Just watching this on BBC world... http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33587535 I'm encouraged that there will be changes, and particularly that there will be term limits for presidents. I'm still confused how Blatter has lasted as long as he has...in almost any other organisation, the president would have been forced to go long ago. Apparently Platini is now the favourite for the role, as he is meeting with regional confederation chiefs, and they are talking about a new era...? Surely a new era would be someone a lot younger, who hasn't been involved at all in what has happened in the past.
Easy: please log in to view this image Blatter and his close associates provide money/grants to upcoming nations to promote/invest in football. Those at the top of these organisations syphon off large amounts for themselves but do input a significant amount into the game. (Significant in terms of buying power compared with better off nations.) The people at the top of the tree in these countries remain there because they, in turn, are paying off those beneath them with money/grants. None of the up-and-coming football nations want to get rid of Blatter whilst he is the goose that lays the golden eggs for them. These "up-and-coming nations" have disproportionate voting power and therefore have enough power collectively to keep the current regime safe. In order to get rid of Blatter and his friends one would need to prove wrongdoing, which is very difficult if all those who could testify against them are being paid off in one form or other. Just like any other organised criminal group the person at the top (in this case Blatter) doesn't get his hands dirty and can easily plead ignorance. It only begins to unravel when the likes of Chuck Blazer start talking. Even then it takes years of investigation to get to just some of the truth. Whilst there are cases of bribery and corruption to answer for many top Fifa officials, Blatter himself is not implicated per se. He does not need to take money out of the pot - whether directly or in backhanders. What he thrives on is the elevated position he has as President of Fifa and the high profile lifestyle that it affords him.
Very interesting and insightful perspective Eamon...I guess if he keeps his hands 'clean' he can remain blameless. For me, often in these organisations, the culture is set from the top, and if there is a culture of corruption, he surely has to take blame, even if he can't be directly implicated. Glad he is going, just hope there is a real change.
Unless I heard wrong, they just said on radio that Maradona talking about applying too. Well suited for that role!!!!
This is priceless ........... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sp...an-gatecrashed-event-embarrass-president.html Shamed FIFA president Sepp Blatter is showered in fake dollar bills by British comedian during press conference... and told 'this is for North Korea in 2026!'
Very sceptical about the reforms, I fear that it will just be fresh new noses all ready for trough dipping
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=simon brodkin on his move to arsenal We get a mention in this clip. Very funny..
110% Bent. That is absolute quality. I'd love Blatter to be on the receiving end of a RICO case in the US though.
