Yet Another Cycling Forum

Off Topic => The Pub => The Sporting Life => Topic started by: andyoxon on 13 November, 2014, 10:57:40 pm

Title: The FIFA row...
Post by: andyoxon on 13 November, 2014, 10:57:40 pm
Interesting day for WC football, & 'Fifa World Cup report pointless and a joke - FA boss Greg Dyke'...  http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30044791

Clearly England can next expect to host the World Cup at some point after 2326. 

I still find it difficult to believe how Qatar, a small nation, with no real football history or infrastructure, and summer temperatures of +50C managed to pull it off for 2018.

What next I wonder?
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: sg37409 on 13 November, 2014, 11:44:28 pm
I still find it difficult to believe how Qatar, a small nation, with no real football history or infrastructure, and summer temperatures of +50C managed to pull it off for 2018.

Nah, its obvious isnt it ?  No surprise whatsoever that the only criticism from FIFA was towards English FA.  I'm almost surprised they didnt ban them !
I dont believe Russia was a fair vote either, and though I think the English FA must now regret trying to win it, thats with the benefit of hindsight.

The parallels to the UCI in Pat McQuaid & Lance Armstrongs day are there to be seen. I think it'll take something similar (have heard the FBI may investigate them) to have any effect here.  I really hope they do. The money is so great in football, nothing will change until FIFAs top level are all turfed out.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 November, 2014, 10:34:57 am
Well, it was obvious we would never win the vote to host the World Cup - we had no envelopes left after the Olympics!
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: LEE on 14 November, 2014, 01:30:30 pm
I still find it difficult to believe how Qatar, a small nation, with no real football history or infrastructure, and summer temperatures of +50C managed to pull it off for 2018.

What?  It's hot in the middle east?  Who knew?

In all seriousness the fact that it's way too hot in the middle east in summer seems to have come as a total surprise to the FIFA selection committee (Despite every single other member of the human race fully understanding that).

I fully expect St Petersburg to host the 2022 World Cup, in February.

FIFA is secretive and, most likely, still corrupt.  Certainly some of their members have been proved to be corrupt.
Their president, Blatter, makes Jim Davidson look like Gandhi and yet seems to decide himself when he will or won't quit the job.

If large amounts of money didn't change hands to secure the Qatar choice then it bloody well should have done, because it's an idiotic choice.  If it was a free choice, without any form of bribery, then FIFA is clearly run by idiots.  We don't need a 2 year (secret) report to tell us that.

Oh yes, the answer, Money of course.

The answer to most "What the F***?" questions about football is "Money of course".
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Steph on 14 November, 2014, 05:35:08 pm
Breaking mews: investigator says black is black, as against Blatter's claim it is actually white.
Bribed people deny being bribed.
Russia and Qatar deny being corrupt.
Pope...
Bears...


To modify sg37409's post slightly
"The money is so great in football, nothing will change until FIFAs top level are all turfed out" and a new lot bought in.

No, that's not a typo.

Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: SteveC on 14 November, 2014, 08:03:16 pm
http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/nov/05/chuck-blazer-fifa-fbi (http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/nov/05/chuck-blazer-fifa-fbi)
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/nov/03/chuck-blazer-fifa-fbi-bugging-world-cup-bidding-investigation (http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/nov/03/chuck-blazer-fifa-fbi-bugging-world-cup-bidding-investigation)

I know the Graun has had it in for FIFA for sometime, but these two are quite interesting. And of course the Yanks don't care about football in the way that a lot of the rest of the world does.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: pcolbeck on 16 November, 2014, 11:59:17 am
Well well, UEFA are considering quitting FIFA if the report is not published in its entirety !
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: PeteB99 on 17 November, 2014, 01:21:05 pm
I've always thought that FIFA was a prime candidate for the ripping it up and start again from scratch approach to reform.

Not sure that UEFA are the people to do it though.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: SteveC on 17 November, 2014, 01:41:24 pm
Not sure that UEFA are the people to do it though.

...but UEFA are the ones with the money.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: sg37409 on 20 November, 2014, 01:13:47 pm
Getting a little more interesting now with Phaerda Al Majid's revelations threatening to undermine the report still further, and mentioning she was coerced into changing her statement.  None of this is in the least surprising, and it seems only a matter of time before the WC is pulled from Qatar.

In the meantime we can enjoy watching Fifa and Qatar trying to ignore the rest of the planet and maintain this farce.  I expect russia will keep very quiet during this phase.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Andrij on 20 November, 2014, 01:22:02 pm
Russia (UEFA sponsor via Gazprom) is busy 'discussing' the future of football in occupied Crimea.  I wonder how that will work out.  ::-)
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: spesh on 20 November, 2014, 01:48:05 pm
Getting a little more interesting now with Phaerda Al Majid's revelations threatening to undermine the report still further, and mentioning she was coerced into changing her statement.  None of this is in the least surprising, and it seems only a matter of time before the WC is pulled from Qatar.

In the meantime we can enjoy watching Fifa and Qatar trying to ignore the rest of the planet and maintain this farce.  I expect russia will keep very quiet during this phase.

Well, the Russians' computers have very conveniently gone missing. You can say this for FIFA though - they make Bernie Eccle$$$tone look like the very model of rectitude.  :demon:
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Andrew on 20 November, 2014, 01:55:00 pm
they make Bernie Eccle$$$tone look like the very model of rectitude.  :demon:

I'm quite sure McQuaid/UCI similarities have been made.

It really does seem that FIFA/Blatter have fingers in the ears, la-la-la-ing and hoping the storm blows over. I'd like to think they're going to get found out, at long last, but I fear there are many interested parties protecting their interests.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 November, 2014, 04:00:10 pm
Russia (UEFA sponsor via Gazprom) is busy 'discussing' the future of football in occupied Crimea.  I wonder how that will work out.  ::-)

It goes without saying that it's all the fault of the EU.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Basil on 20 November, 2014, 06:36:20 pm
Nothing will happen.
Sorry to disappoint.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: sg37409 on 16 December, 2014, 04:54:00 pm
Nothing will happen.
Sorry to disappoint.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30491135
In spite of this I beleive it will all collapse for Fifa. This just is more evidence of them painting themselves into a corner.
Their standing is well below that of laughing stock.

