Swiss police arrest 10+ FIFA officials: indicted by US Dept of Justice

Blatter now saying he didn't resign:

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

This will run and run.

Vin

 

Can't imagine why someone of his age wants the hassle...power crazed I guess.

 

Jeez, how long does it take to shred a thousand documents, surely not another 17 years!

 

And just in case he tries to wriggle further, he's being urged to not go back on his decision to step down after new elections: http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...ing-with-power-by-fifa-official-10350746.html

 

I like the fact he is considering not going to Canada to present the World Cup. Seems a bit nervous that it may be a one way trip. Surely that does not mean he thinks he might be guilty.

 

USA have requested the extradition of the 7 men held in Switzerland under fraud charges.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...d-football-life-FIFA-executive-committee.html
Chuck Blazer banned for life from all football related activities by FIFA.

 

Is that for unethical activities or for blowing the whistle on FIFA?

 

I see Michel Platini has been asked to stand for the FIFA presidency. Whilst I'm all in favour of a candidate with strong and honestly held opinions, I find this suggestion quite withering, as Platini has shown himself to be a luddite even amongst traditionalists. His ill-thought out FFP rules turn out to be nothing more than a method for maintaining the status quo, making it harder for up and coming clubs to break the glass ceiling, and when they have obstructed a glamour club from spending big he has simply relaxed them.
No. The governance of football needs a real overhaul, not a bit of tinkering with by someone with influential friends who has a couple of weekends free.

 

I see they are all meeting today except the Brazilian member who has important things to do in Brazil (he's the one who disappeared pretty sharpish when they arrested people last time)

 

TBF...even if innocent I wouldn't want to get within the reach of American law. Don't trust it.

 

Comedian burst in with money and an envelope with 'NORTH KOREA 2026' on it, apparently.

 

The guy isn't a comedian tbh. But fair play Lee Nelson.

 

Blatter does not want to leave FIFA because when he does he loses the protection his position gives him. He rather like those sad African dictators who have come to power through revolution with the gun (some did so with good intentions) but have been corrupted by power and fear to leave office because only their kick-backs and allowing their cronies around them their corrupt practices keeps them safe. I believe he is scared to leave office.

(P.S. lived and worked in East Africa and still have a house there - so do have some experience to back the comment on Africa - spanning some 10 years)

 

He also hates the EPL and seems mostly to dislike all things English as well. 'Fox guarding the chicken coop' springs to mind...

 

I don't get this either. Why do we need an ex-footballer? Why not someone with actual brains, who knows how to run a large organisation? Where is the FA's candidate btw?

 

Someone like Sepp Blatter you mean!?

No, I'm kidding. I agree with you. I think the first thing that really needs to be discussed though is, what is the purpose of FIFA. There are so many things it could and should be but its a big debate.

e.g. it should:

- promote the game worldwide
- help the less affluent in real and relative terms to play the game and be competitive
- to organise the World Cup
- to properly bring RESPECT into the game
- to stop the diving and the cheating
- to manage the laws in an an innovative but appropriate way
etc etc.

I'm sure people can think of many other potential roles, not all of which will be compatible. But, whoever stands, what are they standing for at the moment? What FIFA is needs to be decided first and then it can be decided who is best to run it.

 

Seems obvious really. I just want the FA to walk the walk a bit more. The media would back them with a bit of minor diplomacy (and they are the ones FIFA really hates).

PS That Lee Nelson thing is quite funny and, I think, there's something British about it. I'm actually a little bit proud.

 

So Jeffrey Webb has managed to put up the $1m bail in the US - to prove he's innocent of receiving any dodgy payments! duh

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33603631

Sorry! $10m!

 

Point 1: isn't already the biggest game in the world? If you meant that FIFA needs to properly fund football in global areas where they like funding, with absolutely zero expectation of any type if return, then I agree. "Promote the game worldwide" ?? Not sure it needs that and certainly not the first thing on the list.

I like all the others though.

make it a non-profit or cash holding organisation. My local kids league (and really low level) holds bank account with over £50,000 in it. Everyone Insee that balance I ask the same question: "Why?"