Magic returned to normal, doesn't it?

 

[SALTIRE]

 

[Skinner]

Is that Ramsey carrying Sanchez again?

 

[CEngelbrecht]

I wouldn't describe my position as gloating, it is more like unbridled joy!

The World has known that there was corruption inside FIFA for years, it is now time for complete reform and an opportunity to put things right, I cannot for the life of me see how that could be described as sad...it feels more like liberation!

Nothing at you per se.

Blatter's resignation speech, translated to English from French, CNN transcript:

I have been reflecting deeply about my presidency and about the forty years in which my life has been inextricably bound to FIFA and the great sport of football. I cherish FIFA more than anything and I want to do only what is best for FIFA and for football. I felt compelled to stand for re-election, as I believed that this was the best thing for the organization. That election is over but FIFA's challenges are not. FIFA needs a profound overhaul.
While I have a mandate from the membership of FIFA, I do not feel that I have a mandate from the entire world of football -- the fans, the players, the clubs, the people who live, breathe and love football as much as we all do at FIFA.
Therefore, I have decided to lay down my mandate at an extraordinary elective Congress. I will continue to exercise my functions as FIFA President until that election.
The next ordinary FIFA Congress will take place on 13 May 2016 in Mexico City. This would create unnecessary delay and I will urge the Executive Committee to organize an Extraordinary Congress for the election of my successor at the earliest opportunity. This will need to be done in line with FIFA's statutes and we must allow enough time for the best candidates to present themselves and to campaign.
Since I shall not be a candidate, and am therefore now free from the constraints that elections inevitably impose, I shall be able to focus on driving far-reaching, fundamental reforms that transcend our previous efforts. For years, we have worked hard to put in place administrative reforms, but it is plain to me that while these must continue, they are not enough.
The Executive Committee includes representatives of confederations over whom we have no control, but for whose actions FIFA is held responsible. We need deep-rooted structural change.
The size of the Executive Committee must be reduced and its members should be elected through the FIFA Congress. The integrity checks for all Executive Committee members must be organised centrally through FIFA and not through the confederations. We need term limits not only for the president but for all members of the Executive Committee.
I have fought for these changes before and, as everyone knows, my efforts have been blocked.
This time, I will succeed.
I cannot do this alone. I have asked Domenico Scala to oversee the introduction and implementation of these and other measures. Mr. Scala is the Independent Chairman of our Audit and Compliance Committee elected by the FIFA Congress. He is also the Chairman of the ad hoc Electoral Committee and, as such, he will oversee the election of my successor. Mr. Scala enjoys the confidence of a wide range of constituents within and outside of FIFA and has all the knowledge and experience necessary to help tackle these major reforms.
It is my deep care for FIFA and its interests, which I hold very dear, that has led me to take this decision. I would like to thank those who have always supported me in a constructive and loyal manner as President of FIFA and who have done so much for the game that we all love. What matters to me more than anything is that when all of this is over, football is the winner.

Interpret that however you will.

 

[DarkSithLord]

Richard Conway ‏@richard_conway 6m6 minutes ago
FBI SOCCER PROBE INCLUDES SCRUTINY OF AWARDING FIFA WORLD CUP TO RUSSIA 2018 AND QATAR 2022 - LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL- REUTERS

 

[Murphy]

Appears Blazer also accepted a bribe to do with the '98 World Cup in France as well.

All coming out now...

 

[mistermagic]

The following is a 35-page pdf link of Blazer being found guilty of accepting bribes for World Cups and Gold Cups votes and TV broadcasting rights (Barclays is mentionned, I'm not sure in how much trouble they are in), creating ficticious bank accounts and companies, money laundering and other fine actions.
http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/450231/download

 

[silkyman]

Wonder how tied up in all this Platini is, then?

 

[Super_horns]

Wonder how tied up in all this Platini is, then?

Was he involved in France 98?

 

[Bartonyellow]

Nice to see Qatar pulling the old race card out.

That will stop them in their tracks eh. Only 1200 dead so far, but don't let that get in the way of an argument.

Take the tournement off them. Hope they go bust. Wankers.

 

[BigDaveCUFC]

Appears Blazer also accepted a bribe to do with the '98 World Cup in France as well.

All coming out now...

that [robably explains why France didn't join the ones pushing for change.

 

[Humongous Fungus]

It's obvious that France bought their world cup win, definitely drugged Ronaldo for the final.

 

[Murphy]

Hope they go bust. Wankers.

Reckon they'd move to the UAE and reform as AFC Qatar.

 

[G-Dragon]

Let United States host the WC for all the work they have done so far. They U.S. already has all the infrastructure necessary to host the WC, even if it is tomorrow.

 

[nousername]

Appears Blazer also accepted a bribe to do with the '98 World Cup in France as well.

All coming out now...

I read the link that MM posted.

It's a bit misleading of anyone to link France to corrupt activities just because the WC tournament was awarded to them in 1998. (Not that you were saying that of course).