UEFA, where most of the wealth is in football dont want a winter world cup in qatar, and seem to be ready to take on Fifa over this.
In a fight between UEFA and Fifa, Uefa could easily go it alone.  Its a slow burner this story. We can enjoy watching it collapse piece by piece.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 December, 2014, 10:42:16 am
(Gets popcorn)
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: spesh on 17 December, 2014, 05:02:50 pm
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Michael Garcia has resigned: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30522170

Though that annoying buzzing or ringing in your ears probably isn't tinnitus, it's just the sound of Sepp Blatter not caring.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: sg37409 on 19 December, 2014, 01:13:51 pm
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30546139

Well this should answer all the critics and put to rest all the questions and allegations directed at Fifa.....     ;D
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: spesh on 19 December, 2014, 01:17:42 pm
Quote from: Aunty Beeb
Releasing the full report - which is likely be heavily redacted to preserve witness confidentiality - is a change in Fifa policy.

However, it will only be released once ongoing investigations into five individuals are completed.

I guess "legally appropriate" becomes the new euphemism for "more blacking out than text", then. :demon:
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: LEE on 19 December, 2014, 03:54:51 pm
Quote from: Aunty Beeb
Releasing the full report - which is likely be heavily redacted to preserve witness confidentiality - is a change in Fifa policy.

However, it will only be released once ongoing investigations into five individuals are completed.

I guess "legally appropriate" becomes the new euphemism for "more blacking out than text", then. :demon:

I'll be most interested to hear Garcia's views on the "legally appropriate" version of his report.

We can safely assume that most of the blacked-out bits will be obscuring the oft-repeated phrase "..and hence I determined Sepp Baltter is a c***"
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: sg37409 on 27 May, 2015, 08:40:46 am
Nothing will happen.
Sorry to disappoint.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30491135
In spite of this I beleive it will all collapse for Fifa. This just is more evidence of them painting themselves into a corner.
Their standing is well below that of laughing stock.

UEFA, where most of the wealth is in football dont want a winter world cup in qatar, and seem to be ready to take on Fifa over this.
In a fight between UEFA and Fifa, Uefa could easily go it alone.  Its a slow burner this story. We can enjoy watching it collapse piece by piece.


http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32895048
 ;D

Once again, a USA led fight into corruption in a global (non-USA mainstream) sport.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: LEE on 27 May, 2015, 08:48:47 am
Nothing will happen.
Sorry to disappoint.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30491135
In spite of this I beleive it will all collapse for Fifa. This just is more evidence of them painting themselves into a corner.
Their standing is well below that of laughing stock.

UEFA, where most of the wealth is in football dont want a winter world cup in qatar, and seem to be ready to take on Fifa over this.
In a fight between UEFA and Fifa, Uefa could easily go it alone.  Its a slow burner this story. We can enjoy watching it collapse piece by piece.


http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32895048
 ;D

Once again, a USA led fight into corruption in a global (non-USA mainstream) sport.

I'm amazed that there may be corruption inside FIFA ....

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 May, 2015, 09:49:40 am
The Swiss are now launching their own investigation into the process of awarding the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Will they be as rigorous as the USA though? Seeing as they might have an interest in keeping FIFA happy in Zurich.

I'm not sure what to make of the fact that one of the arrested officials was led away with his possessions in plastic bags. Drug charges too?
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: T42 on 27 May, 2015, 10:18:34 am
This is really delightful: all the hallmarks of an FBI anti-Mafia op.

"But it reached a turning point when one of Fifa's most senior US representatives in the past decade, Chuck Blazer, started working with the authorities and allegedly took part in undercover work, the paper adds."

"Don Blatterone".

(Missus: "FIFA?  Do they run Formula One?")
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 27 May, 2015, 10:22:02 am
Interesting day for WC football, & 'Fifa World Cup report pointless and a joke - FA boss Greg Dyke'...  http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30044791

Clearly England can next expect to host the World Cup at some point after 2326. 

I still find it difficult to believe how Qatar, a small nation, with no real football history or infrastructure, and summer temperatures of +50C managed to pull it off for 2018.

What next I wonder?

Yes, what can have attracted them to to hold the event in the richest country in the world?  (As Mrs Merton might have put it)
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: caerau on 27 May, 2015, 10:32:22 am
The Swiss are now launching their own investigation into the process of awarding the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Will they be as rigorous as the USA though? Seeing as they might have an interest in keeping FIFA happy in Zurich.

I'm not sure what to make of the fact that one of the arrested officials was led away with his possessions in plastic bags. Drug charges too?


Possibly just 'gifts' such as Greg Dykes watch I'd imagine.  It would be fun if it was drugs though.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 May, 2015, 10:38:00 am
They must have FIFA parties with cocaine, champagne and sex-pain. Surely. I'll be disappointed if we don't get a coke and hookers scandal!
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Mr Larrington on 27 May, 2015, 10:42:35 am
Over on F1 journalist Joe Sawrd's blog the possibility has been motted of an Investigation into the governance of F1 under the EU's anti-monopoly legislation.  I have suggested that a USAnian-led investigation migjt be the way forward with the bonus of raising public awareness of the sport Over There.

Bonus points if they could get it fronted by Norman Schwarzkopf, Chuck Norris or Alice Cooper.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: T42 on 27 May, 2015, 01:17:50 pm
Sad to see Jack Warner being indicted. Dock Green will never be the same again.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 27 May, 2015, 06:03:39 pm
Far more dramatic than the World Cup.  I bags the film rights.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Andrew Br on 27 May, 2015, 07:04:27 pm
I've just heard on the radio (so it must be true  ;)) that some of the sponsors* are getting twitchy; that's more likely to bring Blater down than anything.

*Budweiser and McDonalds.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Jaded on 27 May, 2015, 07:38:35 pm
Far more dramatic than the World Cup.  I bags the film rights.

I think you'll find there are ways of doing that.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Von Broad on 27 May, 2015, 07:49:28 pm
and McDonalds.

