Very nicely done, but from where I sit this is nothing but a distraction. Or better, a Cathartic Distraction. Big authorities in the US couldn't touch/prosecute war criminals and big financial companies due to their obvious, heinous, catastrophic crimes, so they go after the very next thing: the "other" big sport. Makes people feel good and vindicated, but they should use such energy to look at themselves in the mirror and go after real criminals with a real track record of ruin and death.
2
It's pathetic, although understandable, that this is front page news, as the justice department might be able to actually send someone to jail for a comparatively minor crime. Compared to what the bankers get away with on a daily basis with no more than a slap on the wrist and paying fines with someone elses' money, these guys at F.I.F.A. don't even rate acknowledgement of any wrongdoing; Another diversionary headline by the real criminals, and the justice department doesn't have to worry about letters screaming anti whatever from the usual defense league nor being out litigated to the point of humiliation by the best lawyers that our corrupt legal system can buy.
2
Juve vs Liverpool was run by UEFA, not FIFA. European club football, you know. Having the third world participate in running FIFA (anything) will invariably involve giving bribes. And while I am sure Blatter will have suspected the bribes I very much doubt he took any himself. With his intimate knowledge acquired over decades about how this organisation is run it seems even possible that he did the best he could to keep it under control. (150 Mio for 8 people in 24 years for a Multibillion $ organisation doesn't seem crazy...) Building up a whole organisation and having a world cup played in Africa really is no mean feat, hence the votes from the small countries that do count and will give Blatter his new term, to the dismay of the Europeans. By the way, I doubt that any of the 7 corruptniks can be extradited from Switzerland to the USA now that Lynch let the presumption of innocence fall with her big press conference (fair trial clause in the extradition treaties...). These guys have good lawyers, Loretta. They are rich.
1
Must soccer clubs belong to FIFA. Can't they set up a rival organization and easily if a few governments support the new organization. Look at boxing.
1
The disgust with Sepp Blatter that many of us feel brings to mind a famous question that was asked in a different context, many years ago. It may nevertheless apply in this case:
"Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?"
"Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?"
While your comments are limited to football the sort of corruption you describe is prevalent throughout the world and cannot go on much longer. There are too many people suffering at the hands of business and religious leaders for their political henchmen to maintain control. Change is inevitable and the early stages are upon us.
FIFA is just another massive money transfer like the NFL, NCAA, Olympic Games, and Super Pac's for presidential contenders. Money makes the wheels turn and ruling managers live like kings. Only the little people worry about bribery the winning score trumps all.
1
Sepp Blatter is almost as sly as the Clintons; raking in tens of millions and making it look like you're in public service.
1
Bribes and financial corruption are rampant world wide. It is a way of life. Just look at our election system. Money talks.
4
What kind of bribes were paid to FIFA to move member nation Israel out of the geographic region of the Middle East? That way the Arab nations would not be forced to act a sportsmen and play their neighbor!
In a world with so much going on right now, it is awkward to even try to find concern in this matter. The U.S. doesn't even care about the beautiful game, but for reasons beyond my understanding the U.S. is going to charge this European confederation. Why?
We have plenty of garbage here for the U.S. Attorney General to worry about first.
We have plenty of garbage here for the U.S. Attorney General to worry about first.
2
Thank goodness they don't apply those rules to our Congress!!
2
The case of Sepp Blatter reminds me of the "Teflon Don", John Gotti. I wonder if Rudolph Giuliani is taking notes here.
1
It is simply delicious, watching the self-righteous indignation spewing out of Vlad "The Impaler" Putin in defense of his tool and fellow conspirator. Birds of a feather....
1
Blatter has to go. That's clear. So, too, does FIFA along with World Cups. Both are nothing but impediments to world soccer teams. Let's get back to when soccer was simple. Who, other than non-soccer-playing moneygrubbers need them.
1
Our AG is risking an international fisco requesting the extradition from Switzerland to the US of foreign nationals for crimes committed, supposedly,
on foreign soil, something that probably will not be condoned by the swiss judiciary.
Chuck Blazer confessed to stealing millions, maybe more than 50 million from the US Federation over a period of 20 years. He lived and ostentatious life with two apartments at the Trump Tower, one for himself the other for his cats and 'nobody" noticed.
Now our AG is using his testimony to go after foreign corruption, sweeping under the carpet the obvious, that Blazer could not have acted alone and that tens of US Federation members were complicit with Blazer by actions or inactions.
I
on foreign soil, something that probably will not be condoned by the swiss judiciary.
Chuck Blazer confessed to stealing millions, maybe more than 50 million from the US Federation over a period of 20 years. He lived and ostentatious life with two apartments at the Trump Tower, one for himself the other for his cats and 'nobody" noticed.
Now our AG is using his testimony to go after foreign corruption, sweeping under the carpet the obvious, that Blazer could not have acted alone and that tens of US Federation members were complicit with Blazer by actions or inactions.
I
3
It's sports, for Peter's sake. What did you expect? Seriously Mr. Cohen, expecting something we know from experience can and never will happen is Einstein's very good definition of "insanity."
At the level of FIFA it's not about sport. It's all about money and thank goodness for the U.S. Prosecution. Now UEFA is taking action to remove Blatter, and other governments are also taking action.
There are recurring themes in the comments to the NYT relating to the FIFA arrests. What business is this of the united states. Why is the Justice department focusing on foreign corruption rather than on American corruption. What are the true motives behind the US action. Mr. Cohen has cracked off a good one here for sure, filled with righteous indignation, irrefutable logic building to a crescendo and leading to only one possible conclusion, Blatter must go! It is everything journalism school would teach. The only problem is that the world doesn't buy this stuff coming from Americans any more.
1
Behavior reminiscent of politicians. They are all crooks, lairs and thieves.
1
We can bust corrupt soccer commissioners. But we can't bust banking criminals or war criminals? Shame on us.
1
FIFA corruption has been rampant for many years.
The world did not, and to a large degree, still does not care.
The world did not, and to a large degree, still does not care.
4
But fairness, who should run the games, has nothing to do with a crime and it doesnt change the fact that this is all a political maneuvre to improve the world in the way the US want it to be (as long as it is about rules for the others that the US can break at will, which seems to be the general pattern of US foreign policy).
3
Nice article, but the claim that "games and world cup venues" are up for sale might be interpreted as games in world cups are up for sale. Coupled with the previous story about Brasil vs France in 1998 (I write it with an 's' because I am from Brasil) may give the impression that that game was for sale. This is a big stretch. I did not hear any claim in the current investigation about games being for sale. Besides, it would be very difficult to implement it. We are talking about corrupting players that are very well paid (what is your price if you earn 10 million already), and making them lose a game that would mean a big loss of income (how much is a player worth more when he wins the world cup?). Besides it would be a very thin equilibrium that none of the players would fold and reveal the corruption story (it suffices to have one disgruntled player that did want to win the cup).
Crooks be crooks regardless of the "game". This "game" generates billions and emotions. Just the right recipe for those seeking membership on the governing council or are current members hanging on for their "share".. They will elect Sepp, one more time for their chance at the "revenues".
And yet moats and fences are built to keep the "fans" (hooligans) from the players; that's emotions.....
And yet moats and fences are built to keep the "fans" (hooligans) from the players; that's emotions.....
1
Indicted is a better plan.
It sounds as if it is a rough sport all the way around.
Sure FIFA is a farce and a sad part of the "beautiful game" because of the players on field.
