Religion and Ethics Forum
General Category => Sports, Hobbies & Interests => Topic started by: Hope on May 27, 2015, 07:15:23 AM
-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32895057
I suppose the big question is when will Sepp Blatter join those who have been arrested!! ;)
-
It would be interesting to compare the extent/number of corruption charges/allegations brought during Sepp Blatter's time as FIFA President compared to those during other Presidents' tenures.
-
It would be interesting to compare the extent/number of corruption charges/allegations brought during Sepp Blatter's time as FIFA President compared to those during other Presidents' tenures.
Not entirely sure it would be like with like as football was nit anywhere near as big a business, which does not necessarily mean that it was less corrupt, just that it wasn't' noticed as much.
That said there was certainly a lot of talk of corruption under Havelange and before that you are back to 1974
-
Good.
It's difficult to think of a more corrupt institution. If FIFA were a country it'd be a basket case dictatorship.
-
Incredible that Blatter will probably be re-elected on Friday; it reminds me of Mugabe being re-elected, while around him a country collapses. Still, apparently Blatter remains 'very calm'.
-
I don't know much about football, but wouldn't the normal course of events in cases of high-level corruption like this be for the head-honcho (Blatter) to fall on his sword as a matter of honour?
-
I don't know much about football, but wouldn't the normal course of events in cases of high-level corruption like this be for the head-honcho (Blatter) to fall on his sword as a matter of honour?
Honour/Blatter, nope sorry, not computing.
-
I don't know much about football, but wouldn't the normal course of events in cases of high-level corruption like this be for the head-honcho (Blatter) to fall on his sword as a matter of honour?
Hahahahahahahaha.
:o
-
Incredible that Blatter will probably be re-elected on Friday; it reminds me of Mugabe being re-elected, while around him a country collapses. Still, apparently Blatter remains 'very calm'.
Yes, if Fifa were a country we'd be discussing whether to issue sanctions. Not buy from them, have our companies support them, expel them from sporting competitions. That kind of thing.
Fifa are the main reason I have little interest in international football. Every tournament under its remit comes at the enrichment of Blatter and his cronies.
-
Of course those companies supporting what is going on need questioned. See below on rejigged logos for sponsoring the Qatar WC
http://tinyurl.com/qehzm5o
-
I'm trying to figure out how it's the US Attorney General who is announcing these arrests, although I think the Swiss are also investigating. Is it because no European power had the clout, or the nerve, so over to you, FBI? It feels a bit like the Mafia going unchecked for decades. Blatter has no shame.
-
I'm trying to figure out how it's the US Attorney General who is announcing these arrests, although I think the Swiss are also investigating. Is it because no European power had the clout, or the nerve, so over to you, FBI? It feels a bit like the Mafia going unchecked for decades. Blatter has no shame.
I think it has something to do with the fact that this particular corruption accusation seems to have something to do with the FIFA representative for N. and Central America.
-
I'm trying to figure out how it's the US Attorney General who is announcing these arrests, although I think the Swiss are also investigating. Is it because no European power had the clout, or the nerve, so over to you, FBI? It feels a bit like the Mafia going unchecked for decades. Blatter has no shame.
I think it has something to do with the fact that this particular corruption accusation seems to have something to do with the FIFA representative for N. and Central America.
I think it's more to do with the flow of corrupt funds through US banks.
-
God I hope one of them drops Blatter in it.
-
Don't know how many of us are on Twitter, but I wonder whether those who are could work out a form of words encouraging Blatter to step down with immediate effect. He's due to address the FIFA Congress later today, so if we could get something going pretty soon, ...
-
I think it is absolutely DISGUSTING that this topic is the one leading the news, when it only concerns a mere sport! >:( Yesterday Queen's Speech outlining the Government legislation for the next five years, which is much more important to the future of the UK, was the second item! Football should be relegated to a weekend kick around instead of big business, rife with corruption, and players paid stupid sums of money! >:(
-
While I can understand Floo's point, there are real tragic consequences as a result of the corruption.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/05/27/a-body-count-in-qatar-illustrates-the-consequences-of-fifa-corruption/
-
I think it is absolutely DISGUSTING that this topic is the one leading the news, when it only concerns a mere sport! >:( Yesterday Queen's Speech outlining the Government legislation for the next five years, which is much more important to the future of the UK, was the second item! Football should be relegated to a weekend kick around instead of big business, rife with corruption, and players paid stupid sums of money! >:(
But it doesn't just concern a mere sport, Floo. It concerns finance houses, multi-national companies, and the global industry that is World Football. Perhaps above all, it concerns corruption of the highest level amongst businessmen and politicians of all sorts.