The document states that individuals linked to the Morocco bid were trying to buy votes to host the same tournament. They tried it again for 2010 tournament too apparently...

South Africa is probably looking the dodgiest party out the lot right now with their attempt at spreading football to the African diaspora in the Caribbean. I wonder how much of the $10m made it there?

I'm loving this!

 

[nousername]

Was he involved in France 98?

I remember reading somewhere that Platini's son landed a plum job in Qatar (or for the Qatari's) shortly after they won the 2022 bid... Will see if I can find it again.

Yes, this is it:

"Famously, he (Platini) attended a lunch at the Elysée Palace with France's then president, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Qatari royalty. After that, he voted for Qatar, the Qataris bought PSG, whom Sarkozy supports, and concluded major trade deals with France. Then Platini's son, Laurent, a lawyer, was recruited as the chief executive of Burdda, a Qatari-owned sports kit company."

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/may/24/michel-platini-uefa-football

 

[Jarv]

Was he involved in France 98?

Was in charge to the vote and organising committees. looks like he might have questions to answer. I see he's one of the favourites for Blatters job. I really hope he doesn't get it. need someone not tied to any of the previous regime. Maybe Figo as a completely new Broom? would settle for Van Praag or David Gill

 

[nousername]

It'll be a start, but I'm not really convinced that changing the head of the organisation will make a significant difference in the long term.

Any federation run largely by unaccountable bureaucrats, with opaque decision making processes and responsibility for making $bn+ commercial decisions is going to be rife with corruption and sleaze.

It certainly needs to be managed in a professional manner, maybe even turn it into a PLC with shareholders who can hold the management to account? It certainly needs some external oversight.

Hopefully this episode begins a process of shining a light on the likes of FIFA, UEFA, the IOC, and even the FA about how they make decisions, are held accountable and audited.

 

[JimJams]

Posh n Becks for Feefa Pwesidents!

 

[mnb089mnb]

Let United States host the WC for all the work they have done so far. They U.S. already has all the infrastructure necessary to host the WC, even if it is tomorrow.

Even though Chuck Blazer (an American) accepted bribes?

As much as I'm glad that FIFA corruption is being weeded out, I'm not sure that a UEFA/western dominated FIFA would be a good thing for football.

 

[mnb089mnb]

Posh n Becks for Feefa Pwesidents!

http://en.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/60129.html

"I've always had a good relationship with Jack," Beckham told Sky Sports News. "When we played over there for England, it was my 50th cap as England captain. I promised I'd open the Academy. His vote is crucial, but there are other votes we need too.

--

 

[mistermagic]

Even though Chuck Blazer (an American) accepted bribes?

As much as I'm glad that FIFA corruption is being weeded out, I'm not sure that a UEFA/western dominated FIFA would be a good thing for football.

Chuck is the only member of the committee that's been proven guilty because he's an American citizen. I hope that other members of the committee (past or present) will suffer the same fate.

 

[CEngelbrecht]

It's a bit misleading of anyone to link France to corrupt activities just because the WC tournament was awarded to them in 1998. (Not that you were saying that of course).

That's bordering on racism, corruption is not a brown thing, trust me. One could make the case, that corruption in FIFA has been rampant since Havelange, and France couldn't get the world cup without adhering to it as well (which would apply for any other applicant out there). I suppose Qatar finally broke the camel's back (yeah, I know, camels ...), handing the world cup to that pressure cooker just made the culture of bribery too ludicrous and grotesque.

 

[George Reilly's Hairpiece]

I see now on Warner TV , that Jack is now saying that he fears for his safety.

Not sleeping quite so well any more Jack?

 

[CEngelbrecht]

I see now on Warner TV , that Jack is now saying that he fears for his safety.

Not sleeping quite so well any more Jack?

There is a slight difference between fearing jailtime and fearing some corrupt piece of scum feeding you Polonium in your shrimp. Just 'cause you got caught up in haywire sports politics.

 

[George Reilly's Hairpiece]

There is a slight difference between fearing jailtime and fearing some corrupt piece of scum feeding you Polonium in your shrimp. Just 'cause you got caught up in haywire sports politics.

Oh so you have to fear for your personal safety before it interrupts your good night sleep? Most people might struggle with sleeping soundly because of you know, a conscience.

 

[CEngelbrecht]

Oh so you have to fear for your personal safety before it interrupts your good night sleep? Most people might struggle with sleeping soundly because of you know, a conscience.

The impact of one's conscience drops to zero, if by your actions fertile women want to have sex with you. And the color of money is the easiest way to power, the biggest aphrodisiac there is. Human mating behavior is the source of all corruption and bloodshed.

 

[Christian Slater]

I love Beckham but coming out after the fact just reeks of band-waggon publicly. Where was he before these investigations started? Some of the high profile players should really have been standing up to FIFA but they're not added as long as they're in their money bubble.