However, let us keep one thing in perspective. FIFA is a $2 Billion a year of mismanaged business.
The American financial "industry" has paid $180 Billion in FINES for their conduct, and wrecked millions of lives and futures, with no end in site yet.
So, where is the attorney general on this? What will it take to clean up the banks who have taken our government hostage? Empowered by the so-called Federal Reserve, which has created trillions of dollars out of thin air to bail out these "too big to fail" perpetrators of the financial crisis?
Of course, money spent on lobbying and campaign contributions are not bribes - the law says so! They are "free" speech.
However, let us keep one thing in perspective. FIFA is a $2 Billion a year of mismanaged business.
The American financial "industry" has paid $180 Billion in FINES for their conduct, and wrecked millions of lives and futures, with no end in site yet.
So, where is the attorney general on this? What will it take to clean up the banks who have taken our government hostage? Empowered by the so-called Federal Reserve, which has created trillions of dollars out of thin air to bail out these "too big to fail" perpetrators of the financial crisis?
Of course, money spent on lobbying and campaign contributions are not bribes - the law says so! They are "free" speech.
2
DARK MONEY It is a great day when the dark money that funds the criminal activities of FIFA is being called into question, and FIFA's president, Sepp Blatter, charged with financial crimes. In order for global soccer to have any chance of being played with any degree of fairness, the ubiquitous financial corruption must be stopped and those who perpetrated it be called to account. How is the dark money in soccer different from the dark money in US elections? Not in that anonymous donations are any more or less damaging, but the names of the players and their game are nothing less than the basic freedoms of the citizens of the US to freely elect their candidates. Until and unless the dark money in politics is halted, we have lost our basic freedom to vote. Fortunately for us, the new Attorney General, Loretta Lynch, is well-positioned to bring action against the dark money in American elections, as she was the one whose diligence laid the groundwork for the current charges being brought against FIFA. So to Loretta Lynch I say, Go Get 'Em!
In today's world of governance ,corruption seems to have become common place .Wishfully the directorate of FIFA should accept the responsibilty and resign ,especially mr blatter ...
1
Too convenient. FIFA is to vote on the status of Israel and this scandal of accusations break. Intelligence operations are one of the cheapest to run elements of warfare.
2
Sepp Blatter- An aging despot clinging to power, propped up by all those he feeds so generously. What could be more banal?
Thank you, Mr. Cohen, for remembering what happened 30 years ago in Brussels.
I'm a typical American: I could pretty much care less about soccer. It's nice to watch from time to time, but it raises no passion in this heart. But I do care deeply about this FIFA scandal. I have been working for decades with hundreds of people across dozens of countries on how to implement good governance practices in health programs. I work mostly in developing country contexts where people are poor and the attractions of corruption are understandably tempting and ubiquitous. But I see people rise above those temptations daily and take good organizational governance seriously. In my world, when an organization experiences the type and magnitude of FIFA's corruption, the Chairperson usually steps down, regardless of whether s/he is responsible or not. Mr. Blatter should step down for the good of the organization. He's made his money. Be responsible and let go.
11
He has no scruples. He will have to be booted out before he dies to get him out.
I'm glad this scandal has finally broken. FIFA is utterly corrupt.
However, I am still not satisfied with the outcome of the US/Canada semi final in the London Olympics. The decisions of the Norwegian referee were so outrageously bad, and biased towards the US, I have my own thoughts about the game.
However, I am still not satisfied with the outcome of the US/Canada semi final in the London Olympics. The decisions of the Norwegian referee were so outrageously bad, and biased towards the US, I have my own thoughts about the game.
Yes, FIFA is horribly corrupt. Yes, Sepp Blatter needs to step down immediately (and almost certainly won't - he will likely be reelected in just a few hours). Let's take that all as given.
What no one has yet explained is this: why are the FBI and DOJ employing the Swiss police to act as our goon squad arresting foreign nationals on foreign soil in the context of a sport that means very little to the US and everything to the rest of the world?
This response is heavy-handed, disproportionate, and tactless. FIFA is a mess, but who decided (and why?) that it was our responsibility to clean it up? And to begin with a series of sensational extraditions on the eve of the FIFA presidential elections? (The excuse that this was the best time because the culprits were all at the same facility is scarcely plausible.)
This isn't about Russia, though of course Putin will say it is. It isn't about Qatar 2022. I have a hard time believing it is about the Copa America next summer.
So what is it about, really? Why is the American justice system suddenly so powerfully interested in the corruption of world soccer?
What no one has yet explained is this: why are the FBI and DOJ employing the Swiss police to act as our goon squad arresting foreign nationals on foreign soil in the context of a sport that means very little to the US and everything to the rest of the world?
This response is heavy-handed, disproportionate, and tactless. FIFA is a mess, but who decided (and why?) that it was our responsibility to clean it up? And to begin with a series of sensational extraditions on the eve of the FIFA presidential elections? (The excuse that this was the best time because the culprits were all at the same facility is scarcely plausible.)
This isn't about Russia, though of course Putin will say it is. It isn't about Qatar 2022. I have a hard time believing it is about the Copa America next summer.
So what is it about, really? Why is the American justice system suddenly so powerfully interested in the corruption of world soccer?
7
The US want to rule the world according to their own rules, so what? See also the funky UK who say open now: lets boycott Moskau!!
This "scandal ot the week" is the start of a systematic delegitimisation of that club in Zuerich, where the world meets. The US are not a football giant, lets concentrate on this. And Rooney is somebody who would kick you between your legst even when you are allready laying on the ground. This is fairness in the UK....
This "scandal ot the week" is the start of a systematic delegitimisation of that club in Zuerich, where the world meets. The US are not a football giant, lets concentrate on this. And Rooney is somebody who would kick you between your legst even when you are allready laying on the ground. This is fairness in the UK....
If we could destroy a country, and kill a dictator and his sons, because he tried to assassinate a former President, then what is FIFA in comparison. Serves them right for not awarding the 2022 World Cup to the US as it should have been, and taking bribes from Qatar instead.
They did commit crimes in the U.S. I guess we could look the other way. We have pretty much done that with banks.
Heavens, Roger, it's fortunate that Blatter (I can't help conjuring Doug Adams's "Bug Blatter Beasts of Tral") isn't high-up in some Islamist power structure, as after this piece some might suggest that a fatwa is warranted.
I'm surprised this isn't a self-correcting problem. Usually, if fans believe a sport is rigged in some way, they lose interest. Who wants to root when the outcome isn't what it seems to be? Now, if the only issue is where the championship is played, and there's no sense that the players aren't doing their best to win, then who cares? There's corruption in sport (point fixing) and corruption in sport (who gets to make money off an honest game). The former loses fans, the latter not so much. This seems like a teacup-tempest, except for the ever-righteous American feeling that we're the arbiters of righteousness in the world.
Which we're not.
Which we're not.
3
I cannot believe Sepp Blatter's indictment of the few bad apples in the organization, and not taking responsibility as the chief executive of this gang. His role may or may not be central in the indictments at this point. But his failure to take executive responsibility for the people over whom he is responsible, is itself totally irresponsible. Throw them under the wheels!? He needs to withdraw from his leadership position in FIFA because he is not a leader.
Again, the United States is cleaning up the messes in the world. This is not a big one though. Clean away!
FIFA officials are bribed to act in the interests of various countries and organizations to the benefit of that country and we are outraged. Should we be as outraged when our government act on the world stage to bribe foreign governments and officials to advance our interests?