-
Yes, it's massive. It involves governments, companies on every high street - many of them popular with children - and the exploitation of the poorest. And FIFA has condoned the censorship of this too - just last week a BBC TV crew were arrested in Qatar and had their equipment seized.
It's not inaccurate to liken FIFA to a corrupt nation state run by a dictatorship and the effects of its disgusting activities are every bit as bad.
-
It is notable that some of the big commercial partners, such as Visa and McDonalds, are very quickly expressing concern, so I'd imagine that faced with the risks of them pulling their finance that Fifa will be encouraged to be quite radical. I can't see that Blatter can hang on, and by now an honourable person in his position would have stepped down.
-
I think it's a valid complaint that football has become a mega-industry, but it has. I don't think you can force it back to the amateur days, jumpers for goalposts, although it still exists in that way as well.
So if it is a huge industry, it has to be run properly, which it obviously isn't. See NS's point that many men have been killed building the stadia in Qatar.
-
Presumably, the FBI have a supergrass who has been going into meetings with a wire. This explains why they look so confident, and had all the big guns out yesterday, they must have solid evidence.
-
I suppose the big question is when will Sepp Blatter join those who have been arrested!! ;)
Have you got evidence that he has committed a crime?
I think, perhaps, the worst thing he has done is allow a culture of corruption to develop for which, of course, he should resign, but it's not a criminal offence.
ETA it wouldn't surprise me if some criminal activity by Mr Blatter wasn't discovered, but the evidence isn't there yet AFAIK.
-
I think it is absolutely DISGUSTING that this topic is the one leading the news, when it only concerns a mere sport! >:( Yesterday Queen's Speech outlining the Government legislation for the next five years, which is much more important to the future of the UK, was the second item! Football should be relegated to a weekend kick around instead of big business, rife with corruption, and players paid stupid sums of money! >:(
Get off your high horse.
This is about corruption in a big business associated with an activity that billions of people around the World participate in, follow and spend money on.
-
Presumably, the FBI have a supergrass who has been going into meetings with a wire. This explains why they look so confident, and had all the big guns out yesterday, they must have solid evidence.
They have - Chuck Blazer.
-
I suppose the big question is when will Sepp Blatter join those who have been arrested!! ;)
Have you got evidence that he has committed a crime?
I think, perhaps, the worst thing he has done is allow a culture of corruption to develop for which, of course, he should resign, but it's not a criminal offence.
ETA it wouldn't surprise me if some criminal activity by Mr Blatter wasn't discovered, but the evidence isn't there yet AFAIK.
But t his happened on his watch - a man of honour would resign, surely?
-
The non sponsoring of FIFA
http://www.soccerbible.com/advertising-branding/2015/05/skins-official-fifa-non-sponsorship/
-
If the corruption surrounding soccer spreads into the wider community and is as bad as claimed, the sport should be banned, and no loss to society imo! Many of the fans seem like lunatics too!
-
If the corruption surrounding soccer spreads into the wider community and is as bad as claimed, the sport should be banned, and no loss to society imo! Many of the fans seem like lunatics too!
Football is not the fount of corruption. The corruption already existed and exists in wider society which means by your logic that we must ban society
-
and some people seem to be stupid, prejudiced, opinionated old cows.
perhaps they should be banned too?
their braindead comments would be no loss to society.
-
I suppose the big question is when will Sepp Blatter join those who have been arrested!! ;)
Have you got evidence that he has committed a crime?
Whether he has committed a crime or no, he has been in charge of FIFA during a period that has seen a huge amount of corruption scandal. Furthermore, there have been times when he has stopped internal investigations in their tracks when material has been uncovered that might damage FIFA - thus damaging it perhaps more than the material might have done.
I believe that being an accomplice to fraud and corruption may well be a criminal act.
-
If the corruption surrounding soccer spreads into the wider community and is as bad as claimed, the sport should be banned, and no loss to society imo! Many of the fans seem like lunatics too!
You don't half talk some utter shit at times.
-
I must doing something right then! ;D I make no apologies for my thoughts on the subject!
-
It's like saying that because some elections are rigged then democracy should be banned.
How do I ban my son from kicking a ball about with his mates?
-
It's like saying that because some elections are rigged then democracy should be banned.
