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Kind words save FIFA’s relationship with Brazil
After just two weeks Blatter has resolved the criticism of Brazil that they were very late in their WC schedule and has resolved the (apparently gross) insult to National Pride caused by FIFA's Mr Valcke's (reportedly insulting) remarks on the matter.
Blatter seems to be good at smoothing things over. As with other things, time will tell.
According to the above link, Blatter gave Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff a photograph and , in return, was taken to lunch.
How sweet.
After just two weeks Blatter has resolved the criticism of Brazil that they were very late in their WC schedule and has resolved the (apparently gross) insult to National Pride caused by FIFA's Mr Valcke's (reportedly insulting) remarks on the matter.
Blatter seems to be good at smoothing things over. As with other things, time will tell.
According to the above link, Blatter gave Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff a photograph and , in return, was taken to lunch.
How sweet.
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
Last year, Mark Pieth was chosen by FIFA as the Chairman for the Independent Governance Committee. There were initially fears that he would not be independent enough to propose the radical approach to FIFA's corruption (problems) that most think is necessary. However the emerging approach of the recommendations he is making indicate quite another story.
A report on the background of his investigation, Can this man fix Fifa? closely followed by a summary of his main recommendations Fifa urged to appoint investigator are well worth reading for it shows, at last, a glimmer of light in an otherwise all too murky business.
Transparency is the key and this is what we have been lacking at FIFA. We need an independent investigation, with the mandate to look into all allegations, both present and past. Only then can FIFA gain the respect it should have.
A report on the background of his investigation, Can this man fix Fifa? closely followed by a summary of his main recommendations Fifa urged to appoint investigator are well worth reading for it shows, at last, a glimmer of light in an otherwise all too murky business.
Transparency is the key and this is what we have been lacking at FIFA. We need an independent investigation, with the mandate to look into all allegations, both present and past. Only then can FIFA gain the respect it should have.
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
On the matter of timing and content of Pieth's Report:
Pieth promises to deliver 'tough' report to FIFA
Pieth promises to deliver 'tough' report to FIFA
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
25. March 2012, 22:06:47 (edited)
Originally posted by string:
Originally posted by jbrothernew37:
Good for you, but it's more sock-it-to-them at the moment I'm afraid!Soccer!
There! I said it and I'm happy!
Somebody here complained about an American here calling football soccer, but we have an American sport of football, so "soccer" helps distinguish between the two sports. InterestIngly,
For all you out there who love to complain when Americans, and certain others, call “Football”, “Soccer”, you should know that it was the British that invented the word and it was also one of the first names of what we now primarily know of as “Football”. In fact, in the early days of the sport among the upper echelons of British society, the proper term for the sport was “Soccer”.
http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2010/06/the-origin-of-the-word-soccer/
.....
Found it.
Originally posted by beiren:
Irritates me to no end and then I noticed even Opera Portal uses "soccer".
Not against religion, just run amok religionists
The Saga about Corruption and scandals within FIFA is coming to a critical crossroads today.
Opinion outside FIFA is polarised in favour of a full investigation being carried out by an independent committee, followed by radical reform; for example see here:
FIFA's European members push for reform of world governing body
Pieth's report is due to be published today (FIFA has had it for a while)
Pieth to publish FIFA reforms proposals on Friday
and Blatter is sceduled to give a Press Conference one our later at 4pm Swiss Time
Adviser to publish FIFA reforms proposals Friday
A crucial issue will indeed be whether the FIFA Corruption Investigation, which surely must now follow, will be truly independent or whether it will follow Blatter's preference (quote3d below from the second link):
"Blatter promised those members, who re-elected him last June, that FIFA would find solutions from inside the “football family.”
(in other words risking the perception that it is behind closed doors and subject to fudge)
Opinion outside FIFA is polarised in favour of a full investigation being carried out by an independent committee, followed by radical reform; for example see here:
FIFA's European members push for reform of world governing body
Pieth's report is due to be published today (FIFA has had it for a while)
Pieth to publish FIFA reforms proposals on Friday
and Blatter is sceduled to give a Press Conference one our later at 4pm Swiss Time
Adviser to publish FIFA reforms proposals Friday
A crucial issue will indeed be whether the FIFA Corruption Investigation, which surely must now follow, will be truly independent or whether it will follow Blatter's preference (quote3d below from the second link):
"Blatter promised those members, who re-elected him last June, that FIFA would find solutions from inside the “football family.”