..who will be replete with sponsor cash at this present time, judging by all the Audaxers I saw scoffing in their gaffs over the weekend, so I'd have thought that Chip Batter will want to keep them on board.

Nothing should ever surprise anybody about what's been going on within this organization.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: madcow on 27 May, 2015, 09:58:36 pm
The fact that it's the Feds that are arresting people and that these cases will be heard in U.S courts will be enough to shake McD's and Coca Cola etc.


Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Tigerrr on 28 May, 2015, 07:14:20 am
Greg dyke must be chuffed to bits with the turn of events.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Wowbagger on 28 May, 2015, 08:15:58 am
Steve Bell is especially good this morning.

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2015/may/27/fifa-corruption-arrests-uefa-world-cup-cartoon
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Tigerrr on 28 May, 2015, 09:06:34 am
Septic Blatter has all the smaller countries bent officials in his pocket after years of compromised dealings.  They are locked in to support him otherwise he will spill the beans in order to plea bargain his own position and they will go down with him. Fifa is a labyrinth of mafiosi corrupt obligations and blackmail insurances.
Well that is what I heard on the radio this morning and i expect it is true.
However, the arrested officials may well decide to play the same game and bring him down now to negotiate their own positions - no honour among thieves etc. The spectacle of Blatter being arrested must be on the cards now surely... I wonder if he will make a run for it on a mobility scooter.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: ferret on 28 May, 2015, 09:08:05 am
 amazing the lengths the USA will go to, to support Israel  :demon:
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: LEE on 28 May, 2015, 09:37:37 am
Blatter is the Berlusconi of football.

Everyone knows that FIFA has been a huge rolling gravy-train for decades.

It's a world where FIFA representatives receive £16,000 watches as gifts from countries trying to host the World Cup and don't even think they can be considered as bribes.
God knows what else they receive, that's just the one we heard about.

I can't think of a single large corporation where it wouldn't contravene good (or legal) business practice to receive such gifts.

Some handed theirs back in but, it's worth noting, AFTER the scandal broke.

It's bloody corrupt and I have to admit I wish I'd been on the FIFA panel, lucky bastards.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: caerau on 28 May, 2015, 09:52:08 am
I got moaned at at work for buying a visitor a pint of lager.  >:(
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Jaded on 28 May, 2015, 09:55:49 am
Should have been warm British Beer, surely?
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: pcolbeck on 28 May, 2015, 11:10:52 am
It's all a US plot to disgrace Blatter according to Vladimir Putin ....
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 May, 2015, 12:05:35 pm
I can't think of a single large corporation where it wouldn't contravene good (or legal) business practice to receive such gifts.

Mumble mumble BRITISH Aerospace mumble normal way of doing business with These People mumble part of their culture mumble [cont. p.94 of "How To Win Friends And Influence People" by HRH Prince Andrew Rupert Biggles Donkeybollocks Windsor, Duke of York, KG GCVO CD ADC(P); pub. Grabber & Grabber, £39.99]
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Bledlow on 28 May, 2015, 12:26:29 pm
Sad to see Jack Warner being indicted. Dock Green will never be the same again.
The amateurism of some of the corruption is amazing. Warner's sons paid wads of cash into accounts in the USA, each payment being made via a different branch, & 7000 euros to keep it under the $10000 limit for money-laundering questions, proof of ID, etc. Didn't check the exchange rate, & one day one of 'em had to ask for money back to stay under the limit. As if that wouldn't arouse suspicion.  :facepalm:

Dammit, even I could have told them to vary the amounts, don't go too close to the limit, & vary the currencies even though you'll lose something on the change.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 28 May, 2015, 01:09:09 pm
Sad to see Jack Warner being indicted. Dock Green will never be the same again.
The amateurism of some of the corruption is amazing. Warner's sons paid wads of cash into accounts in the USA, each payment being made via a different branch, & 7000 euros to keep it under the $10000 limit for money-laundering questions, proof of ID, etc. Didn't check the exchange rate, & one day one of 'em had to ask for money back to stay under the limit. As if that wouldn't arouse suspicion.  :facepalm:

Dammit, even I could have told them to vary the amounts, don't go too close to the limit, & vary the currencies even though you'll lose something on the change.

Should this be under OT knowledge?
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: pcolbeck on 28 May, 2015, 01:26:34 pm
Latest update is that Blatter had no intention of resigning !
I have a vision of a couple of weeks from now with a Swiss SWAT team surrounding the FIFA building in Zurich. Blatter is holed up in a bunker deep underneath, as the first concussion grenades go through the windows and the boots of a second SWAT team rappelling from helicopters hit the roof he cackles maniacally and presses a big red button. KABOOM a huge explosion brings the entire building down on top of him whilst simultaneous explosions reduce Wembley, The Neu Camp, Stade de France and all the large football stadiums of Europe and South America to piles of smoking rubble forcing the next two world cups to be held in Russia and Quatar.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: pcolbeck on 28 May, 2015, 03:35:08 pm
Someone must be doing a Downfall parody about this.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: clarion on 28 May, 2015, 04:00:06 pm
I am shocked and stunned and amazed







that Sepp Blatter was not arrested.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: sg37409 on 28 May, 2015, 04:00:49 pm
The amateurism of some of the corruption is amazing.

Yeah.  On the media frenzy on this a lot of comentators are saying how astute and great a politician Blatter is. 
I dont see this at all. He's survived by giving out wads of cash to people, cash that he had loads more of than any peer or predecessor because TV is throwing money at football.

He didnt think to make good decisions or even cover up that tidily on Russia / Qatar decision and his comittee members.  These are really stupid decisions that keep attention on this fiasco and are now causing this slo-mo train crash we are all enjoying now.
He's probably emailling pat mcquaid just now asking for tips.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: pcolbeck on 28 May, 2015, 04:10:55 pm
Apparently trying to get Blatter to resign is blasphemy according to one of the delegates. You couldn't make this stuff up.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 28 May, 2015, 04:42:33 pm
Talking of blasphemy, it's a measure of FIFA's disrepute when even Maradona can put the boot in with both hands:

Quote
“They called me mad but thankfully today the truth is out and I am enjoying it,” said Maradona, who has long been at odds with the sport’s governing body.