How do I ban my son from kicking a ball about with his mates?
You could always join Floo in picketing the kids down the park?
-
Apparently ze police effected entry by getting srough ze vindows by means of climbing up Sepp Blatters.
-
Dear Vlad,
Apparently ze police effected entry by getting srough ze vindows by means of climbing up Sepp Blatters.
Yes I did groan but with a smile on my face, anyway this is all a big conspiracy by the U.S to poke Putin in the eye.
Gonnagle.
-
Hugh Dennis wants his Sepp Blatter back, there are guttering problems
-
It's like saying that because some elections are rigged then democracy should be banned.
How do I ban my son from kicking a ball about with his mates?
You could always join Floo in picketing the kids down the park?
Down with this sort of thing.
Careful now.
-
I wasn't lambasting picketing, but if you've got nothing better to do... :P
-
http://newsthump.com/2015/05/27/fifa-officials-finally-arrested-after-hitting-the-absolute-limit-of-taking-the-piss/
http://newsthump.com/2015/05/28/mafia-moves-to-distance-itself-from-fifa/
-
UEFA could be growing a pair.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/fifa-corruption-arrests-live-blog-football-officials-arrested-in-investigation--live-updates-10277649.html
-
UEFA could be growing a pair.
Not sure that they are, Rhi. They have threatened to do just this, several times, each time following one of the previous corruption cases coming to light - yet they're still there.
-
I suppose the big question is when will Sepp Blatter join those who have been arrested!! ;)
Have you got evidence that he has committed a crime?
I think, perhaps, the worst thing he has done is allow a culture of corruption to develop for which, of course, he should resign, but it's not a criminal offence.
ETA it wouldn't surprise me if some criminal activity by Mr Blatter wasn't discovered, but the evidence isn't there yet AFAIK.
But t his happened on his watch - a man of honour would resign, surely?
Of course he should resign. That's why my post said he should (I've bolded the relevant part, because it seems you missed it first time).
-
If the corruption surrounding soccer spreads into the wider community and is as bad as claimed, the sport should be banned, and no loss to society imo! Many of the fans seem like lunatics too!
My agreement with Bashful Anthony prevents me from replying to this in the manner in which it deserves. Suffice it to say, I second Thrud's reply.
-
I suppose the big question is when will Sepp Blatter join those who have been arrested!! ;)
Have you got evidence that he has committed a crime?
Whether he has committed a crime or no, he has been in charge of FIFA during a period that has seen a huge amount of corruption scandal. Furthermore, there have been times when he has stopped internal investigations in their tracks when material has been uncovered that might damage FIFA - thus damaging it perhaps more than the material might have done.
I believe that being an accomplice to fraud and corruption may well be a criminal act.
If you have the evidence, fine. But at this time we can assume the evidence is lacking because he hasn't been arrested.
It is, however, incredible that he hasn't resigned yet.
-
I suppose the big question is when will Sepp Blatter join those who have been arrested!! ;)
Have you got evidence that he has committed a crime?
I think, perhaps, the worst thing he has done is allow a culture of corruption to develop for which, of course, he should resign, but it's not a criminal offence.
ETA it wouldn't surprise me if some criminal activity by Mr Blatter wasn't discovered, but the evidence isn't there yet AFAIK.
But t his happened on his watch - a man of honour would resign, surely?
Of course he should resign. That's why my post said he should (I've bolded the relevant part, because it seems you missed it first time).
No I didn't.
You know how people keep repeating things out of complete disbelief at what they are seeing/hearing?
-
UEFA could be growing a pair.
Not sure that they are, Rhi. They have threatened to do just this, several times, each time following one of the previous corruption cases coming to light - yet they're still there.
They'll look really stupid if they don't this time.
-
At nearly 80, it ought to be time for Blatter to call it a day anyway, whatever else is going on.
-
Blatter's going to win. I think that's almost certain. He has Africa and Asia in his pocket. I really hope that UEFA will back their words up with action. I've long been of the opinion that they should withdraw from FIFA. As well as being corrupt FIFA has also become increasingly anti-European and especially anti-English. Without the European teams FIFA and the World Cup would be a farce. UEFA should assert its authority otherwise it will also lose any respectability.
-
They'll look really stupid if they don't this time.
You mean as stupid as they already do ;)
-
I should think that Blatter is going to win, and he will be like some Roman emperor, presiding over corruption and decay. I doubt if Uefa will pull out, as they will not want to be seen as splitters. But maybe they should, and have their own World Cup.