(in other words risking the perception that it is behind closed doors and subject to fudge)
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
Originally posted by laurinaki:
Test are about to start on this issue, and about time too.Someday, FIFA may introduced video technology to help in making key dicissions
Regard Pieth's report, here is a summary, just released:
Fifa needs new anti-corruption controls, warns head of governance
The full repoert is available here
We now wait for Blatter's response (He has already announced a new ethics committee set-up but it remains to see if he complies with Pieth's recommendations)
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
Brazil is considering passing a bill to allow alcohol in Football Stadiums during the world cup. This is a change being made at the insistence of FIFA, reportedly (eg see link below) because Budweiser is a World Cup sponsor. While that has been going on, Secretary General Jerome Valcke, who is/was in charge of liaison between FIFA and Brazil objected in intemperate terms about delays in the World Cup preparations after which Brazil (almost in its entirety it seems) burst into tears and refused to play with him any more. This "episode" has not gone away and it seems from the report that Brazil may not pass the law enabling drinking during the World Cup unless Blatter eats a certain amount of Humble Pie.
In all of this one has to wonder about FIFA's crass arrogance. Football is after all only a game and the laws in its host country should prevail. If those laws are so bad then that country should not be chosen in the first place. FIFA will be a guest of Brazil, not its Master.
Brazils Senate Will Not Pass World Cup Bill Unless Fifa President Blatter Shows Up
The article refers to a Blatter look-alike dancing - here is the video (or I assume it's this one).
A creepy fake Sepp Blatter dances to the tune of FIFA’s ‘exploitation’ of Brazil
In all of this one has to wonder about FIFA's crass arrogance. Football is after all only a game and the laws in its host country should prevail. If those laws are so bad then that country should not be chosen in the first place. FIFA will be a guest of Brazil, not its Master.
Brazils Senate Will Not Pass World Cup Bill Unless Fifa President Blatter Shows Up
The article refers to a Blatter look-alike dancing - here is the video (or I assume it's this one).
A creepy fake Sepp Blatter dances to the tune of FIFA’s ‘exploitation’ of Brazil
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
On the matter of Goal-line testing, FIFA has confirmed that tests will be done during the course of April through May to come to a decision on whether to include this technology.
There is an informative (short) video on this subject in this article - Goal line technology for football put to test.
There is an informative (short) video on this subject in this article - Goal line technology for football put to test.
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
Not very recent news, but worth mentioning.
Council of Europe criticises Sepp Blatter's handling of ISL bribery case
Council of Europe criticises Sepp Blatter's handling of ISL bribery case
"Mr Blatter was technical director of Fifa from 1975 to 1981, Fifa general secretary from 1981 to 1998 and has been its president ever since. Since Fifa was aware of significant sums paid to certain of its officials, it is difficult to imagine that Mr Blatter would not have known about this."
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
FIFA Delays Appointing Anti-Corruption Officials
FIFA's progress on the anti-corruption investigation and defining new procedures within FIFA seems painfully slow but at least there appears to be some progress on assembling an "independent" (?) ethics panel for the investigation.
FIFA's progress on the anti-corruption investigation and defining new procedures within FIFA seems painfully slow but at least there appears to be some progress on assembling an "independent" (?) ethics panel for the investigation.
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
FIFA's Misguided Plan to Fix Racist Soccer Cultures With More Soccer
There is real concern that there will be trouble at the up-coming European Cup to be held in Poland and the Ukraine.
A recent Panorama Programme has highlighted racism and violence in those two countries, most particularly in the latter. Also of concern is reported corruption in the police force, not to mention political imprisonment in the Ukraine.
Possibly a heavy handed approach by Police will suppress any trouble.
The referees have been given greater powers to deal with, for example, racist chanting.
- we shall see.
There is real concern that there will be trouble at the up-coming European Cup to be held in Poland and the Ukraine.
A recent Panorama Programme has highlighted racism and violence in those two countries, most particularly in the latter. Also of concern is reported corruption in the police force, not to mention political imprisonment in the Ukraine.
Possibly a heavy handed approach by Police will suppress any trouble.
The referees have been given greater powers to deal with, for example, racist chanting.
- we shall see.
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
The European cup passed without major incidents being reported, maybe a little bit of fuss around the edges but on the whole a success. Very Good - congratulations on a successful tournament to Poland and The Ukraine.