“They hate soccer. They hate transparency. Enough shady dealings. Enough lying to the people,” the former midfielder told an Argentinian radio station.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 May, 2015, 04:45:22 pm
He's probably emailling pat mcquaid just now asking for tips.
Yes! Well, no. But after FIFA... the IOC?
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: caerau on 28 May, 2015, 04:55:20 pm
Talking of blasphemy, it's a measure of FIFA's disrepute when even Maradona can put the boot in with both hands:

Quote
“They called me mad but thankfully today the truth is out and I am enjoying it,” said Maradona, who has long been at odds with the sport’s governing body.

“They hate soccer. They hate transparency. Enough shady dealings. Enough lying to the people,” the former midfielder told an Argentinian radio station.


Now THAT is unbelievable.  Presumably even Charles Manson will be looking rosey soon compared... ;D
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Wowbagger on 28 May, 2015, 05:19:02 pm
I see that there is a vacancy for Middle East Peace Envoy, should Mr. Blatter wish to apply.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: caerau on 28 May, 2015, 06:15:22 pm
Well Blatter cannot monitor everyone all of the time apparently. 


Funny how we all seem to know but it went over his head.  If he's not corrupt (stop laughing over there!) then surely that is negligent beyond belief. Either way it's gobsmacking that he still has the gall to carry on.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Tigerrr on 28 May, 2015, 06:38:46 pm
Putin has declared his support for Septic, and confirmed the arrests are part of a US plot to wrest the event out of Mother Russias hands. I expect he is doing hat because there will shortly be a rash of stories confirming how much Russia payed to secure the votes.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: pcolbeck on 28 May, 2015, 06:41:59 pm
At the 2018 World Cup Russia will be fielding 11 players per match in their normal strip plus another 11 in camo green that everyone else in the world but the Russian media will be able to see. If anyone complains that it's cheating Putin will say that they are just fans lending a hand and not extra official players.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: spesh on 28 May, 2015, 08:59:07 pm
Well Blatter cannot monitor everyone all of the time apparently. 


Funny how we all seem to know but it went over his head.  If he's not corrupt (stop laughing over there!) then surely that is negligent beyond belief. Either way it's gobsmacking that he still has the gall to carry on.

That, or the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal knows where the bodies are buried, so to speak.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Redlight on 28 May, 2015, 10:46:31 pm
I couldn't give a monkeys about football but I do find it amusing that a member of the Jordanian royal family is being presented as the integrity candidate for FIFA presidency
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Jaded on 28 May, 2015, 11:09:53 pm
Can't see that Russia is too wrong as a choice for the World Cup.

Crater, though, that's just silly.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: spesh on 28 May, 2015, 11:24:56 pm
Can't see that Russia is too wrong as a choice for the World Cup.

Crater, though, that's just silly.

What, the next tournament after Russia is now being held in Yemen (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crater_(Aden))?
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Jaded on 28 May, 2015, 11:43:17 pm
Aaargh, that's the auto-blatter
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Séamas M. on 28 May, 2015, 11:43:42 pm
He's probably emailling pat mcquaid just now asking for tips.

I'd have guessed Verbruggen, but OK, close enough.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: spesh on 28 May, 2015, 11:52:15 pm
Aaargh, that's the auto-blatter

I guessed as much, but it was too good an opportunity to resist.  ;D
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 29 May, 2015, 07:10:41 am
Apropos of auto-Blatter, I supect we are only one arrest away from it being called 'Blattergate'. 
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Tigerrr on 29 May, 2015, 07:36:41 am
The obvious corruption of Fifa is actually less of an issue than the World celebrating Qatar. I read that they expect at least 4000 migrant workers to die in accidents and heat related illness in the building of stadia and hotels etc.
The World Cup is not just a festival of corruption and fraud, it is a celebration of slavery. Generally those of us who take no interest in it just sit back, but I do think it should be more actively opposed now.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: caerau on 29 May, 2015, 08:06:53 am
Just heard on the news that FIFA is.... wait for it .... a registered charity.  ???




Indeed, you couldn't make this up.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: madcow on 29 May, 2015, 08:09:05 am
tigerrr, Too late, it's been awarded and no-one has big enough balls to say "Hey, let's not go there".
Even the  English F.A will not pull out , despite being ridiculed and called corrupt in the most recent investigation into the bid process. I doubt UEFA will either.
Players agents would be lining up lawyers to contest a constraint of employment and all that guff.
T.V money rules , it may not be corrupt in the true meaning of the word but it changes the whole approach to the game IMO. Principles went out of the window a long time ago.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: pcolbeck on 29 May, 2015, 08:47:50 am
The head of the Brazilian FA has just skipped the country. Switzerland getting a bit too hot for him I think.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Von Broad on 29 May, 2015, 09:43:11 am
Principles went out of the window a long time ago.

1978 being a good example.

http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/11036214/while-world-watched-world-cup-brings-back-memories-argentina-dirty-war

To be fair, it's highly possible that knowledge of what was going on wasn't that widespread, I've no idea, so comparisons to the modern day can't really be drawn, and I don't recall a lot of outrage being expressed at the time. I guess you could point the finger at many aspects of virtually any country that has hosted the WC, but some do stand out as being particularly brutal.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 29 May, 2015, 10:12:16 am
Just heard on the news that FIFA is.... wait for it .... a registered charity.  ???




Indeed, you couldn't make this up.


TBH I am not surprised.  Lots of things are charities when the beneficiaries are surprising, e.g. Eton College and Harvard university.

However, wrt football, it must be said, a lot of good has been done for Africans, some of it through football, some of it through corruption. 
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 29 May, 2015, 01:12:08 pm
I think the slaves referred to are technically indentured labourers. They haven't been captured, they've been inherited. Probably even worse, in some ways.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 May, 2015, 01:18:18 pm
Some of them were "lent" to the Qataris by that well-known bastion of human rights and tolerance North Korea, with any money they earn going to, er, the government of North Korea.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: pcolbeck on 29 May, 2015, 06:25:46 pm
And Blatter gets another massive majority !
Unbelievable.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Basil on 29 May, 2015, 06:40:09 pm
Nothing will happen.
Sorry to disappoint.