When we need a critical vote or votes at lets say the UN, we bribe foreign governments to secure the vote/s by offering "aid" in support of those votes. And we do it in many other forums. Should we show similar outrage at those "aid recipients"? And what about those that are offering the 'aid'? Should they be held to the same standard as FIFA's officials and those extending the bribes?
To stamp out corruption, we have to go after ALL areas of corruption. We cannot go after FIFA and exempt ourselves.
When we need a critical vote or votes at lets say the UN, we bribe foreign governments to secure the vote/s by offering "aid" in support of those votes. And we do it in many other forums. Should we show similar outrage at those "aid recipients"? And what about those that are offering the 'aid'? Should they be held to the same standard as FIFA's officials and those extending the bribes?
To stamp out corruption, we have to go after ALL areas of corruption. We cannot go after FIFA and exempt ourselves.
1
The tragedy is, you look at the stories of money being used to buy elections or control decisions in global soccer and then look at what is happening to our political system in the US. Blatter had plenty of enablers and purchasers who were enthusiastic and willing to put up the cash to guarantee their results. It does not take much effort to see the correlation between FIFA and the political system enabled by Roberts Inc. and gladly purchased by the Kochs and their co-sponsors.
3
Let the US government prosecute the criminals from FIFA and the European prosecute the criminals from Wall Street.
4
So this is the organization the Palestinians want to forbid the Israelis from competing in?
Thanks guys from preventing them from entering a world of vain corruptness.
.
Thanks guys from preventing them from entering a world of vain corruptness.
.
1
There seems little doubt that Blatter is little more than a crime boss, letting the under-bosses take the fall while he professes his complete innocence. Looking to Putin for cover is like looking to another criminal for an alibi.
1
Another American crusade against evil doers of this wide world. This time against soccer corruption in FIFA. Of course, America good doers will lose again. To fight corruption in the world - and America - is not difficult. It is useless.
1
Mr Blatter's response to this crisis "FIFA should be allowed to police itself" is just stunning in its stupidity. He needs to go.
2
In the cold light of the robot world, away from the gloating in parts of Europe and rooms in the F.B.I. building, there are two things being done here, one, corruption, bribery , and money laundering suspected to have occurred in the United states, no decision made in a court as yet, which the U.S has every right to follow up in the U.S., and, the using of these findings to illogically, but not surprisingly, attack and vilify Russia in the trend of the last year and of many. many decades before that, truth be known
I suspect that the kudos and validity of what could and might turn out be a just cause, would be vitiated and erased, subsumed by the recognizing of just another familiar scam to continue inventing reasons for attacks on another country, disrespecting football in the process, and the sensitivities of the footballing world.
I suspect that the kudos and validity of what could and might turn out be a just cause, would be vitiated and erased, subsumed by the recognizing of just another familiar scam to continue inventing reasons for attacks on another country, disrespecting football in the process, and the sensitivities of the footballing world.
They're all crooks Sepp Blatter.
1
I'm no soccer fan (being a Real Murkun…. soccer is for communists and the French), but "Sepp Blatter" sounds like a serious urological problem.
1
Blatter's comments and behavior since the raids have only confirmed the seediness of his organisation. Corruption is as much a part of FIFA that it isn't even recognised as such.
Blatter, of course, needs to go and hopefully the investigation will see to it. But I also believe that FIFA itself needs to be taken down and world soccer put under a special master, the a new organisation put in its place. And the next World Cup, and maybe the one after that, should be cancelled.
Blatter, of course, needs to go and hopefully the investigation will see to it. But I also believe that FIFA itself needs to be taken down and world soccer put under a special master, the a new organisation put in its place. And the next World Cup, and maybe the one after that, should be cancelled.
5
So long as sports structures its major spectacles to make billions of dollars for media and real estate speculators, there's no cleaning it up. We need to set up a single venue for the Winter Olympics, another for the Summer Olympics, and a third for the Football World Cup. As to those media contracts (which includes NCAA and NFL in this country), those need to be controlled by an arrangement like the one that set up C-Span. Yes, that's government controls. That's what governments are FOR: to restrain and contain the baser human instincts.
Soccer under FIFA is no longer a sport, rather an entertainment industry like Hollywood. Play acting. Objective: make money. Highest bidder wins.
1
The real question is WHY has it taken so long for everyone to realize that this is something that has been going on with FIFA for years? And something that will only continue if Herr Blatter remains at the helm. Do not think for a minute that this is an organization that is able to monitor itself.
THE FIFA SHAME MAKES PALE BY COMPARISON . . .
...the foreign affairs policy of "President Cheney" and his assistant George W. Bush.
The FIFA big shots may end up in jail -- but, not the crooks who ran the big banks and almost destroyed our and the entire world's economy.
Curious.
...the foreign affairs policy of "President Cheney" and his assistant George W. Bush.
The FIFA big shots may end up in jail -- but, not the crooks who ran the big banks and almost destroyed our and the entire world's economy.
Curious.
1
Whatever the managerial-organisational achievements of the present FIFA chief, in the larger interest of Soccer game he should quit, if at all he has learned some lesson of sportsmanship during his long stewardship of the FIFA.
1
People are born rotten. Honesty, fair-play, honor, dignity and other such righteous virtues must be learned, practiced and appreciated. Consequently, in most people of power, don’t expect to find these social adaptations.
2
FIFA is corrupt; without a doubt. Every soccer player who thinks about playing in 140 degrees F in Qatar in 2022 can tell you that. But I have a news story for anybody who loves excellent timing coincidences.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Thursday night addressed the Palestinian Authority (PA) demand that Israel be banned from international soccer competitions with FIFA, a demand that is to be voted on this Friday unless the FIFA scandal delays it.
"The attempt to harm Israel will destroy FIFA, because if it starts with one state it will go on to a second state and this will collapse the organization," warned Netanyahu at a briefing with journalists.
He added, "the attempt to suspend Israel is very serious and we will oppose it with full strength."
Source: israelnationalnews.com
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Thursday night addressed the Palestinian Authority (PA) demand that Israel be banned from international soccer competitions with FIFA, a demand that is to be voted on this Friday unless the FIFA scandal delays it.
"The attempt to harm Israel will destroy FIFA, because if it starts with one state it will go on to a second state and this will collapse the organization," warned Netanyahu at a briefing with journalists.
He added, "the attempt to suspend Israel is very serious and we will oppose it with full strength."
Source: israelnationalnews.com
5
The US sports fans seem to be waking up to the games beauty. The World Cup woke me up. But, the charges of rampant corruption and the hints of the same in the NCAA, NFL, etc are alarming. Other alarms: Wall Street is a casino and betting on the stock market is like playing poker over the phone when the other person has the cards (thanks to one of the Hunt bros for that). Congress is bought and paid for by the wealthy and the corporation's lobbyists. The Supreme Court ain't so Supreme. Republicans are crazy and the Democrats seem to lack backbone. Warren and Sanders howl into the wind but do we listen? It is easy to get cynical and I suppose I am today after all the dark news. Sorry folks.
11
FIFA ignores scandals better than most organizations not spelled NCAA. Fix a game, fix an awrd of chamionship competetitions? SImple.
But have they stuffed a baseball bat's innards or deflated a SuperBowl pigskin? No, FIFA simply isn't "Exceptiona".
But have they stuffed a baseball bat's innards or deflated a SuperBowl pigskin? No, FIFA simply isn't "Exceptiona".
1
Very interesting situation ...