Less good is the news about FIFA. Yesterday the Swiss Court published its investigation into bribery claims. I have mentioned this report a number of times in the posts above. Publication of the report had been delayed for some reason emanating from FIFA and/or it past executives.
See Sepp Blatter knew of 'bribes' to Fifa officials
Well we knew that; Swiss Law at that time did not consider bribes illegal, but the issue raised by the BBC Panorama programme at the time was that they had happened and that FIFA had covered up the business (this has now been admitted according to the above link). It could hardly be the case that such behaviour was within FIFA's own rules.
There is another similar report here FIFA 'knew of bribes' claims court report.
There is a longer editorial here: FIFA drags football through the gutter again
So it was known by Blatter all along that all was not right with FIFA as far as corruption was concerned. Sometimes people in high places get lambasted for no really good reason but this is not one of them. The truth is at last catching up with FIFA.
If these latest reports are correct, and if Blatter has any shred of honour he should now resign.
I am not holding my breath though.
Less good is the news about FIFA. Yesterday the Swiss Court published its investigation into bribery claims. I have mentioned this report a number of times in the posts above. Publication of the report had been delayed for some reason emanating from FIFA and/or it past executives.
See Sepp Blatter knew of 'bribes' to Fifa officials
Former president Joao Havelange and executive committee member Ricardo Teixeira were named on Wednesday as having received huge sums by Fifa's former marketing partner ISL.
Neither were disciplined by Fifa.
Instead, Fifa paid £1.64m (2.5m Swiss francs) to a Swiss court on condition criminal proceedings were dropped.
On Fifa's website, Blatter says he knew about the payments but that they were legal at the time.
Well we knew that; Swiss Law at that time did not consider bribes illegal, but the issue raised by the BBC Panorama programme at the time was that they had happened and that FIFA had covered up the business (this has now been admitted according to the above link). It could hardly be the case that such behaviour was within FIFA's own rules.
There is another similar report here FIFA 'knew of bribes' claims court report.
There is a longer editorial here: FIFA drags football through the gutter again
So it was known by Blatter all along that all was not right with FIFA as far as corruption was concerned. Sometimes people in high places get lambasted for no really good reason but this is not one of them. The truth is at last catching up with FIFA.
If these latest reports are correct, and if Blatter has any shred of honour he should now resign.
I am not holding my breath though.
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
The story goes on:
In a reverse of what he said previously (see here Germans call for action on FIFA bribery claims), Sepp Blatter plans to strip disgraced Joao Havelange of honorary president title, applying sanctions, at last, related to a scandal even though for some time he knew of 'bribes' to Fifa officials.
Still there is some progress; Fifa meets to appoint prosecutor to examine World Cup winning bids. It is noted in that report that "Fifa's executive committee members will meet on Tuesday to appoint a corruption prosecutor who will be urged to investigate how hosting rights for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were awarded" . Blatter is the Chairman of that committee which is free to choose it's own prosecutor and define the scope and process of its investigation. A list of names for the Prosecutor has been proposed by Fifa's anti-corruption adviser, Mark Pieth. "Pieth's group has said the ethics officials must have authority to examine old cases, after finding that Fifa "insufficiently investigated" some allegations about World Cup bidding.". However, again according to that report, "Fifa could decline the advice".
Most of the criticism of FIFA which I have reported is from English language sources, but there criticism is wide. As an example this report, thankfully for me also in English, gives a German viewpoint on some of Blatter's pronouncements, Blatter hints Germany bought 2006 World Cup.
There is a stinging criticism of FIFA and Blatter in this report entitled Sepp Blatter and Fifa facing a moment of truth – or another whitewash. I should add that Blatter himself,as far as I know, has not been accused of any immoral action, it is more a case of non-action in allowing /turning-a-blind-eye-to malpractice within his organisation.
Finally, if anyone has read this far and remains curious about what Blatter himself thinks of the various accusations, the following video of a press conference, held just prior to his re-election as President of FIFA, should satisfy that curiosity.
In a reverse of what he said previously (see here Germans call for action on FIFA bribery claims), Sepp Blatter plans to strip disgraced Joao Havelange of honorary president title, applying sanctions, at last, related to a scandal even though for some time he knew of 'bribes' to Fifa officials.