And Blatter gets another massive majority !
Unbelievable.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Jakob on 29 May, 2015, 06:42:27 pm
Over on F1 journalist Joe Sawrd's blog the possibility has been motted of an Investigation into the governance of F1 under the EU's anti-monopoly legislation.  I have suggested that a USAnian-led investigation migjt be the way forward with the bonus of raising public awareness of the sport Over There.

Bonus points if they could get it fronted by Norman Schwarzkopf, Chuck Norris or Alice Cooper.

Joe Saward is a complete tool and it's far from the first time that this has been brought up.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Basil on 29 May, 2015, 07:07:02 pm
I can just imagine the conversation in a few years time.

Gregg Dyke:  I think Europe should boycott the next world cup.

Michel Platini:  Well, that's easy for you to say, seeing as you didn't qualify.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Wowbagger on 29 May, 2015, 10:21:29 pm
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/may/29/corruption-fifa-blatter

I find Marina Hyde to be one of the most entertaining and insightful commentators. I wonder how correct that comparison will prove to be.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Bledlow on 29 May, 2015, 10:28:59 pm
And Blatter gets another massive majority !
Unbelievable.
Oh no! Entirely believable.

Didn't you hear why it couldn't be postponed? The votes had already been paid for.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Jaded on 29 May, 2015, 10:34:57 pm
He did not get another massive majority. It was on its way to another vote.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 May, 2015, 10:44:16 pm
He was only a handful of votes away from it not needing to go to a second round though, and then Prince Wotsisface withdrew.

I cannot quite see the logic of requiring a second vote in an election with only two candidates, but then I became mayor without any of this tedious "democracy" nonse.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 30 May, 2015, 06:38:23 am
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/may/29/corruption-fifa-blatter

I find Marina Hyde to be one of the most entertaining and insightful commentators. I wonder how correct that comparison will prove to be.

Arrestwise, the FBI say we ain't seen nothin' yet..
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Tigerrr on 30 May, 2015, 07:01:04 am
In the UK we tend to see this as a story about corruption and rigging of voting, contaminating an idea of clean sport and public duty. It is how the USA would also expect this to be seen.
I would bet that is not how this is seen elsewhere. What we construe as corruption is definitely normal practice elsewhere, for a start. Then sport is also not seen as a clean ideal, it is clearly understood to be an extension of politics, even a proxy warfare. The action of the USA can easily be recast as politically motivated, even racist. To us that may seem ridiculous, but I would bet that is actually how it plays in many smaller countries where FIFA has contributed massively to football, and national identity as a result.
Football is not really sport as we might wish to understand it, it is international corporatist business and nationalists politics expressed in a sports vehicle. We should be wary of confusing the vehicle with its passengers.
Back in the USA, I expect this also plays as evidence of the corrupted and decadent foreigners, and supports US exceptionalism at a time when it has been battered by events elsewhere.
This story is much more than it appears, it isn't nearly as simple as
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 May, 2015, 10:24:59 am
From what I've seen elsewhere it is being driven by the USAnian banks, who are not keen on money-laundering and prefer their chosen third-world dictators to do it via more traditional means like numbered Swiss accounts.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: mattc on 30 May, 2015, 02:23:00 pm
Tigerrr,
is that the same USA that boycotted the 1980 Olympics?
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 May, 2015, 05:37:52 pm
Yes, but that was Jimmy Carter, the well-known comsymp, er...
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Tigerrr on 30 May, 2015, 07:16:58 pm
Tigerrr,
is that the same USA that boycotted the 1980 Olympics?
Yes, but historical detail probably isn't relevant to the attention span of the audience. I would bet that very very few americans are even aware that there was a president called carter, let alone that they boycotted, let alone didn't win most of the medals at the 1980 olympics. The American story today is what concerns america.
However I expect that the american story and the commercial interest of the mainly american based corporates that use the World cup to promote their story might well be diverging. Then again Coca Cola hasn't draped itself in the stars and stripes for ages, and could well float off into the international (tax free) zone anyway. Internally, Coke employees see that Atlanta drones as irrelevant anyway.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: pcolbeck on 31 May, 2015, 03:32:44 pm
Now lets see if UEFA has the balls to boycott the World Cup. I am not holding my breath.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: toontra on 31 May, 2015, 04:17:27 pm
Now lets see if UEFA has the balls to boycott the World Cup.

Worth a punt - that would soon concentrate the sponsors minds!  Can't see any other way, legal or otherwise, to dismantle the dungheap.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Tewdric on 31 May, 2015, 05:36:59 pm
Now lets see if UEFA has the balls to boycott the World Cup. I am not holding my breath.

It would work if the U.S. And Brazil joined them.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 01 June, 2015, 10:58:34 am
Now lets see if UEFA has the balls to boycott the World Cup. I am not holding my breath.

It would work if the U.S. And Brazil joined them.
Hmm - and if UEFA suggested to Brazil that a 'world cup' be held in Brazil (again) instead of Qatar?
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: pcolbeck on 01 June, 2015, 11:11:57 am
It doesn't need Brazil and the USA. Most of the money that FIFA gets is generated by UEFA. UEFA can turn of the tap if they have the will.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: mcshroom on 02 June, 2015, 05:50:36 pm
Blatter has just resigned!
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Jaded on 02 June, 2015, 05:59:39 pm
Indeed!! Woooot!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32982449
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: pcolbeck on 02 June, 2015, 06:02:02 pm
Blimey ! The wolves must have been at the door. I wonder if he had been tipped of someone was about to implicate him personally.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: sg37409 on 02 June, 2015, 06:02:52 pm
It doesn't need Brazil and the USA. Most of the money that FIFA gets is generated by UEFA. UEFA can turn of the tap if they have the will.