All these dirty games around international organizations (which by the way the United States
are equal member) remind me some "footballgate" (like a Watergate).
Do you not think what is happening now is very similar to the situation with Dominique Strauss-Kahn and IMF scandal?
When something there in the IMF also did not like the United States.
Let me ask you - what Sepp Blatter did not hit the USA?
Corruption exists everywhere, absolutely everywhere. Including United States, especially regarding to the military orders by the US government.
There are rules of international law, these must be carried by all States.
But the United States consider themselves to be exception, international law does not apply to USA ...
And why right now?
All these dirty games around international organizations (which by the way the United States
are equal member) remind me some "footballgate" (like a Watergate).
Do you not think what is happening now is very similar to the situation with Dominique Strauss-Kahn and IMF scandal?
When something there in the IMF also did not like the United States.
Let me ask you - what Sepp Blatter did not hit the USA?
Corruption exists everywhere, absolutely everywhere. Including United States, especially regarding to the military orders by the US government.
There are rules of international law, these must be carried by all States.
But the United States consider themselves to be exception, international law does not apply to USA ...
And why right now?
2
Don't waste your breath. Most Americans don't know what the IMF is, who DSK was, etc.
The US will not stop its fight for justice until it wins the world cup!
The US will not stop its fight for justice until it wins the world cup!
We in Australia (which is a devoted soccer playing country) were astonished when Qatar beat Australia to host the tournament. Qatar is too hot for soccer which we play in the winter and does not have our soccer tradition. FIFA is destroying the game.
15
FIFA leadership members get indicted for taking millions in bribes. U.S. politicians accept billions every year from special interest groups, Super Pacs, foreign governments, etc. in the form of campaign contributions, "fact finding" trips to exotic locales, as payment for "speaking engagements", etc.. I'd love for someone to explain the difference to me, as I don't see one.
21
Here's the difference: The kind of bribery involved in the FIFA scandal is illegal. The kind of bribery involved in the ongoing scandalous corruption of our government is legal, and blessed by the Supreme Court.
1
The answer to your question is simple. In the US, the Supreme Court has made bribery and corruption of officials "Legal." The money that they are taking nowadays would have been illegal 20 years ago and they would have been put in jail. Are crooks are just smarter. Get the courts and justice system to "sanitize" aka legalize your corruption and you minimize the risks!
it'll be tough to purge corruption out of fifa. we tried to clean up the IOC after the salt lake olympic bid scandal and wound up with games held in Turin (avg winter temp of 50), London (France didn't fight in Iraq), Sochi (because... why exactly?) and forthcoming in south korea and japan...
3
FIFA. Wall Street. Congress. International Corporations with all their offshore accounts... It all makes me wonder if everybody in the world is corrupt, and maybe I am just a fool for not being corrupt.
18
Ah, the differences between footballs.....the NFL version, and what we Americans call soccer.
For months America was obsessed with "deflategate" . Sports commentators, pundits, and NFL fanatics alike were appalled by that latest scandal added to the league's ballooning Hall of Shame.
But, in the arena of major sports corruption the folks at the NFL are minor pikers compared with the alleged rampant corruption at FIFA with $100 million in bribes.
I'm sure NFL execs and owners are breathing a big sigh of relief that FIFA has knocked its own scandals out of the sports corruption headlines...for now.
For months America was obsessed with "deflategate" . Sports commentators, pundits, and NFL fanatics alike were appalled by that latest scandal added to the league's ballooning Hall of Shame.
But, in the arena of major sports corruption the folks at the NFL are minor pikers compared with the alleged rampant corruption at FIFA with $100 million in bribes.
I'm sure NFL execs and owners are breathing a big sigh of relief that FIFA has knocked its own scandals out of the sports corruption headlines...for now.
1
Will the IOC be next?
6
We are a few days away from the opening of the FIFA Women's World Cup in Edmonton on June 6. This tournament is indeed the beautiful game, as women's football is largely free of the big-money manipulation of the men's game. The corruption off the field is sickening, the play on field should be glorious.
8
Mr. Cohen, we don't care where you were living in 1998. You're not part of the story.
He's just making a point; you're just being rude.
21
An international organization with a self governing body enjoying monopoly on an immensely popular sport is run successfully and profitably by a president with vast executive powers and a congress evenly representing member associations who often sell their votes to the highest bidder. This is a business model that worked until it went too far. Asking soccer players to compete in temperatures reaching 140 Fahrenheit in Qatar was beyond the usual give and take that is dominating FIFA’s culture, so people noticed. Sacking the US in favor of Qatar after choosing Russia to host the next World Cup was a political mistake of a greedy president who now must suffer the consequences. For the bystanders in the US, it is an interesting show of force by a new attorney General and a change of scenery after going through many months of “blue on black” violence.
For as long as FIFA is profitable and has a monopoly on an immensely popular sport, it can weather such attacks without fundamentally changing its practices.
For as long as FIFA is profitable and has a monopoly on an immensely popular sport, it can weather such attacks without fundamentally changing its practices.
5
"Fish rots from it's head." So does FIFA.
5
Sepp Blatter was the kingpin of crass criminal corrupt cynical FIFA by unanimous malicious consent along with delusional denial by the fans, advertisers, team owners, players, marketers and countries. Who knew that the love of money could corrupt? In politics, sports, entertainment, business, government or any thing else that human beings touch the stench is normal natural nurtured and very foul and familiar.
Tom Brady, Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich, Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump, Rafael Cruz, Piyush Jindal, Marco Rubio, Rick Santorum, Chris Christie, Jeb Bush, Rand Paul, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity and Sepp Blatter are all beloved, feared and respected desperadoes by some or the other demographic.
Tom Brady, Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich, Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump, Rafael Cruz, Piyush Jindal, Marco Rubio, Rick Santorum, Chris Christie, Jeb Bush, Rand Paul, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity and Sepp Blatter are all beloved, feared and respected desperadoes by some or the other demographic.
4
Ethics in big-money professional sports is an oxymoron. Of course that does nothing to excuse the corrupt dogs at FIFA--prosecute, fine, and imprison 'em!
3
Naturally when Jack Warner was forced to step down in 2011 he blamed "Zionism" Why not blame the Jews for everything. Waiting to hear the current arrests blamed on us... http://www.timesofisrael.com/indicted-fifa-official-warner-blamed-zionis...
7
People say the darnedest things when they are flustered!
2
There is no way that Sepp Blatter is not guilty. He must be the most guilty of all those other officials arrested. Or did he get immunity to spill the beans? I HOPE NOT!! Ditto for that guy in Westchester, alas! my County. I hope this goes to trial fast and these shenanigans are brought to justice and hard prison terms ( at least, greater than the incarceration meted out to first-time marihuana offenders ).
And next - the even greater criminals and thieves - The Wall-Street Bankers!
And next - the even greater criminals and thieves - The Wall-Street Bankers!
6
Who are the victims of FIFA's bribes and fraud?
1
I supposed in the case of where South Africa paid 10 million dollars to already wealthy members of FIFA, it would be the citizenry of South Africa.
3
Sepp Blatter is neither the problem nor the solution. The problem is FIFA's business model. A tax exempt international organization operating without any checks and balances.
Without major changes in FIFA's bylaws and governance, corruption will continue unabated.
The question is: who is going to be responsible to make such changes? Sepp Blatter (if reelected) and the executive body of FIFA? or, the US Department of Justice?
Without major changes in FIFA's bylaws and governance, corruption will continue unabated.