Still there is some progress; Fifa meets to appoint prosecutor to examine World Cup winning bids. It is noted in that report that "Fifa's executive committee members will meet on Tuesday to appoint a corruption prosecutor who will be urged to investigate how hosting rights for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were awarded" . Blatter is the Chairman of that committee which is free to choose it's own prosecutor and define the scope and process of its investigation. A list of names for the Prosecutor has been proposed by Fifa's anti-corruption adviser, Mark Pieth. "Pieth's group has said the ethics officials must have authority to examine old cases, after finding that Fifa "insufficiently investigated" some allegations about World Cup bidding.". However, again according to that report, "Fifa could decline the advice".
Most of the criticism of FIFA which I have reported is from English language sources, but there criticism is wide. As an example this report, thankfully for me also in English, gives a German viewpoint on some of Blatter's pronouncements, Blatter hints Germany bought 2006 World Cup.
There is a stinging criticism of FIFA and Blatter in this report entitled Sepp Blatter and Fifa facing a moment of truth – or another whitewash. I should add that Blatter himself,as far as I know, has not been accused of any immoral action, it is more a case of non-action in allowing /turning-a-blind-eye-to malpractice within his organisation.
Finally, if anyone has read this far and remains curious about what Blatter himself thinks of the various accusations, the following video of a press conference, held just prior to his re-election as President of FIFA, should satisfy that curiosity.
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
As a result of the FIFA Executive meeting, FIFA unveils new crime fighting duo to tackle corruption in soccer.
The people appointed are the former United States attorney Michael J Garcia leading a seven man team investigating bribery and Hans-Joachim Eckert (who was a presiding state court judge in Munich and is a specialist in high-profile bribery cases) to chair a nine man committee charged with adjudicating on ethical matters regarding FIFA. Mark Pieth had recommended Eckert but not Graf.. However Pieth has endorsed the choice of Garcia.
see also here, noting the last two paragraphs in that report.
The people appointed are the former United States attorney Michael J Garcia leading a seven man team investigating bribery and Hans-Joachim Eckert (who was a presiding state court judge in Munich and is a specialist in high-profile bribery cases) to chair a nine man committee charged with adjudicating on ethical matters regarding FIFA. Mark Pieth had recommended Eckert but not Graf.. However Pieth has endorsed the choice of Garcia.
see also here, noting the last two paragraphs in that report.
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
Pressure is really mounting on FIFA and on Sepp Blatter.
Last chance for FIFA, warns Swiss MP
That report states that "Swiss politicians will propose legislation ending FIFA’s tax and legislative privileges if it does not take firm action against officials involved in the case concerning its former marketing partner by the end of the year, an MP said on Wednesday."
Further it reports that "Buechel said that if no action was taken, he would be among those demanding a bill to end the favourable legislative and tax breaks which international sports organizations, which are classed as non-profit organizations, enjoyed under Swiss law."
In other words that would include action against the IOC and other international sports bodies. It is a threat which will galvanise many International Executive Committees when they realise that their golden goose is threatened.
A more direct challenge to Blatter comes from the Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness - see A fresh start at Fifa is only possible without Blatter
although the German FA appears to be more forgiving - see German FA will not force Sepp Blatter to step down, says president Wolfgang Niersbach.
Last chance for FIFA, warns Swiss MP
That report states that "Swiss politicians will propose legislation ending FIFA’s tax and legislative privileges if it does not take firm action against officials involved in the case concerning its former marketing partner by the end of the year, an MP said on Wednesday."
Further it reports that "Buechel said that if no action was taken, he would be among those demanding a bill to end the favourable legislative and tax breaks which international sports organizations, which are classed as non-profit organizations, enjoyed under Swiss law."
In other words that would include action against the IOC and other international sports bodies. It is a threat which will galvanise many International Executive Committees when they realise that their golden goose is threatened.
A more direct challenge to Blatter comes from the Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness - see A fresh start at Fifa is only possible without Blatter
although the German FA appears to be more forgiving - see German FA will not force Sepp Blatter to step down, says president Wolfgang Niersbach.
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
England climb to third place in Fifa world rankings
Being English you might expect me to be pleased by this, but my reaction is, frankly, bafflement.
I support my national football team and am quite prepared to believe the most optimistic forecast about their success in competitions, even though experience should teach me that it ain't going to happen any time soon.