Well, via sponsors from Europe and UEFA both.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: caerau on 02 June, 2015, 06:10:46 pm
Well this is going to scupper the boycott calls. Lets hope they sorr things out properly now. Not holding my breath
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Regulator on 02 June, 2015, 06:11:56 pm
But is he just doing a Farage?
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: mcshroom on 02 June, 2015, 06:20:17 pm
He says he won't stand in the new elections. However, he said before the election he wouldn't stand down.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: spesh on 02 June, 2015, 07:06:58 pm
Quote from: The Ravenous Seppblatter Beast of Zurich
"My mandate does not appear to be supported by everybody."

No kidding! ;D

Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Andrew Br on 02 June, 2015, 07:10:26 pm
I reckon pcolbeck has it; someone is going to dob him in.

Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: caerau on 02 June, 2015, 07:11:38 pm
Maybe, I suspect a mass pullout by sponsors was threatened myself. But we'll see.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Gus on 02 June, 2015, 07:21:37 pm
It seems like FBI might be closing in on him, better to step down than being deported to US of A in the middle of the night.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: caerau on 02 June, 2015, 07:24:43 pm
Indeed, it would be nice if that were true, what's the betting he's going to end up in a country with no extradition treaty with the USA...
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Wowbagger on 02 June, 2015, 07:35:35 pm
Indeed, it would be nice if that were true, what's the betting he's going to end up in a country with no extradition treaty with the USA...

Aren't most of those the ones they bomb?
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: caerau on 02 June, 2015, 07:42:38 pm
Or in Africa where mr Blatter is quite popular apparently.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Oakhambike on 02 June, 2015, 08:57:50 pm
Friday - get all the guys whom I've bribed over the years to vote for me again

Saturday - busy day in office destroying incriminating evidence

Sunday - researching countries with no extradition treaty with U.S.A - and praying

Monday - negotiating big pay off from my mates at FIFA with lots of small print about confidentiality and indemnities from civil action

Tuesday - resign - buy beach house from Jack Warner (bag of cash of course)
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Jaded on 02 June, 2015, 10:18:42 pm
Breaking news

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-32986950

He is under investigation in the US
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 June, 2015, 10:25:54 pm
Indeed, it would be nice if that were true, what's the betting he's going to end up in a country with no extradition treaty with the USA...

Squinting at the map on Wikinaccurate suggests much of Africa, the Middle East, a goodly quantity of Asia and Andorra may be safe havens.

Ah, Herr Blatter!  Welcome to Qatar!  Lovely weather, isn't it!
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 June, 2015, 10:31:30 pm
But he's not going till December at the earliest, when the EGM is held to elect his successor. That gives him time to set his choice in place and to change the constitution etc.

"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," he said.
"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."

So looks as if he's trying to cement power at the top and blame those nasty confederations for all the corruption.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 03 June, 2015, 05:45:09 am
Quote
But he's not going till December at the earliest, when the EGM is held to elect his successor.

He might think that..
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: pcolbeck on 03 June, 2015, 10:21:32 am
Interpol has now issued alerts for Jack Warner and Nicolas Leoz. The net is closing.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Andrew on 03 June, 2015, 12:21:19 pm
I reckon pcolbeck has it; someone is going to dob him in.

Maybe. Or net closing in. Or maybe he's such a conceited bugger that he wasn't going to go on anyone else's say so. He knew he had the support to be voted in so he can wave that as 2 fingers to his opponents as he resigns;  saying 'my doing not yours'.

I reckon he knew the game was up (he's been avoiding the USA for years) but will just try to dictate the terms until the bitter end.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 June, 2015, 01:13:23 pm
I didn't get round to watching the most recent "HIGNFY" until last night, so it had been overtaken by events.  Nice coincidence to have Mr Gary Winston Lineker OBE in the chair though.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: vorsprung on 03 June, 2015, 01:17:34 pm
It's great to wake up in the morning and turn on radio 4 and hear about little else than football administration.  There isn't enough of it in my life!
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Jacomus on 03 June, 2015, 03:26:48 pm
It's great to wake up in the morning and turn on radio 4 and hear about little else than football administration.  There isn't enough of it in my life!

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: spesh on 03 June, 2015, 05:46:40 pm
http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/sport/sport-headlines/panini-releases-2015-fifa-corruption-scandal-sticker-album-2015060398881 ;D
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: clarion on 03 June, 2015, 06:39:57 pm
Blatter was back in the office today, as he has a lot of paperwork to deal with.

And a huge shredder.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Regulator on 03 June, 2015, 10:46:36 pm
Andy Coulson's going to give evidence on his behalf...
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: sg37409 on 04 June, 2015, 09:16:13 am
Wont you spare a thought for jack warner ??  His life is at risk.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: caerau on 04 June, 2015, 09:29:36 am
Did you see his press conference? Breathtaking.  "it's not true....." :facepalm:


I'm not a fan of the phrase 'there's no smoke without fire' but er, when there's interpol and the FBI involved on a massive scale - hmmmmmm.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: clifftaylor on 04 June, 2015, 05:21:40 pm
Wont you spare a thought for jack warner ??  His life is at risk.

Only if he tries to lift his wallet off the floor without assistance.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: LEE on 04 June, 2015, 06:53:35 pm
Another day another FIFA scandal.  Buying off the Irish FA.

This will be like the Phone-Tapping revelations, shocking and amazing ...but something we all knew was going on.

Qatar were awarded the World Cup ferchrissake!!!!  How much evidence of corruption does one need?  Qatar were awarded the World Cup!.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: caerau on 04 June, 2015, 10:23:07 pm
The Irish thing was an out of court settlement  - a bloody expensive one admittedly but doesn't look illegal to me.  Perhaps a comment on the FIFA culture but I can't see any prosecutions from that - not really a bad deal for the Irish in the end.
I hope it cost as much as the new Wembley though  :demon:
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Jaded on 04 June, 2015, 11:30:19 pm
not really a bad deal for the Irish in the end

Money vs a place at the World Cup  ???
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: caerau on 04 June, 2015, 11:48:53 pm
From a fans perspective that's terrible, from the governing body, not so sure long term.


Freebie Wembley?  Probably not a bad deal for the Englsh Fa consider it cost over a billion.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Jakob on 05 June, 2015, 12:17:02 am
not really a bad deal for the Irish in the end

Money vs a place at the World Cup  ???