The question is: who is going to be responsible to make such changes? Sepp Blatter (if reelected) and the executive body of FIFA? or, the US Department of Justice?
4
I'm afraid you're right on this one. Without term limits Blatter or any successor can provide patronage to a wide number of states and maintain control of FIFA for a long time. Blatter isn't corrupt. He simply runs a corrupt organization with two cardinal rules: don't get caught and don't cross the boss. You can't produce those profound changes inside FIFA. It's like asking the General Assembly to run the United Nations. It's time to form another league.
3
Here in Europe soccer is practically a religion. The betting on soccer both private and regulated is at insane levels and complexity, and as a result the corruption is not surprising.
A good parallel would be the Wall Street - US Legislature.
A good parallel would be the Wall Street - US Legislature.
61
Here in Europe soccer is practically a religion."
This is what happens when yo believ in false gods.
1
A generation ago in Europe, the players were almost regular people. They got paid a decent wage, but not great. Now with all the ad and merchandising revenue, even the middling players are paid like the rock stars of 15-20 years ago (e.g. REM getting 80 million for a new contract).
If I'm not mistaken there is a story out now about a transfer of Ronaldo for something like €129,000,000. Even if it is "legal", you know that there are middlemen making fortunes on such deals, and the possibilities for corruption in such deals are legion.
BTW: I meant "A good parallel would be the Wall Street - US Legislature connection". I hit "submit" too soon.
If I'm not mistaken there is a story out now about a transfer of Ronaldo for something like €129,000,000. Even if it is "legal", you know that there are middlemen making fortunes on such deals, and the possibilities for corruption in such deals are legion.
BTW: I meant "A good parallel would be the Wall Street - US Legislature connection". I hit "submit" too soon.
Switzerland has offered fiscal and legal shelter for FIFA for many years; this week they took the first step in correcting this shameful situation. The country's responsibility extends to digging up evidence against Blatter and Jerome Valcke to assess the need for criminal prosecution.
34
Too little too late.
Re: the comment of True:
" Mr.Cohen: question you should be asking, why didn't even one of the "advanced" West European country - Germany, U.K., France, Italy, etc. - crack down on the rampant corruption at FIFA? "
The answer is that FIFA is an organization in which each country, no matter how small, how puny its soccer payroll, and how corrupt her society, has one, and only one, vote.
The perceived corruption index of the overwhelming number of Nations that are members of FIFA are dramatically below those of the UK, France, Germany and Italy.
Thus those countries simply do not have the votes to change the system.
More generally: In an organization of equals, many of them corrupt, the top executive will be - at best - one to tolerate corruption in order to get things done.
The alternative would be an organization, in which the those States you cite, would have veto power, just as e.g. the UK has in the UN.
Unfeasible.
" Mr.Cohen: question you should be asking, why didn't even one of the "advanced" West European country - Germany, U.K., France, Italy, etc. - crack down on the rampant corruption at FIFA? "
The answer is that FIFA is an organization in which each country, no matter how small, how puny its soccer payroll, and how corrupt her society, has one, and only one, vote.
The perceived corruption index of the overwhelming number of Nations that are members of FIFA are dramatically below those of the UK, France, Germany and Italy.
Thus those countries simply do not have the votes to change the system.
More generally: In an organization of equals, many of them corrupt, the top executive will be - at best - one to tolerate corruption in order to get things done.
The alternative would be an organization, in which the those States you cite, would have veto power, just as e.g. the UK has in the UN.
Unfeasible.
3
Let's not be naive about corruption in Western Europe. German, French and Italian companies paid bribes to local governments to get overseas business contracts for years before the OECD Convention was enacted, placing American companies governed by the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) at a real disadvantage. The latest example was Siemens in Argentina which got hit with a multi-million dollar FCPA fine.
Having said that, FIFA is an uncontrolled cartel with what it thought was supra-national authority because of its ability to blackball any country standing up to it - until now, that is. I agree with those who say the U.S. had the guts to bring these charges partly because it has less skin in the international soccer game than some other countries do. The U.S. did bid for the 2022 World Cup but the English bid was more realistic - the US having already hosted the Cup in 1994 while the Brits (originators of the game) last held it in 1966. When Qatar "strangely" won the bid instead, the British press really got ticked off at FIFA. As for Russia's complaints against this FIFA investigation, it looks like a soccer strategy of attacking to mask its defence.
Having said that, FIFA is an uncontrolled cartel with what it thought was supra-national authority because of its ability to blackball any country standing up to it - until now, that is. I agree with those who say the U.S. had the guts to bring these charges partly because it has less skin in the international soccer game than some other countries do. The U.S. did bid for the 2022 World Cup but the English bid was more realistic - the US having already hosted the Cup in 1994 while the Brits (originators of the game) last held it in 1966. When Qatar "strangely" won the bid instead, the British press really got ticked off at FIFA. As for Russia's complaints against this FIFA investigation, it looks like a soccer strategy of attacking to mask its defence.
The US has almost no business involving itself with international football, we are almost the complete opposite of anything embodying internationalism.
Besides, the arrests are just another move against Russia. The US doesnt give a hoot about justice; the US wishes to deprive Russia of a Cup event. This is the cynical truth.
Besides, the arrests are just another move against Russia. The US doesnt give a hoot about justice; the US wishes to deprive Russia of a Cup event. This is the cynical truth.
5
None of the indictments have anything to do with the World Cups in Russia or Qatar. All of the arrest are all related to CONCACAF tournaments that take place in the United States or the upcoming Copa America next year in the US. If you are worried that Russia bribed it's way to getting a World Cup, then you should be worried about the Swiss investigation. They are the ones investigating the World Cup bids and as FIFA is in Switzerland, they certainly have jurisdiction.
If FIFA breaks up the 2018 games are as valuable as the Sochi Olympics.
The problem will be solved when UEFA and most of its members quit FIFA as a show of non-confidence, joined by the US, Brazil, and a few others. Until those football associations are ready to play hardball, FIFA and Blatter continue as before. And one country, one vote has to go. It is that structure which has made corruption inevitable. Give a country a vote for each of the last 5 world cup final tournaments they have qualified for. Starting from scratch may be easier than reforming FIFA.
13
While in no way justifying bribery of FIFA executives to gain hosting privileges for championship events, I wonder how transparent or accountable the NBA, NFL , NHL, or Major League Baseball are in negotiating deals for their super games and of course their publicly funded stadiums and arenas.
The owners of professional sports teams are businessmen who are not prone to operating in a glass office. It will take more than changing leadership to restore integrity and balance to professional athletic teams.
Fans are routinely overcharged for tickets that are passed on to re-sellers. Athletes may be overpaid but under protected from life changing injuries. And the games themselves are peppered with unnecessary violence just to attract the voyeur. Advertising floods the arena, the uniforms and of course television coverage. And the $5 hot dogs are terrible.
Blatter is not the problem, he is merely a symptom.
The owners of professional sports teams are businessmen who are not prone to operating in a glass office. It will take more than changing leadership to restore integrity and balance to professional athletic teams.
Fans are routinely overcharged for tickets that are passed on to re-sellers. Athletes may be overpaid but under protected from life changing injuries. And the games themselves are peppered with unnecessary violence just to attract the voyeur. Advertising floods the arena, the uniforms and of course television coverage. And the $5 hot dogs are terrible.
Blatter is not the problem, he is merely a symptom.
2
Putin has come out strongly in favor for Blatter. Yes, birds of a feather stick together.