But third best in the World? - that's simply incredible - I would have expected something like 9th to 15th or so and that's with a generous dose of optimism not to mention a pint of the best Scrumpy on the side to delay any onset of logic.
What's the point of having ranking between teams if they bear no relationship to reality?
Being English you might expect me to be pleased by this, but my reaction is, frankly, bafflement.
I support my national football team and am quite prepared to believe the most optimistic forecast about their success in competitions, even though experience should teach me that it ain't going to happen any time soon.
But third best in the World? - that's simply incredible - I would have expected something like 9th to 15th or so and that's with a generous dose of optimism not to mention a pint of the best Scrumpy on the side to delay any onset of logic.
What's the point of having ranking between teams if they bear no relationship to reality?
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
FIFA to review the awarding of 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar
The new chief of the FIFA Ethics Committee has pledged to put the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar under scrutiny.
The awarding of the 2006 World Cup to Germany will also be thoroughly analyzed as part of the inquiries. The newly-appointed joint chief investigator of FIFA’s ethics committee Michael Garcia, made the comments on German television.
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
I've not looked at the matter for a while, so this report is a little dated, but interesting none the less. This report I implies that the investigation into FIFA and corruption is not receiving full cooperation from FIFA/ex FIFA executives.
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
All these FIFA scandals seem to be a story about organization headquartered in Western Europe which was bribed by company headquartered in Western Europe. But citizens of Western Europe seem to believe that only saints live on their continent, so, they are sure that Russia and Qatar are responsible for corruption in Western Europe.
Originally posted by sergey-pypyrev:
All these FIFA scandals seem to be a story about organization headquartered in Western Europe which was bribed by company headquartered in Western Europe. But citizens of Western Europe seem to believe that only saints live on their continent, so, they are sure that Russia and Qatar are responsible for corruption in Western Europe.
A bit defensive there Sergey. Corruption in Russia? Surely you jest sir! Saints in Western Europe? - another jest no doubt.
Do you think there is any corruption in Russia?
Actually FIFA's Executive Committee has representatives from national FAs so it is hardly comprised of "Westerners".
I hope the ongoing investigation will bring out the truth, however individual countries may like to hide it.
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
A farce in Poland.
It was rainy that day and the forecast was for heavy rain in the evening. A wet pitch, it is asserted by some, would level out difference in skill level between the teams. Some have said (I couldn't possibly comment) that this would have favoured the Polish team. I wonder and maybe the Polish FA wondered too.
Anyway the rain went on and the pitch started to get wet...and wetter, and wetter.
The Stadium has a roof but it could not be closed because (you're not going to believe this) it was raining so much. (!)
They waited and waited. Eventually the referee came out and tested the pitch by standing in a puddle (by then virtually most of the pitch), throwing a ball in the air and seeing if it bounced. Well it splashed but I would not normally call it bouncing.
A wait of 45 or so minutes later (I was watching the "game" on TV) the pitch evaluation test was repeated and produced more splashes.
It was then decided to abandon the game and replay it the following day (today).
England fans who had booked flights to the match and then back to the UK had really no sensible option but to leave.
The match could have been played if someone had possessed the wits to get the roof closed before the forecasted heavy rain set in.
The Polish FA could have prevented this farce, the referee could have and FIFA, being in charge overall, could have stepped in at any time.
It was rainy that day and the forecast was for heavy rain in the evening. A wet pitch, it is asserted by some, would level out difference in skill level between the teams. Some have said (I couldn't possibly comment) that this would have favoured the Polish team. I wonder and maybe the Polish FA wondered too.
Anyway the rain went on and the pitch started to get wet...and wetter, and wetter.
The Stadium has a roof but it could not be closed because (you're not going to believe this) it was raining so much. (!)
They waited and waited. Eventually the referee came out and tested the pitch by standing in a puddle (by then virtually most of the pitch), throwing a ball in the air and seeing if it bounced. Well it splashed but I would not normally call it bouncing.
A wait of 45 or so minutes later (I was watching the "game" on TV) the pitch evaluation test was repeated and produced more splashes.
It was then decided to abandon the game and replay it the following day (today).
England fans who had booked flights to the match and then back to the UK had really no sensible option but to leave.
The match could have been played if someone had possessed the wits to get the roof closed before the forecasted heavy rain set in.
The Polish FA could have prevented this farce, the referee could have and FIFA, being in charge overall, could have stepped in at any time.