I still don't get what the FAI could have done. Sue FIFA for what?.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: pcolbeck on 05 June, 2015, 08:27:35 am
not really a bad deal for the Irish in the end

Money vs a place at the World Cup  ???

I still don't get what the FAI could have done. Sue FIFA for what?.

I think they were going to claim the ref had been got at by FIFA to ensure France went through. It was a a blatant double hand ball and very offside. Even the French were stunned that the goal was allowed.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Jaded on 05 June, 2015, 08:30:27 am
The money was an out of court settlement, so suggests they had a case.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 June, 2015, 08:33:30 am
I think even Thierry Henry was a bit surprised by the outcome.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: sg37409 on 05 June, 2015, 08:58:53 am
There seem to be questions over where the 5M given to FIA went to.   Looks like it could be another case corruption there.  In any event, it was the fans who were shafted by this.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: caerau on 05 June, 2015, 09:45:27 am
Fans getting shafted is kind of de rigeur in most sports.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: pumpkin on 05 June, 2015, 10:10:00 am
Fans getting shafted is kind of de rigeur in most sports.

Like booking fees for concerts etc. The great thing is that the fans are queuing up for the shafting and the more expensive the shaft the more they seem to want it (in this country at least). It's not so much a shafting as 'an experience'
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: sg37409 on 05 June, 2015, 11:54:42 am
... It's not so much a shafting as 'an experience'

 ;D
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Andrew on 05 June, 2015, 12:38:01 pm
I read the FIFA movie is pretty good.

Some folk taking a pay cheque there.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: pcolbeck on 05 June, 2015, 04:34:35 pm
I don't get all this "its too late to change where the 2018 and 2022 World Cups will be held". It's only a football tournament, most countries in Europe or North and South America have plenty of decent stadiums all ready, its not like they would need to build any.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Jakob on 05 June, 2015, 06:22:01 pm
not really a bad deal for the Irish in the end

Money vs a place at the World Cup  ???

I still don't get what the FAI could have done. Sue FIFA for what?.

I think they were going to claim the ref had been got at by FIFA to ensure France went through. It was a a blatant double hand ball and very offside. Even the French were stunned that the goal was allowed.

If they had any real evidence of that, surely they would not have settled for just $5million. 
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 June, 2015, 11:55:43 am
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/05/fbi-investigate-1966-world-cup-greg-dyke

Another elegant article by Marina Hyde. I love her waspish style.

Quote
The scale of the FBI takedown of Fifa is vast. England is like a diner in one of the ground-floor restaurants of the Towering Inferno building, wondering how what’s going on upstairs is going to affect its drinks order. Odd how they underplay the fact that England’s bid team gave the wives of the executive committee – their wives! – Mulberry handbags. This isn’t being “above” bribery. It’s being unable to get out of the group stages of bribery.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: sg37409 on 08 June, 2015, 10:25:03 pm
This just in...

"Russia & Qatar 'may have bought votes'"

What ?  No way !!!

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33044932
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: mcshroom on 08 June, 2015, 10:35:34 pm
We appear to be out of effluent Mr Holmes
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Andrij on 08 June, 2015, 10:36:39 pm
We appear to be out of effluent Mr Holmes

New keyboard, please!  ;D
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: spesh on 08 June, 2015, 11:45:15 pm
We appear to be out of effluent Mr Holmes

LOLz  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 09 June, 2015, 09:59:34 am
Far more dramatic than the World Cup.  I bags the film rights.

I think you'll find there are ways of doing that.

Fifa film flops at the box office (http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-33050289)


If only they had waited..

Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Bledlow on 13 June, 2015, 11:40:57 am
No surprise. It's Sepp Blatter's tribute to himself. Who'd want to watch it?
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: pcolbeck on 14 June, 2015, 12:08:35 pm
Anyone else not surprised by this ?

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/14/sepp-blatter-stay-fifa-president-swiss-newspaper

I think he will only go if he ends up in jail.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 15 June, 2015, 01:37:13 pm
So it's Africa and Asia (incl. Russia) vs Europe and the USA.  Should be a good fixture but where to hold it?   We could call it the Sepp Blatter Memorial Challenge.   
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: caerau on 15 June, 2015, 04:28:49 pm
Berlin?


*runs away*
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: pcolbeck on 26 June, 2015, 02:01:12 pm
It seems we all misunderstood Sepp and that he never resigned at all:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33284185

Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: sg37409 on 26 June, 2015, 02:15:51 pm
Excellent.  :thumbsup:

This is going to end well.  He must be a glutton for punishment.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 28 June, 2015, 01:13:26 pm
Far more dramatic than the World Cup.  I bags the film rights.

I think you'll find there are ways of doing that.

Fifa film flops at the box office (http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-33050289)


If only they had waited..

Ben Affleck has stolen my thunder:

Quote
The American side of the FIFA scandal is getting the movie treatment with Ben Affleck among those bringing story to the big the screen.

Capping off eight days of negotiations, Warner Bros. has won a bidding war for Houses of Deceit, a book by BuzzFeed investigative reporter Ken Bensinger that is being seen as the definitive account of American FIFA exec Chuck Blazer and his role in the largest sports and public corruption scandal in history.


http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/affleck-damon-to-coproduce-fifa-scandal-movie-based-on-book-house-of-deceit/article7361033.ece

Somehow I don't see Matt Damon as Sepp Blatter, though.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 21 July, 2015, 05:43:30 am
Disgraceful scenes during FIFA press conference:

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jul/20/sepp-blatter-fifa-dollar-bills-press-conference-lee-nelson
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Tewdric on 21 July, 2015, 07:54:28 am
Disgraceful?  It was hilarious :)
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 July, 2015, 08:07:43 am
Pah!  Abbie Hoffman did it on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, with real $100 bills.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: LEE on 22 July, 2015, 09:34:51 am
Disgraceful scenes during FIFA press conference:

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jul/20/sepp-blatter-fifa-dollar-bills-press-conference-lee-nelson

Disgraceful?

Being showered with money from the sky is just a typical start to the day for Blatter.