6
When Vladimir Putin is the first guy to step up in your defense, you know there's a problem. The stench of corruption at FIFA is sickening. It's worth noting that, apparently, the Europeans couldn't deal with this themselves.
34
The European Courts couldn't deal with this as the alleged offences were not carried out in their countries. The USA became involved as the money was passed through US bank accounts, leaving the accused liable to the racketeering and wire fraud charges.
Two major UK newspapers, The Times and The Daily Telegraph, have uncovered numerous cases of bribery and corruption in FIFA over the years. However accusations of racism were made against the journalists, by Blatter and the findings largely ignored.
As has been pointed out earlier, the one nation one vote policy has resulted in the power in FIFA passing from the established footballing powers to the 3rd world. Many of the FIFA countries have no organized soccer leagues or professional players, yet have the same individual say as powerhouses like Brazil or Germany. Many FIFA members seem to exist purely to have representation in FIFA.
Two major UK newspapers, The Times and The Daily Telegraph, have uncovered numerous cases of bribery and corruption in FIFA over the years. However accusations of racism were made against the journalists, by Blatter and the findings largely ignored.
As has been pointed out earlier, the one nation one vote policy has resulted in the power in FIFA passing from the established footballing powers to the 3rd world. Many of the FIFA countries have no organized soccer leagues or professional players, yet have the same individual say as powerhouses like Brazil or Germany. Many FIFA members seem to exist purely to have representation in FIFA.
3
There have been plenty of investigative reports about corruption in FIFA in Europe. The only think lacking in Europe was the will to confront FIFA. I'm actually quite astonished to see the Swiss opening their own investigation into FIFA. They are usually quite protective of the international organizations that locate in their "neutral" nation.
2
And I thought the NFL was corrupt. Blatter makes Goodell look like a saint.
5
Loretta Lynch gives us a big time media story with a bang on her first try. Sports stories earn wide attention and this one has more revelations to come. Whether systemic change will occur in the world's number one sport in a world filled with corrupt national governments remains to be seen. On my own priority list of what's important for the US government to do for its people, cleaning up international soccer doesn't make the list.
8
FIFA is a jungle of money changing hands, votes bought and paid for and still the sponsors carry on condoning the corruption by paying FIFA to advertise their products.
This story isn't new and neither is the scale of the corruption, however, a solution would be to dissolve FIFA and create an organisation using the highly respected retired players to give the game it dignity which under Blatter has gone from bad to worse.
This story isn't new and neither is the scale of the corruption, however, a solution would be to dissolve FIFA and create an organisation using the highly respected retired players to give the game it dignity which under Blatter has gone from bad to worse.
4
I'll say it again: Can someone please get a comment on Jack Warner's arrest from Roy Keane? We all know it will be worth a thousand op-eds.
2
I couldn't agree more. One correction though: the Heysel drama wich happened in fact at less than one kilometer from where I'm writing is not to add to the long list of misgivings about the FIFA and Mr. Blatter: it was the European cup's final (predecessor of today's Champions League), and the organisation behind that event is the UEFA (the European football organisation), not the FIFA (the world football organisation). Anyhow, it apparently takes the US justice system to take on the FIFA, European instances never budged in spite of (or because of?) the greater popularity of soccer in Europe than in the USA.
2
Why is anyone surprised at corruption anywhere?
It's ubiquitous - from Congress to Qatar.
There will always be schemers, as long as there are schemes.
... now, if we actually PUNISHED them...
It's ubiquitous - from Congress to Qatar.
There will always be schemers, as long as there are schemes.
... now, if we actually PUNISHED them...
4
Herr Blatter is shocked, shocked to find corruption going on in FIFA...
5
The unfortunate truth is the world runs on "Baksheesh" an Arabic word meaning "tip" (or more commonly "bribe").
That's how things get done.
No matter what the illegal costs.
And when was the last time a dictator stepped down voluntarily?
25
Once again, Cohen hits the mark, since it's clear that the corruption in FIFA goes all the way to the top. The primary clue, in case those who don't pay attention to the particulars, was when FIFA declined to publish their own Ethics committee report on the Qatar selection for 2022. When the Ethics committee chairman revolted, FIFA published a much shortened version, either redacted or changes in a manner that removed the primary evidence of the bribery of the selection committee, according to their own chairman.
International soccer is a gold mine - look at what Neyman, Messi, and Ronaldo make alone, which is upwards of $60 Million per year. It is difficult for most Americans to comprehend the fervor and tenacity with which those from other countries around the world root for their teams. Swimming in Billions of dollars, There is a lot of opportunity for corruption at FIFA, and Blatter has been at the helm for most of it.
Cohen is kind giving Blatter and his cronies due process, but for most of us who follow the sport, the case is clear cut. FIFA desperately needs new leadership, and should clean house with the rest of the upper level management to institute a new day One for the sport's future. They should withdraw the Russia and Qatar selections, and select two former World Cup cities which already have the venues and infrastructure in place to hold the events. Or go back to Brazil, where the most joyous World Cup in years was held!
International soccer is a gold mine - look at what Neyman, Messi, and Ronaldo make alone, which is upwards of $60 Million per year. It is difficult for most Americans to comprehend the fervor and tenacity with which those from other countries around the world root for their teams. Swimming in Billions of dollars, There is a lot of opportunity for corruption at FIFA, and Blatter has been at the helm for most of it.
Cohen is kind giving Blatter and his cronies due process, but for most of us who follow the sport, the case is clear cut. FIFA desperately needs new leadership, and should clean house with the rest of the upper level management to institute a new day One for the sport's future. They should withdraw the Russia and Qatar selections, and select two former World Cup cities which already have the venues and infrastructure in place to hold the events. Or go back to Brazil, where the most joyous World Cup in years was held!
4
First, I was very surprised at the number of comments posted to this and the main articles on the recent Dept of Justice indictments of sixteen FIFA officials as to how unaware US citizens are to the growing popularity of soccor here in the US. One comment ludicrously compared the popularity of domestic soccer to synchronized swimming. If anyone remains under the misimpression domestic soccer has not been a huge and fast growing sport I suggest you call any local high school or grammer school in your area and ask if they have soccor
Unfortunately, what we here in the US consider bribery is simply the way business is conducted in the rest of the world. And professional sports like American football, basketball and baseball have also been subjects of collusion and bribery charges.
Mr. Sepp Blat may be the center of a huge international organization filled with corruption and fraud. But so are the heads of most domestic "financially significant" institutions here in the US. The Dept of Justice has perennially responded to rampant fraud, collusion and conspiracy on the part of US financial institutions with multi billion dollar settlement agreements with no criminal culpability. Perhaps if the US Department of Justice believed they could extract a multi billion dollar check from Mr. Blatt and FIFA the US Justice Department would deem them too big to jail of fail as well.
Unfortunately, what we here in the US consider bribery is simply the way business is conducted in the rest of the world. And professional sports like American football, basketball and baseball have also been subjects of collusion and bribery charges.
Mr. Sepp Blat may be the center of a huge international organization filled with corruption and fraud. But so are the heads of most domestic "financially significant" institutions here in the US. The Dept of Justice has perennially responded to rampant fraud, collusion and conspiracy on the part of US financial institutions with multi billion dollar settlement agreements with no criminal culpability. Perhaps if the US Department of Justice believed they could extract a multi billion dollar check from Mr. Blatt and FIFA the US Justice Department would deem them too big to jail of fail as well.