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
A few posts ago I reported a concern that elements of FIFA were hampering the investigation of corruption within FIFA see here.
These concerns seem to have been well founded because now The FIFA anti-corruption panel seeks European support.
Mark Pieth, it is reported, has asked for support from the 47-nation Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), hinting "at obstacles ahead of completing promised anti-corruption and transparency reforms by next May". He is also reported to be asking for help in asking for urgent change within FIFA.
From the above link, The "Council of Europe group meets in Paris to follow up criticism of FIFA this year in a report on sports governance. It also called for Sepp Blatter's 2011 re-election as FIFA president to be investigated."
It's taking a long time to settle this matter.
These concerns seem to have been well founded because now The FIFA anti-corruption panel seeks European support.
Mark Pieth, it is reported, has asked for support from the 47-nation Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), hinting "at obstacles ahead of completing promised anti-corruption and transparency reforms by next May". He is also reported to be asking for help in asking for urgent change within FIFA.
From the above link, The "Council of Europe group meets in Paris to follow up criticism of FIFA this year in a report on sports governance. It also called for Sepp Blatter's 2011 re-election as FIFA president to be investigated."
It's taking a long time to settle this matter.
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
Originally posted by string:
A few posts ago I reported a concern that elements of FIFA were hampering the investigation of corruption within FIFA see here.
These concerns seem to have been well founded because now The FIFA anti-corruption panel seeks European support.
Mark Pieth, it is reported, has asked for support from the 47-nation Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), hinting "at obstacles ahead of completing promised anti-corruption and transparency reforms by next May". He is also reported to be asking for help in asking for urgent change within FIFA.
From the above link, The "Council of Europe group meets in Paris to follow up criticism of FIFA this year in a report on sports governance. It also called for Sepp Blatter's 2011 re-election as FIFA president to be investigated."
It's taking a long time to settle this matter.
But thank goodness it was settled.
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve." - J.R.R. Tolkien
http://www.usdebtclock.org/
"Americans should not go abroad to slay dragons they do not understand in the name of spreading democracy." -President John Quincy Adams
http://www.usdebtclock.org/
"Americans should not go abroad to slay dragons they do not understand in the name of spreading democracy." -President John Quincy Adams
FIFA's anti-corruption advisory Panel headed by Mark Pieth has at last presented the results of its investigations to FIFA.
Anti-corruption advisers challenge FIFA leaders to change old culture, adopt reform program.
It seems that all is not straight forward. There is, allegedly, resistance to the findings of the report from FIFA and UEFA and some national delegations ("the British and the Germans'' are mentioned) are said to be holding back from their previously held stance.
See: Backstabbers! Blatter shocked by demands of FIFA's own anti-corruption team
and Anti-corruption officer hits out at UEFA
Anti-corruption advisers challenge FIFA leaders to change old culture, adopt reform program.
It seems that all is not straight forward. There is, allegedly, resistance to the findings of the report from FIFA and UEFA and some national delegations ("the British and the Germans'' are mentioned) are said to be holding back from their previously held stance.
See: Backstabbers! Blatter shocked by demands of FIFA's own anti-corruption team
and Anti-corruption officer hits out at UEFA
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
Football officials urge corruption action at Malaysia meeting
This is primarily about match fixing, although the last paragraph mentioned the former president of the AFC, Mohammed Bin Hamman, was given a lifetime ban by Fifa for corruption and bribery. One wonders whether the Pieth report on corruption within Fifa will be discussed at that meeting and what will be the result. That matter needs to be put to bed now.
This is primarily about match fixing, although the last paragraph mentioned the former president of the AFC, Mohammed Bin Hamman, was given a lifetime ban by Fifa for corruption and bribery. One wonders whether the Pieth report on corruption within Fifa will be discussed at that meeting and what will be the result. That matter needs to be put to bed now.
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
Mark Pieth's anti-corruption proposals are to be discussed by the FIFA Executive Committee next week as a result of which those proposals which they agree with will be put to FIFA's general meeting on May 31st.
According to the following report,
Anti-Corruption Chief Expects FIFA ExCo to Oppose Key Reforms
Mark Pieth does not expect all of his recommendations to be implement, or even put to a vote,and, according to INSIDER "he feared senior figures in FIFA’s inner sanctum may reject his latest recommendations for reform as they bid to cling to long-held power and privileges."
