|
Post by northwestman on May 29, 2015 10:40:40 GMT 1
It's never healthy to have the same person/people in power for too long. A lot of comparisons of FIFA under Blatter to North Korea - a cult of leader. That speech by a delegate comparing Blatter to Christ, Mandela et al, and the interview yesterday in which his daughter claims he'll be recognised in history as having made the world a better place (vomit) suggest so too. It is beyond the pale that he is highly likely to continue in power despite all this scandal. Personally I think it is time for UEFA to play hardball - tell him/FIFA in no uncertain terms that it's unacceptable for things to continue as they are and that unless he accepts accountability for what has occurred under his leadership and resigns, and FIFA is reformed to be transparent and accountable (absolutely with a maximum term for its president) then UEFA will have to consider withdrawing. And that should mean refusing to participate in either the 2018 or 2022 World Cups or their Qualifying Competitions. So, assuming the inevitable happens and Blatter gets re-elected by his African and Asian mates, that gives UEFA about a year or so to pull out.
|
|
|
Post by northwestman on May 29, 2015 10:52:28 GMT 1
Blatter stays because Blatter pays, it's as simple as that. Any third world or emerging football nation would get a financial package from FIFA to help with expanding the game in that country, with no checks in place or follow up on how the money was actually spent . Payments were made that ensured one thing, another vote for Blatter when the time came. We may yet see UEFA, America and certain South American based associations withdrawing from FIFA ang setting up a new governing body, which many have been calling for prior to the current revelations. I just hope that the little Swiss dirtbag eventually gets his come uppence and we move on, under a new style of leadership. God bless America. Exactly. Especially "no checks in place or follow up on how the money was spent". So effectively, despite all those arrests, Blatter is re-elected by securing votes by paying over money to these organisations with little subsequent tracking as to how that money was applied. And now Jack Warner has the cheek to call the USA racist and wanting revenge for its bid being rejected for that of Qatar. Of course, Putin backs Blatter to the hilt and also says that this is all a USA plot. Well, he would say that wouldn't he, as Mandy Rice Davies once said!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 29, 2015 11:06:41 GMT 1
Blatter stays because Blatter pays, it's as simple as that. Any third world or emerging football nation would get a financial package from FIFA to help with expanding the game in that country, with no checks in place or follow up on how the money was actually spent . Payments were made that ensured one thing, another vote for Blatter when the time came. We may yet see UEFA, America and certain South American based associations withdrawing from FIFA ang setting up a new governing body, which many have been calling for prior to the current revelations. I just hope that the little Swiss dirtbag eventually gets his come uppence and we move on, under a new style of leadership. God bless America. Exactly. Especially "no checks in place or follow up on how the money was spent". So effectively, despite all those arrests, Blatter is re-elected by securing votes by paying over money to these organisations with little subsequent tracking as to how that money was applied. And now Jack Warner has the cheek to call the USA racist and wanting revenge for its bid being rejected for that of Qatar. Of course, Putin backs Blatter to the hilt and also says that this is all a USA plot. Well, he would say that wouldn't he, as Mandy Rice Davies once said! Love the Randy Rice Davies quote. You have to be of a certain age to get that one
|
|
|
Post by ssshrew on May 29, 2015 11:36:40 GMT 1
Have to say I use it fairly often about MPs, Government Ministers! Etc., and loads of other contexts. It's a quote I just love.
|
|
|
Post by BelleVueShrew on May 29, 2015 14:01:23 GMT 1
Good luck Sepp Blatter on your 5th term as FIFA President*
*Source - election results as received by Slippery Sepp 12 weeks ago
P.S. Not even Sepp is stupid enough to announce the results until after everyone has "voted"
|
|
|
Post by venceremos on May 29, 2015 21:59:14 GMT 1
Blatter wins, he is the "president of everybody" and normal FIFA business is resumed. Platini is "proud that UEFA has defended and supported a movement for change at FIFA".
So that's it then? No World Cup boycotts or setting up of a new governing body? Why doesn't UEFA leave FIFA and see what happens then? And what about all those hypocritical sponsors getting all angsty when the corruption can't be hidden again but not being bold enough to risk doing anything on principle and having a rival pinch its coveted marketing opportunity. Where's the movement to boycott them and force the issue.
Apparently corruption's fine and leaders aren't responsible for their organisations. Great message for the youth of the world form the "football family" (how very Mafia-like that term now seems). What was all the fuss about?
