FIFA is F'ed

[KeithTalent]

Long overdue. FIFA is a fucking joke.

KT

 

[smackababy]

Long overdue. FIFA is a fucking joke.

KT

he best part about this is with so many indictments, there is a good chance we can get enough people to roll over on the top (Blatter and his top lackeys) to get indictments for them as well.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

he best part about this is with so many indictments, there is a good chance we can get enough people to roll over on the top (Blatter and his top lackeys) to get indictments for them as well.

Agreed. The little fish will be begging for the chance to testify against the guys higher up.

 

[smackababy]

Agreed. The little fish will be begging for the chance to testify against the guys higher up.

Sadly, I don't think much will change. FIFA is set up to benefit small countries to the point they don't care how corrupt anything is, so long as they get their money. When a country with the population of 6,000 has an equal say as a country with millions and an actual competitive football team PLUS absolutely zero no oversight outside the organization itself, we have a system that encourages corruption.

 

[kranky]

I can't believe the top guy isn't going to willingly resign. Come on, dude, you got yours, let the next group step up to the trough!

 

[smackababy]

I can't believe the top guy isn't going to willingly resign. Come on, dude, you got yours, let the next group step up to the trough!

Not only will he not resign, he is going to win the election. Like I said, there are plenty of smaller countries more interested in continuing to get FIFA money than what the others are doing. Blatter as set up a safety net of countries bribing each other to keep him in power and influence. Qatar wants to keep the WC bid in 2022, they donate money to a bunch of the smaller countries who then support Blatter. He then squelches any attempts to overturn the rigged bid and everyone is happy. Well, everyone involved in being corrupt.

 

[PottedMeat]

let's spread some cash and help elect goodell

 

[smackababy]

Apparently, VISA is threatening to pull sponsorship if FIFA doesn't "act fast to restore the reputation of the game".

More sponsors might follow suit.

 

[edro]

Nike!
Oh man. This is going to be good.

According to the indictment, Sportswear Company A (Nike) in 1996 signed a 10-year, $160 million agreement to become a co-sponsor of the CBF and its “exclusive footwear, apparel, accessories, and equipment supplier.” Three days later, the indictment alleges, an official from the sportswear company signed a one-page agreement with a representative of a sports-marketing agency called Traffic Brazil allowing the agency to invoice the company for additional marketing fees.

A Traffic affiliate proceeded to invoice Sportswear Company A for an additional $30 million in payments between 1996 and 1999, payments that were used in part for bribes and kickbacks, according to the indictment.

The owner and founder of the Traffic Group, José Hawilla, earlier pleaded guilty to charges related to the probe, according to the Department of Justice.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/nike-cooperating-with-authorities-on-fifa-allegations-1432752855

 

[holden j caufield]

So I'm wondering if the US was ok with this when the held the world cup and other fifa activities. Are they just not ok with it now that they lost the bid for WC 2022? Seems kind of timely but it's good they are going after these crooks.

 

[Jodell88]

So I'm wondering if the US was ok with this when the held the world cup and other fifa activities. Are they just not ok with it now that they lost the bid for WC 2022? Seems kind of timely but it's good they are going after these crooks.

No, it's been a long time coming.

Jack Warner's sons are currently awaiting their sentencing for wire fraud and money laundering. http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150527/news/warner-brothers-plead-guilty-face-20-years-in-prison

 

[KeithTalent]

This sounds like it is going to be quite fascinating and entertaining. Love it.

KT

 

[biostud]

Soccer ... :|

Who cares.

It's not because of soccer it is interesting, it is because of the blatant corruption. Corruption in any organization on such a global scale would make an interesting story.

 

[IronWing]

<In before American asks what Pan Am games are.>

Duh, it's like the Laugh O' Lymipics for airlines. They have a series of silly skill games ending in a Locker Bee.

 

[KeithTalent]

Toronto gets the Pan Am games this summer. Starts in a month or two. Wonder how much money it'll lose relative to Olympics.

<In before American asks what Pan Am games are.>

I was hoping this would spur them to at least finish some of this fucking construction, but it does not really feel much better. :\

KT

 

[Phoenix86]

It's not because of soccer it is interesting, it is because of the blatant corruption. Corruption in any organization on such a global scale would make an interesting story.

Even if you didn't give a single shit about soccer, this impacts nearly every government in the world, and of course their citizens. Then there's all the massive corporate sponsorship, which also affects everyone.

FIFA is that fucking huge.

Even if somehow the actual corruption didn't affect your government, which I doubt, it's exceedingly entertaining.

 

[Jodell88]

Even if you didn't give a single shit about soccer, this impacts nearly every government in the world, and of course their citizens. Then there's all the massive corporate sponsorship, which also affects everyone.

FIFA is that fucking huge.

Even if somehow the actual corruption didn't affect your government, which I doubt, it's exceedingly entertaining.

Yup, 209 countries are members of FIFA. More than the U.N.

 

[biostud]

Even if you didn't give a single shit about soccer, this impacts nearly every government in the world, and of course their citizens. Then there's all the massive corporate sponsorship, which also affects everyone.

FIFA is that fucking huge.

Even if somehow the actual corruption didn't affect your government, which I doubt, it's exceedingly entertaining.

Exactly. I think it's pretty interesting that almost all UEFA members are going to vote for Blatters opponent at the election. A Jordanian prince, which in itself doesn't really bode well for an open and transparent organization...

 

[smackababy]

Exactly. I think it's pretty interesting that almost all UEFA members are going to vote for Blatters opponent at the election. A Jordanian prince, which in itself doesn't really bode well for an open and transparent organization...

That is what happens when only one person runs against him (if any, as he's won unopposed in the past). While, the integrity of a Jordanian prince might raise some questions, it certainly offers a better outlook than Blatter, who (in my opinion) has zero integrity.

 

[IEC]

is it a fact that almost all host country lose money in either WC and Olympic?

Taxpayer loses, but certain well-connected construction firms and the like always benefit...

Political patronage at its worst.

 

[Phoenix86]

I read the election was on hold, and it should be. They need to redo the process with new candidates.

Blatter needs to step down immediately, but he's gone into full defense mode. It's only a "few" people and he wasn't aware.

Putin is backing Blatter saying basically the US has no authority and we're trying to make others adhere to our laws. Things coming out of his mouth are more and more terrifying.

 

[Phoenix86]

Taxpayer loses, but certain well-connected construction firms and the like always benefit...

Political patronage at its worst.

Unless you're actually building something for those well connected construction firms.

 

[smackababy]

I read the election was on hold, and it should be. They need to redo the process with new candidates.

Blatter needs to step down immediately, but he's gone into full defense mode. It's only a "few" people and he wasn't aware.

Yeah, Blatter is particularly slimy. He has no loyalty beyond "what can you do for me right now". He will throw people under the bus and to the wolves to save himself. This isn't the first time.

Putin is backing Blatter saying basically the US has no authority and we're trying to make others adhere to our laws. Things coming out of his mouth are more and more terrifying.

Eh, Putin has to take the hard stance against the US. If he doesn't, he loses support.

 

[SSSnail]

I think the US was already irked that we lost the previous bid to Russia, then Qatar just added fuel to the fire.

 

[Phoenix86]

I think the US was already irked that we lost the previous bid to Russia, then Qatar just added fuel to the fire.

Oh yeah, the Clinton aspect to this is interesting too. I read one report where Mr. Clinton, who was on the committee to bring it to the US, heard we lost it to Qatar he broke a mirror.

Then, the Clinton foundation rec'd ~$5 mil from FIFA. I guess everything was kosher after that?

Seriously folks, this is going to get interesting and it's just getting started.