Also, according to INSIDER "reforms are No.27 on an agenda of 33 items" and will be discussed on Thursday.
According to the following report,
Anti-Corruption Chief Expects FIFA ExCo to Oppose Key Reforms
Mark Pieth does not expect all of his recommendations to be implement, or even put to a vote,and, according to INSIDER "he feared senior figures in FIFA’s inner sanctum may reject his latest recommendations for reform as they bid to cling to long-held power and privileges."
Also, according to INSIDER "reforms are No.27 on an agenda of 33 items" and will be discussed on Thursday.
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
Fifa has called for longer prison sentences for criminals involved in match-fixing after the EU intelligence-sharing agency Europol said more than 700 matches worldwide are suspected of having been manipulated.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/feb/04/fifa-tough-match-fixing
What a shocker to someone who knows slightly less than nothing about the sport. Hell, we don't even call it football here.
The link below gives a pre-meeting heads-up on the FIFA EXCO meeting this week.
FIFA conclave set to being cleaning up corruption mess
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
FIFA Anti-Graft Adviser Stays as Key Proposals Rejected
It is not surprising that some recommendations have not been approved by the FIFA ExCo; it is early days yet and there is still discussion going on, notably the vote of the FIFA Congress in May before which there will undoubtedly be a lot of inter-federation discussion. However it is encouraging that Mark Pieth is staying on; he has shown himself to be genuinely independent and it is good that he remains to argue his case, until at least the end-game in May.
My chief concern has been the gross corruption in the ExCo which has taken place and the incompetence of FIFA's top management that allowed such things to happen. The concern remains that not all has been revealed and that things will not change enough to prevent corruption in the future. In the meantime, as Pieth is reported to have said in the article linked above, “They are trying to make sure their buddies are elected”.
It is not surprising that some recommendations have not been approved by the FIFA ExCo; it is early days yet and there is still discussion going on, notably the vote of the FIFA Congress in May before which there will undoubtedly be a lot of inter-federation discussion. However it is encouraging that Mark Pieth is staying on; he has shown himself to be genuinely independent and it is good that he remains to argue his case, until at least the end-game in May.
My chief concern has been the gross corruption in the ExCo which has taken place and the incompetence of FIFA's top management that allowed such things to happen. The concern remains that not all has been revealed and that things will not change enough to prevent corruption in the future. In the meantime, as Pieth is reported to have said in the article linked above, “They are trying to make sure their buddies are elected”.
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
I've not heard of this type of accusation before - glad for Mourinho's sake that he has Pandev's support.
Corruption In FIFA? Jose Mourinho’s Accusations Given Support By Pandev
Corruption In FIFA? Jose Mourinho’s Accusations Given Support By Pandev
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
Sports are not my cup 'o tea, but I did run across this one accidentally.
A MINUSCULE British territory in the Caribbean of just 15,000 people, Anguilla is among the smallest of the 209 members of FIFA, football’s governing body. Its national team is ranked 206th in the world, above only Bhutan, San Marino and the Turks & Caicos Islands; its record since its first match in 1997 is played 28, won two. But that is not for want of nurturing by “the FIFA family”, as Sepp Blatter, FIFA’s president, calls his discredited organisation.
On top of the annual $250,000 for investment in football that FIFA gives Anguilla, like every other member, in 2003 the local federation received grants of $650,000 to build a training centre in The Valley, the island’s capital. In 2010 Mr Blatter went to Anguilla to inaugurate this. According to FIFA, the centre was to comprise a pitch with a security fence, artificial lighting and a grandstand with offices and changing rooms. Visitors today find a small grandstand with rusty, broken-down fencing, chickens pecking at the weed-strewn, bumpy pitch and offices that are empty and apparently unused, with computer terminals still wrapped in plastic. There is no sign of the dormitories, gym, cafeteria and classrooms supposed to have been built with an extra $500,000 granted in February 2011.
http://www.economist.com/news/americas/21573977-another-fifa-scandal-bonus-money
Yes, Jimbro, you put your finger on a core issue in this FIFA Corruption business. The article goes on to remark that the former ExCo (Executive Committee) member "Mohamed bin Hammam, Qatar’s former football supremo, is alleged by FIFA to have offered $40,000 to each of them if they would vote for him
to replace Mr Blatter in that year’s FIFA Presidential Election".
Scattering largess around individual Football federations is generally a good way of currying favour for the next round of voting.