If it wasn't for the Feds I really don't think I'd care less about world football any more. Must be coming to something when we're looking to the FBI to help build any semblance of honesty and credibility in international football.
|
|
|
Post by buryshrew on May 29, 2015 23:30:53 GMT 1
A large part of the world accepts corruption and bribery as part of every day business. Blatter's conduct is regarded as normal in more countries than we care to acknowledge. FIFA is one of the few organisations that openly illustrates the stark reality of the world as it is. It's a state of affairs frankly, but it's just reality with a spotlight shone on it more brightly than normal.
|
|
|
Post by jimmelrosesjaw on May 29, 2015 23:37:02 GMT 1
A large part of the world accepts corruption and bribery as part of every day business. Blatter's conduct is regarded as normal in more countries than we care to acknowledge. FIFA is one of the few organisations that openly illustrates the stark reality of the world as it is. It's a state of affairs frankly, but it's just reality with a spotlight shone on it more brightly than normal. Bang on the money! From local to national government, small business to multi nationals and our emergency services are all open to corruption and bribery.
|
|
|
Post by ssshrew on May 30, 2015 8:55:08 GMT 1
Absolutely correct. You only have to look at the countries who will have voted for him to see this. Quite frankly, unless UEFA and the others who didn't vote for him pull out of FIFA led competitions, they can protest all they like - but it won't mean a thing. You have to back words with actions or you might as well keep quiet.
|
|
|
Post by northwestman on May 30, 2015 9:33:53 GMT 1
This fiasco brings to mind the different approaches adopted by the UK and the USA with regard to the bribery and corruption employed by BAE in obtaining contracts. The Americans got involved because just like FIFA the dodgy cash was being funnelled through USA banks. Blair and Goldsmith prevented the SFO from pursuing BAE in relation to contracts negotiated with Saudi Arabia, claiming that to do so would threaten national security. However, the USA had no such qualms and continued to pursue BAE with regard to its Saudi Arabian contracts, resulting in BAE eventually admitting concealing payments worth hundreds of millions of pounds involving contracts with both Saudi Arabia and Tanzania. The UK on the other hand only prosecuted BAE for failing to keep reasonably accurate accounting figures with regard to the contracts with Tanzania. Net result was that BAE were fined £256 million by the USA and only £30 million by the UK. Effectively, the USA secured admissions from BAE about their dealings with the Saudis whilst we let them get away with it. www.defenseindustrydaily.com/uk-fraud-office-bae-set-for-another-round-05777/And note that the overriding concern by BAE was that this exposure should not affect its future business dealings. So the final settlement did not technically include an admission of guilt with regard to bribery and corruption! No one goes to prison. Fines are paid and BAE moves on. I expect much the same to happen to FIFA. After all, they are a business.
|
|
|
Post by northwestman on May 30, 2015 10:06:46 GMT 1
|
|
|
Post by ssshrew on May 30, 2015 11:28:33 GMT 1
Me too.
|
|
|
Post by venceremos on May 30, 2015 14:35:44 GMT 1
This is the most sickening aspect of all - that so many people have died for the sake of a football tournament and almost nobody, not just FIFA, could care less.
|
|
|
Post by northwestman on May 31, 2015 10:10:13 GMT 1
It would appear that UEFA have effectively been undermined by their own members as possibly up to 18 of them voted for Blatter including France, Spain and Russia. France and Spain are also thought to have voted for Qatar to be awarded the 2022 World Cup.
Now let's see...
PSG are owned by Qatar Sports Investments. Barcelona have a £150 million deal with Qatar Sports Investments as their sponsors.
Goodness knows how much Qatari money is slushing around elsewhere in other countries. Here in the UK, it certainly seems that they are involved with Barclays, Sainsbury's, Canary Wharf, and own Harrods. And it's a fair bet that an awful lot of their money is tied up in the City of London. I'm very surprised that we risk upsetting them!
And clearly, just as Blatter expects a payback from the African, Asian and South American Countries for throwing money their direction, so Qatar expected its bid for the 2022 World Cup to be approved.
Now France and Spain having got themselves tied up with billions of Qatari money vote for Blatter out of what appears to be complete naked self interest.
Meanwhile, ever more migrant workers are dying in Qatar in order for everything to be built and in place by 2022. The whole sad saga is utterly shameful. Everything is subservient to the demands of big business.
|
|
|
Post by GrizzlyShrew on Jun 1, 2015 15:30:00 GMT 1
The only way that FIFA will get the message is if teams start to boycott the major championships.... The idea seems to have caught on already as I saw Aston Villa refused to play in the FA Cup Final.
|
|
|
Post by stuttgartershrew on Jun 2, 2015 12:44:39 GMT 1
|
|
|
Post by Amsterdammer on Jun 4, 2015 21:52:45 GMT 1
FIFA now admit to bribing the Irish over Henry handball. A sort of reverse match fixing. It's such a murky story and I don't think it's as black and white as it seems.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 5, 2015 6:35:20 GMT 1
The implications for this are far reaching aren't they?
I mean Andrew Jennings exposed FIFA for what is, but yet somehow you have to admire how the game has been marketed around the world and is truly global.
I think it was Greg Dyke that complained that a small rock in the middle of the ocean has the same voting power as England, Germany and Spain.