He was only pissed off because he could tell it wasn't as much as usual.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: pcolbeck on 25 September, 2015, 03:45:12 pm
The Swiss have taken Blatter in for questioning and Platini is also implicated in a 2,000,000 swiss franc bung.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/sep/25/sepp-blatter-criminal-investigation-swiss-attorney-general
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Jaded on 25 September, 2015, 04:33:16 pm
Crikey!
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 25 September, 2015, 07:45:53 pm

Time for the Alzheimers defence?

Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Steph on 27 September, 2015, 08:39:41 am
Followed by the Janner and Saunders recovery?
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 September, 2015, 06:40:22 pm
Jack Warner has just been banned from foopball for life, so I expect he'll now be going off somewhere warm to spend more time with his family money.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: sg37409 on 29 September, 2015, 10:12:32 pm
Jings
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Andrew Br on 02 October, 2015, 10:16:36 pm
Visa, McDonalds and Pepsi Coke calling for Bladder's immediate resignation.
I wonder how long he'll hang on now.

Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Jaded on 07 October, 2015, 06:06:22 pm
And he is suspended provisionally (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34468663)...
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 28 October, 2015, 05:57:56 pm
I snorted unattractively several times while reading this...
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/oct/28/sepp-blatter-fifa-russia-2018-world-cup-vote
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: spesh on 03 December, 2015, 11:44:23 pm
Two FIFA presidents of vice - I'm sorry, I'll say that again...

Two FIFA vice-presidents have had their collars felt by the Swiss fuzz today, and they are on a list of a further 16 officials (on top of the ones already charged) named in a 92-page indictment released by the US Department of Justice. It's yet another gift that keeps on giving.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34991874
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: hatler on 04 December, 2015, 07:47:42 am
Strewth !  How many FIFA executives are there ? It won't be long before it's just the Legal and Ethics people left (and there can't have been too many of them in the first place).
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: LEE on 04 December, 2015, 05:17:45 pm
Maybe it's just my suspicious nature but I'm beginning to think there may have been some "shady goings-on" within FIFA.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: spesh on 04 December, 2015, 05:49:11 pm
No kidding... ;D
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: clarion on 22 December, 2015, 09:14:48 am
Now Sepp Blatter has been banned from football for eight years, I wonder what he will do with his Sunday mornings.

Maybe he could buy a bike.  He probably has enough money resting in his account.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Jaded on 22 December, 2015, 09:18:45 am
He won't have to buy a bike.

Someone will give him one.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: LEE on 22 December, 2015, 03:00:55 pm
He won't have to buy a bike.

Someone will give him one.

When he asked for a double-entendre someone gave him one.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 13 January, 2016, 06:28:34 pm
The latest sacking; http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/13/fifa-sacks-suspended-secretary-general-jerome-valcke
Anyone want to run a book on Sepp and his mate Jerome clubbing together and setting up their own alternative Fifa, backed by the FAs of the developing nations?
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: caerau on 13 January, 2016, 06:33:45 pm
Where would their oodles of cash come from?  I suspect even Nike and Coca Cola won't touch them with a bargepole now.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Basil on 13 January, 2016, 06:44:19 pm
Where would their oodles of cash come from?

Poor people.  If someone makes oodles, this is always where it actually comes from.
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 February, 2016, 06:24:05 pm
New FIFA president elected, and not Sheikh Yerbouti either, but rather one Gianni Infantino, a.k.a. "Who?"
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: spesh on 26 February, 2016, 10:14:10 pm
New FIFA president elected, and not Sheikh Yerbouti either, but rather one Gianni Infantino, a.k.a. "Who?"

"Who?" indeed, but he does look familiar:

http://dilbert.com/search_results?terms=CEO
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: spesh on 29 August, 2018, 09:02:00 pm
Two FIFA presidents of vice - I'm sorry, I'll say that again...

Two FIFA vice-presidents have had their collars felt by the Swiss fuzz today, and they are on a list of a further 16 officials (on top of the ones already charged) named in a 92-page indictment released by the US Department of Justice. It's yet another gift that keeps on giving.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34991874

The wheels of justice grind slowly, but exceedingly fine.

One of the two arrested in Switzerland, Juan Ángel Napout, has finally been give a nine year stretch in prison for racketeering and corruption offences.

Quote
Juan Ángel Napout, a high-level figure in international soccer, was sentenced today in federal court in Brooklyn by United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen to nine years’ imprisonment following his trial convictions of conspiratorial racketeering and two counts of wire fraud conspiracy.  The crimes of conviction related to Napout’s participation in schemes to accept millions of dollars in bribes in exchange for the media and marketing rights to various soccer tournaments.  The Court also ordered Napout to pay $3,374,025.88 in forfeiture and imposed a fine of $1 million.  A hearing on victim restitution is scheduled for October 4, 2018.

At the time of his arrest in December 2015, Napout was the president of CONMEBOL, the confederation responsible for soccer in South America, a FIFA Vice President and a member of the FIFA Executive Committee.  He had previously served as the president of the Paraguayan Soccer Federation, known as the Asociación Paraguaya de Fútbol, or APF.  Napout was convicted following a six-week trial in November and December of 2017.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/former-fifa-executive-president-conmebol-and-paraguayan-soccer-official-sentenced-nine
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: spesh on 18 June, 2019, 12:21:20 pm
The Swiss have taken Blatter in for questioning and Platini is also implicated in a 2,000,000 swiss franc bung.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/sep/25/sepp-blatter-criminal-investigation-swiss-attorney-general

It's the grift that keeps on giving - Michel Platini's been detained for questioning by anti-corruption investigators.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48673461
Title: Re: The FIFA row...
Post by: spesh on 04 July, 2019, 02:21:08 pm
The grift that keeps on giving, continued - the Ravenous Seppblatter Beast of Zurich is suing FIFA:

Quote
Former Fifa president Sepp Blatter has begun legal proceedings against football's world governing body for "moral damage" and to reclaim around 60 of his watches he says are still in its possession.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48865823

So it never occurred to him that he wouldn't be in this position if he'd been a bit more moral whilst serving as FIFA president, then.  ::-)