The next round of voting is in May.
to replace Mr Blatter in that year’s FIFA Presidential Election".
Scattering largess around individual Football federations is generally a good way of currying favour for the next round of voting.
The next round of voting is in May.
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
Storm Clouds are gathering - Fifa ignoring key ideas for internal reform, says adviser
This is from a different perspective, FIFA's attitude to women, - from the above link "Recalling an incident first reported last July, Wrage described how two senior individuals approached her and warned that two candidates suggested for Fifa's reformatted ethics structure were unacceptable because they were women."
This is from a different perspective, FIFA's attitude to women, - from the above link "Recalling an incident first reported last July, Wrage described how two senior individuals approached her and warned that two candidates suggested for Fifa's reformatted ethics structure were unacceptable because they were women."
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
Meanwhile, in the US:
Warner's son 'an FBI witness' in corruption probe
However, according to that article, "In an email, FIFA's media department said the Swiss-based organization was "unaware" of any FBI investigation related to the Americas and Caribbean."
Warner's son 'an FBI witness' in corruption probe
However, according to that article, "In an email, FIFA's media department said the Swiss-based organization was "unaware" of any FBI investigation related to the Americas and Caribbean."
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
Originally posted by Belfrager:
Actually I do expect these international bodies like FIFA, like the IOC, to be moral and to set an example. Cynical apathy will not help to make it so.And the crusade continues...
You don't expect football to be an example of moral elevation, do you?
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
Originally posted by string:
Originally posted by Belfrager:
Actually I do expect these international bodies like FIFA, like the IOC, to be moral and to set an example. Cynical apathy will not help to make it so.And the crusade continues...
You don't expect football to be an example of moral elevation, do you?
One must reflect about the social function of football. It's function is to keep masses away from what are the important issues and channel possible aggression and anger towards the game's factoids instead towards politicians and established order. Today substitute of the old roman circus.
Therefore, any football organization is meant to be deeply immoral, both by nature and by function.
There's absolutely no cynical apathy from my part. You want to promote football, I want to finish with it.
Sic transit gloria mundi
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, José Mário dos Santos Mourinho Félix and José Manuel Durão Barroso, three of the most famous Portuguese of the present. Two of them dealing with football
Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed.
Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death.
It doesn't matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle: when the sun comes up, you'd better be running.
Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death.
It doesn't matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle: when the sun comes up, you'd better be running.
Originally posted by Belfrager:
Originally posted by Krake:
three of the most famous Portuguese of the present. Two of them dealing with football
If not by anything else, alphabetically Belfrager comes first.
On the other hand, José Manuel Barroso, the esteemed European Commission President, who comes alphabetically even before Belfrager, does like football and stated " I don't see a contraction between football culture and "sophisticated culture". "
Who am I to question such an alphabetically advantaged Portuguese?
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
Originally posted by string:
Who am I to question such an alphabetically advantaged Portuguese?
He's name is not just Barroso but Durão Barroso. Since foreigners can't pronounce "ão" he's known outside just by Barroso. So, I'm first.
Don't you find his words to support exactly what I said? Do you imagine the roman tribune saying ohhh I don't like the circus, don't go there?
Comparing football "culture" with Culture is like to compare Mcdonald's with El Bulli. Proper of the idiot that traitor is. Speaking about any Portuguese politician makes my blood pressure to raise into stratospheric values, I can't.
Sic transit gloria mundi
Whilst browsing I ran across something in Yahoo that's new to me. I'm not much of a sports fan...golf and a bit of auto racing.
At any rate the article was about a fellow from an Italian team, AC Milan. His name is Mario Balotelli, and he seems to have a bad reputation. Do you know him? Any comments?
At any rate the article was about a fellow from an Italian team, AC Milan. His name is Mario Balotelli, and he seems to have a bad reputation. Do you know him? Any comments?
Such football "personalities" are not really my interest; Balotelli gained some sort of reputation in the UK for erratic behaviour on and off the football pitch. He "earns" something like 4m€ a year for whatever it is he does. He is said to be a brilliant footballer who does not always "turn up", ("turn up" means "try" in football speak) but whether that is correct or not I've no idea but suspect not and that "eccentric" is probably a better word to use. He seems to have a large ego which he does not keep to himself. Since he does not play for a team I support I don't follow his fortunes/misfortunes.
He who calls a man a fool defines himself
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