12
You are right about the popularity of soccer here. Attendance at the domestic league, of wanting quality, actually adds up to the seventh best attended domestic league...in the WORLD, even eclipsing four time world champion Italy.
But the use of American banks to launder bribes is STILL a felony. Hopefully Blatter hasn't been as careful as usual in concealing his own involvement, but I would doubt that, especially given how he rose to power from second in command when his predecessor, Brazil's Joao Havelange, was implicated in corruption. Sepp is very careful to make sure he gets all of his wants and needs covered by a "legitimate" salary and an astonishing expense account. The Jack Warners and Chuck Blazers of the world, not so much.
But the use of American banks to launder bribes is STILL a felony. Hopefully Blatter hasn't been as careful as usual in concealing his own involvement, but I would doubt that, especially given how he rose to power from second in command when his predecessor, Brazil's Joao Havelange, was implicated in corruption. Sepp is very careful to make sure he gets all of his wants and needs covered by a "legitimate" salary and an astonishing expense account. The Jack Warners and Chuck Blazers of the world, not so much.
6
Just an observation: All the screen writers in Hollywood could not have created a better name for a character in a future Star Wars movie: "Sepp Blatter".................
27
Nickname: "Leaky"
1
ahhh, now that's an idea - make a movie about the scandal, complete with good World Cup footage etc. Who wants to bid for the rights ??
Who cares about this dull sport? No one is forced to play or watch.
Doesn't' the DOJ have better things to do than investigate how people in other countries waste their money? What's next? Investigate Larry Ellison and the America's Cup? The Calgary Stampede?
Blatter's successor will only be a bit more circumspect.
What I would really like to see is an investigation of the Slick Willie Foundation.
Doesn't' the DOJ have better things to do than investigate how people in other countries waste their money? What's next? Investigate Larry Ellison and the America's Cup? The Calgary Stampede?
Blatter's successor will only be a bit more circumspect.
What I would really like to see is an investigation of the Slick Willie Foundation.
6
Dull sport? You obviously know nothing about soccer. It sure looks like Eric of New Jersey is in favor of corruption. Slick Willie? Eric, your ideology is showing.
16
It's amusing how many people seem to think of FIFA as an organization that has nothing to do with the United States. You do realize that FIFA organizes and operates some of the biggest sports events in the world, including the World Cup, and that we compete in many of them, right people?? I know the World Cup isn't the Super Bowl - it's much, much bigger.
I agree with the sentiment that we're not doing enough about the crooks in the banking world. But if you think we can't go after the bankers AND do something about FIFA at the same time, you don't understand the criminal justice system.
I agree with the sentiment that we're not doing enough about the crooks in the banking world. But if you think we can't go after the bankers AND do something about FIFA at the same time, you don't understand the criminal justice system.
16
Was your the post the result of some sort of bet to see how many predictable populist knee-jerk cliches you could fit into a NY Times feedback item and still get it approved for posting? The thing is, it would almost have been believable as everyday simpletonism but outright trolling had you not thrown in that "Slick Willie" line. Sometimes, less is more.
10
Roger, stop preaching to the choir. I'm sure that your read the "comments" on this and other stories.
Most readers, and I'm sure most Americans who of course, don't read the New York Times would like to see the same energy brought to prosecuting the banksters, Loretta Lynch is a joke. Standing in front of the cameras looking dour and resolute is ridiculous. The only thing missing is a table laid out with soccer balls and spiked shoes.
Most readers, and I'm sure most Americans who of course, don't read the New York Times would like to see the same energy brought to prosecuting the banksters, Loretta Lynch is a joke. Standing in front of the cameras looking dour and resolute is ridiculous. The only thing missing is a table laid out with soccer balls and spiked shoes.
15
Whataboutery -- there's a lot of it around.
Jon Stewart, who *played* college soccer at William and Mary, had a great take on this. Money laundering in sports is a felony, but banks with American presence are given a pass for laundering money for terrorist organizations, including the government of Iran (hello, HSBC!).
I agree with you, but don't think that this should be abandoned. I think that the banksters should be held legally liable for illegal activities, including, but not limited to, widespread mortgage fraud, money laundering for criminals and more.
The effect that this will have on FIFA is negligible, at best.
I agree with you, but don't think that this should be abandoned. I think that the banksters should be held legally liable for illegal activities, including, but not limited to, widespread mortgage fraud, money laundering for criminals and more.
The effect that this will have on FIFA is negligible, at best.
1
Sounds like the ruling Body of FIFA needs to empty its Batter.....and flush quickly.
5
Your travels to Lagos in '98 and Heysel Stadium in '85 deepened your analysis of FIFA depravity in ways few others writers could match. I wish there were more tireless and thoughtful journalists like you, Roger. It's always a joy to read your columns.
I've watched sporting events here in the states where brilliant athletes -- especially quarterbacks and pitchers -- have pulled up lame without explanation and wondered if the same thing isn't happening here.
I couldn't help but think of Joe Nocera's brilliant critiques of NCAA depravity when I read your line about "an organization rotten to its core, operating in the absence of any meaningful oversight." You two ought to team up and write a book.
I've watched sporting events here in the states where brilliant athletes -- especially quarterbacks and pitchers -- have pulled up lame without explanation and wondered if the same thing isn't happening here.
I couldn't help but think of Joe Nocera's brilliant critiques of NCAA depravity when I read your line about "an organization rotten to its core, operating in the absence of any meaningful oversight." You two ought to team up and write a book.
4
Given the charges brought against his colleagues, Mr Blatter is either a fool or a crook. He should be removed from his post at FIFA.
11
Jack Warner's corruption is well known in his native country of Trinidad & Tobago. As a politician there he and his family have long been swindling the nation and it's people. It has been reported that two of his sons have been under house arrest in Miami for some time. As for his resignation from FIFA, I believe he was working with a faction to oust and replace Blatter, and lost. Hence his resignation. Blatter, Warner, and all those indicted are just a club of international sociopaths who found each other at FIFA. They are more than detrimental to the sport, they are detrimental to their nations, their people, and because of that the world.
15
Why would we be suspicious of the award of the World Cup to Qatar, a country where the temperature will be about 140 degrees at game time? Gosh. Can't think why that might not be the best venue. Even the fans will be passing out, let alone the players running around in the sun.
7
Mr.Cohen: question you should be asking, why didn't even one of the "advanced" West European country - Germany, U.K., France, Italy, etc. - crack down on the rampant corruption at FIFA?
27
A reason may be that Blatter has secured his power base by granting favours to countries outside of Europe that outnumber the Europeans when the votes are counted. Sweden had an opposing candidate that ran on a platform of introducing more transparency in the FIFA management - who obviously lost with a large margin. Any money that changed hand in accomplishing this, or any other illegal action that took place in connection to this re-election of Blatter was performed well outside Swedish jurisdiction. We have no means to address actions that would be illegal according to our law if it is perpertrated by a Swiss national in Quatar.
4
Easy answer. In the name of "democracy," FIFA has granted all member states equal voting power in the organization. In this regard, worldwide powers such as Germany, France, the UK (actually, four member states: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), and Italy wield as much power as Jamaica, Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, Cuba, Guatemala and Haiti. Sepp and his flunkies have channeled a LOT of graft to small, impoverished countries in Africa, Asia and the Americas, rendering the big European powers impotent.
3
@Jalle: If they use an American bank, and both JP Morgan Chase and Citigroup have been implicated, or even a bank with an American *presence,* then that constitutes a felony, even if no criminal set foot within our country.