And here is the problem. Now the status quo has been broken, who fills the void and who gains the influence. Europe or South America.
|
|
|
Post by neilsalop on Jun 5, 2015 9:06:00 GMT 1
The implications for this are far reaching aren't they? I mean Andrew Jennings exposed FIFA for what is, but yet somehow you have to admire how the game has been marketed around the world and is truly global. I think it was Greg Dyke that complained that a small rock in the middle of the ocean has the same voting power as England, Germany and Spain. And here is the problem. Now the status quo has been broken, who fills the void and who gains the influence. Europe or South America. I don't really think that many people are saying that FIFA are all bad, or even Blatter as I'm certain that some of the strides that football has made into Africa, the middle east, far east and the USA are down to his work. The guy has obviously worked hard and has had to grease a lot of palms during his extended tenure. Has it all been for the greater good of football? I'd be inclined to say probably not of all it, but a lot of good has been done. As for the influence of the countries you mention, I think you would be surprised. If Brazil and Argentina were to join the major European countries in a boycott things would have to change and quickly. Watching a World Cup without most of the bigger nations would be tantamount to picking an Ashes squad from the minor counties to play against a Presidents XI from Tazmania. Unfortunately I think the next two World Cups will be in Russia and Qatar, unless Russia decides to continue pressing in Ukraine and further sanctions, including sporting ones, are used to pull them up. The 1980 Olympics should be enough to show them what they stand to lose if the World Cup doesn't include the top teams and FIFA would be stupid to allow such a thing to happen, the damage to the game would be massive, far ranging and long lasting and following it up with another potentially damaging tournament 4 years later could be disastrous. FIFA messed up big time when they gave the next two World Cups to Russia and Qatar and the fall-out has already started to spread, if they are not spot on from now on in every way for players, supporters, sponsors and TV it could well see the end of the World Cup and FIFA.
|
|
|
Post by stuttgartershrew on Jun 5, 2015 9:38:40 GMT 1
I think Greg Dyke is wrong to complain that Turks & Caicos Islands gets the same vote as England, Germany, America et al. That's how it should be. FIFA should be there for the good of each and every one of it's members. No matter what their size. So I do not think that certain nations should get more sway than others.
Just that in the past the power that these smaller nations have held has been influenced by what those who cast the vote can make on the side. It's that which needs to be stopped isn't it?
|
|
|
Post by Amsterdammer on Jun 5, 2015 15:38:26 GMT 1
Some serious missteps by our FA and government over the fall out. Offering to host world cups not yet proved to be corrupt just fuels the suggestion of a political agenda. Better to keep their mouth shut.
Another thing that is less mentioned is Platini and our cosy relationship with Qatar. Especially given that Blatter allegedly voted for the U.S. in the 2022 race and MP voted for Qatar.
Our fawning over Warner to get his vote for 2018 was also embarrassing and borderline. Friendlies in T&T and lunches with Becks are pretty close to bribes in my book.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 5, 2015 20:33:52 GMT 1
The implications for this are far reaching aren't they? I mean Andrew Jennings exposed FIFA for what is, but yet somehow you have to admire how the game has been marketed around the world and is truly global. I think it was Greg Dyke that complained that a small rock in the middle of the ocean has the same voting power as England, Germany and Spain. And here is the problem. Now the status quo has been broken, who fills the void and who gains the influence. Europe or South America. I don't really think that many people are saying that FIFA are all bad, or even Blatter as I'm certain that some of the strides that football has made into Africa, the middle east, far east and the USA are down to his work. The guy has obviously worked hard and has had to grease a lot of palms during his extended tenure. Has it all been for the greater good of football? I'd be inclined to say probably not of all it, but a lot of good has been done. As for the influence of the countries you mention, I think you would be surprised. If Brazil and Argentina were to join the major European countries in a boycott things would have to change and quickly. Watching a World Cup without most of the bigger nations would be tantamount to picking an Ashes squad from the minor counties to play against a Presidents XI from Tazmania. Unfortunately I think the next two World Cups will be in Russia and Qatar, unless Russia decides to continue pressing in Ukraine and further sanctions, including sporting ones, are used to pull them up. The 1980 Olympics should be enough to show them what they stand to lose if the World Cup doesn't include the top teams and FIFA would be stupid to allow such a thing to happen, the damage to the game would be massive, far ranging and long lasting and following it up with another potentially damaging tournament 4 years later could be disastrous. FIFA messed up big time when they gave the next two World Cups to Russia and Qatar and the fall-out has already started to spread, if they are not spot on from now on in every way for players, supporters, sponsors and TV it could well see the end of the World Cup and FIFA. It will be a case of the king is dead long live the king. If the wrong king gets power and the influence of Europe (western) and South America increases I can see alternate World Cups between these two continents and the marginalisation of less affluent football nations. Who wants to watch Iran vs New Zealand is a WC game, apart from saddos like me.
|
|
|
Post by Amsterdammer on Jun 5, 2015 21:40:28 GMT 1
I bet they had some right good laughs at the English at FIFA. 'The English think they can buy the World Cup with dinner with Prince William and David Beckham. Don't they know that the price is 100 boxes of RPGs? Amateurs.'
|
|
|
Post by shrewinjapan on Jun 5, 2015 23:39:37 GMT 1
I bet they had some right good laughs at the English at FIFA. 'The English think they can buy the World Cup with dinner with Prince William and David Beckham. Don't they know that the price is 100 boxes of RPGs? Amateurs.' Didn't realise FIFA execs were so into their gaming
|
|