The problem is that evidently Blatter has enshrined all the riches he needs in the form of an exorbitant salary and an astonishingly plush expense account, and has thus insulated his own self from criminal charges. He cares not a whit about his flunkies, and will cast them aside like so many used tissues.
The problem is that evidently Blatter has enshrined all the riches he needs in the form of an exorbitant salary and an astonishingly plush expense account, and has thus insulated his own self from criminal charges. He cares not a whit about his flunkies, and will cast them aside like so many used tissues.
2
So why wasn't Blatter also indicted? Has he betrayed his colleagues to save his own skin?
4
It's in the nature of a monopoly to operate as it wishes, because it can, it's a monopoly, beholden to no one. If not for the U.S. Justice Dept. bringing charges like tax evasion, the theft and self-enrichment would go on and on.
Ditching Blatter isn't enough. FIFA needs to be dismantled and rebuilt from the ground up, with a different structural model. one that is, to state the obvious, vastly more transparent.
Ditching Blatter isn't enough. FIFA needs to be dismantled and rebuilt from the ground up, with a different structural model. one that is, to state the obvious, vastly more transparent.
58
I agree (and wrote the same thing before I saw your post). But they have to be careful to not concentrate *too* much on Blatter because the entire system is rotten, and that 's why FIFA itself needs to go.
1
Either Sepp Blatter was in the know of these corrupt officials' actions or was in the dark. If he knew, he is complicit. If he was in the dark, he had no control. Neither of these shows Blatter in good light. He must go.
71
What the FIFA needs to do is lobby to legalize its now illicit activities. It might even want to start its own media network to promote its interests and those of its supporters.
Then, like American politicians, it could take money out in the open and stand indignant when poor fools who haven't learned how to rig the system get caught.
Then, like American politicians, it could take money out in the open and stand indignant when poor fools who haven't learned how to rig the system get caught.
33
Mr. Cohen's arguments are correct, but will not result in any change. Blatter's time will be up when the corporate sponsors decide it's a bad investment to affiliate with the likes of a Blatter-run FIFA. FIFA is always "about the money", and has been for at least 40 years.
6
FIFA is a transnational governing body of soccer. Officials, businesses and fans pay FIFA and FIFA officials to have games in their nations and towns and for certain commercial rights.
NFL is a national governing body of American football. Cities, busniesses, and fans pay the NFL to hold the Super Bowl in their city and for certain commercial rights.
There is similar payola surrounding NCAA football bowl games.
There is less payola in baseball and basketball championships since games are played on teams home courts.
But, cities must raise big money to pay off NFL. MLB, and NBA owners to locate or relocate to their cities.
All this is in a spectrum of corruption. FIFA, NFL, MLB, NCAA, and NBA each have their different traditions of seeking and demanding payoffs to play their games in the most lucrative places.
NFL is a national governing body of American football. Cities, busniesses, and fans pay the NFL to hold the Super Bowl in their city and for certain commercial rights.
There is similar payola surrounding NCAA football bowl games.
There is less payola in baseball and basketball championships since games are played on teams home courts.
But, cities must raise big money to pay off NFL. MLB, and NBA owners to locate or relocate to their cities.
All this is in a spectrum of corruption. FIFA, NFL, MLB, NCAA, and NBA each have their different traditions of seeking and demanding payoffs to play their games in the most lucrative places.
50
"But, cities must raise big money to pay off NFL. MLB, and NBA owners to locate or relocate to their cities."
I'm afraid that mere words cannot convey how strongly I object to the presence of the word 'must' in that sentence.
I'm afraid that mere words cannot convey how strongly I object to the presence of the word 'must' in that sentence.
1
Even the sacred Olympics.
Repressive regimes, from Nazi Germany to Soviet Russia to China, have employed the Olympics as the "effective instrument" for ideological dissemination
Avery Brundage's (president of the International Olympic Committee) "equivalence that he had just drawn, between the murder of Israelis and a blow against racism, the IOC president announced: "The (1972) Games must go on."
Nothing new for him. He displayed his anti-Semitism when he allowed the 1936 Olympics to be held in Germany despite the persecution of the Jews by Hitler.
Evidence uncovered by the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles showed that Brundage was anything but unbiased: his company had been offered contracts by the German government to build embassies and consulates in the United States.
By the way, the Olympic torch was a Nazi invention for the 1936 Olympic Games.
FIFA is a private club unter Swiss law and not an international organisation. If it were an international organisation it would be immune.
we can identify individuals to prosecute for soccer misdeeds, but are unable to do the same for the finance/banking industry crooks who have tanked our national economy. really?
137
It all comes down to political will and hypocrisy. We KNOW who the bad actors are/were in banking. We bailed them out. We even know who the bad actors were at HSBC who were laundering money for terrorists and associates, and we chose not to get tough on the economic side of terrorism, with a nod and a wink.
When it comes to world soccer, and the highest ranking American involved is a 350 b Concacaf bagman from Queens named Chuck Blazer, we can be creatures of iron willed integrity. It's funny how Lynch got on the case. The FBI was investigating corruption in the International Olympic Committee, and agents taped Blazer soliciting bribes. Caught red handed, he offered to turn over his associates in FIFA, most notably Jack Warner in order for, natch, leniency.
When it comes to world soccer, and the highest ranking American involved is a 350 b Concacaf bagman from Queens named Chuck Blazer, we can be creatures of iron willed integrity. It's funny how Lynch got on the case. The FBI was investigating corruption in the International Olympic Committee, and agents taped Blazer soliciting bribes. Caught red handed, he offered to turn over his associates in FIFA, most notably Jack Warner in order for, natch, leniency.
National? Try Global.
1
am in full agreement with your exasperation.
'nuff already from wall street...
'course, in the FIFA debacle,
it took a "wire" on a regional "official" and fourteen years of work to get to yesterday...
then again, the FIFA lords apparently mistook their presumed omnipotence...
it would likely take a small army of defectors with direct incriminating evidence to get our hallowed banksters anywhere near a jail of their choosing.
It occurs to me that the reasons why the U.S. had to bring these charges, with the rest of the world standing mutely bye, is that we, in our relative soccer indifference, are wearing the world's least dirty shirt. The rest of the world can't go near this thing without implicating their own power structures as bribe payers. Canada bringing charges against the NCAA or the NFL might be a nice "in-kind" jester.
133
Hmn. A very interesting pair of ideas.
As regards the second, who we would approach north of the border who might have jurisdiction to bring this about?
As regards the second, who we would approach north of the border who might have jurisdiction to bring this about?
There is also the fact the the USA lost out to Russia and Qatar in the last bidding war for future World Cups. The birbery in the Russian and Qatari selections was flagrant and well reported.
5
It's about the taxes, friend. It's all about the taxes.
Remember Al Capone? they didn't get him for the murders.... but for the unpaid taxes.
Remember Al Capone? they didn't get him for the murders.... but for the unpaid taxes.
4
Regarding Sapp Blatter's possible departure, one of Roger Cohen's remarks says it all. Blatter is a "man without conscience." He is the Bernie Madoff of organized sport. For him, the right thing is what he perceives as the thing for him, ethics be damned.
59
Blatter even resembles Madoff. Coincidence?
FIFA, NSA, government, no big organization should exist without mutual control. Checks and balances are a core classification of democracy. Whenever we get sloppy about that, we end up in power excesses, nepotism and corruption.
78
FIFA is a world class disgrace!
22
We should put MORE funds into the IRS to allow them to go after the tax cheats. We might even get some banksters or real crooks.