I guess that Blatter has many votes from smaller countries, who presumably get a ton of money from FIFA. Again, it reminds me of Mugabe.
-
Reports that Spain voted for Blatter.
Wtf?
-
I believe the police investigation isn't over; I wonder if Blatter might also be in their sights? It seems incredible that he didn't know about the corruption etc, as he claims!
-
I really do hope they find some dirt on him but I doubt it. I hope UEFA will do something drastic but I doubt it. Hopefully Blatter will slip up before the 2018 World Cup and resign so that I can in good conscience make the train journey from Helsinki to St. Petersburg and watch a couple of games.
-
He's apparently Teflon-coated. Eventually he'll retire to go and sit on his hoard and gloat like that other non-stick moral bankrupt, Tony Blair.
-
I believe the police investigation isn't over; I wonder if Blatter might also be in their sights? It seems incredible that he didn't know about the corruption etc, as he claims!
It would be an enormous surprise if he was not part of the investigation - more likely the Swiss part of it, he being a Swiss national.
If there is one thing absolutely guaranteed to get Swiss kinckers in a knot it is someone mis-using their banking system, especially a Swiss.
-
Interesting article by Paul Mason on FIFA as a symbol, or as he calls it, a parable, of corrupt capitalism. Not sure I follow every point he makes, but I think there is something in it.
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/may/31/fifa-corruption-crisis-global-monopoly
-
And Blatter resigns
-
And Blatter resigns
A couple of days late, eh?
-
Let's hope Qatar gets stopped
-
I think Qatar will be stopped, but Putin will be working flat out to keep Russia WC. I must admit I'm surprised, I thought the old don would hang on. I bet more arrests are imminent.
-
Blatter has quit:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32982449
I wonder what skeletons are about to exit from their cupboards!
-
Unless there is clear evidence of bribery in Russia for 2018,it will go ahead since we had the Sochi Winter Olympics. Qatar makes no sense in terms of time, the deaths of workers and that homosexuality is illegal rather than the grey area in Russia
-
I think Qatar will be stopped, but Putin will be working flat out to keep Russia WC. I must admit I'm surprised, I thought the old don would hang on. I bet more arrests are imminent.
Unless there is clear evidence of dramatic Russian involvement in corruption over the 2018 WC, I see no reason why it shouldn't go ahead. If the corruption is predominantly within FIFA, why 'punish' Russia.
As for Qatar, what message does a stop give to all the families of all those who have died and/or suffered during the building of the stadia? Positive or negative?
-
He's resigned, but, apparently, it may be up to a year before he actually goes!!
-
Great news! Laters Qatar!
-
Wow.
-
Looking around for what could have led to this, yesterday there was news of a $10 million payment from one FIFA official to another, so maybe this is a thread that will unravel the whole mess. FBI 1 FIFA 0.
-
Looking around for what could have led to this, yesterday there was news of a $10 million payment from one FIFA official to another, so maybe this is a thread that will unravel the whole mess. FBI 1 FIFA 0.
Blatter Sepps down.
-
And Blatter resigns
A couple of days late, eh?
Be positive, it's an extra ride on the gravy train for all those FIFA representatives.
-
What's that faint humming sound? Ah, it's the sound of countless shredders around the world, steadily destroying invoices, letters, credit cards, old restaurant and brothel bills, hotel receipts. But where's the money?
-
What's that faint humming sound? Ah, it's the sound of countless shredders around the world, steadily destroying invoices, letters, credit cards, old restaurant and brothel bills, hotel receipts. But where's the money?
Maybe that's why Blatter held on for the extra couple of days - to give people time to get rid of ther evidence or for him to?
-
A couple of familiar faces on Interpol's Red Alert Twitter feed.
https://mobile.twitter.com/interpol_hq
-
According to the BBC website the US are investigating Blatter now.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-32986950
-
I just wonder how FIFA itself can be cleaned up. For example, many of the people voting for Blatter are still in place, and they may be happy with a system which gives them lots of cash. It's a strange organisation, separate from any state, not really democratic. But then who appoints people to the FA board?
-
Looking at the Tweets from African members, they expect under a 'reformed' Qatar to lose the WC and all future competitions to be Euro-centric with no funding for African football. Clearly this is what Blatter had sold them. They are miles from the truth of course - we love African football and African footballers - but a new FIFA cannot turn a blind eye to the level of crowd trouble at African internationals as Blatter did.
-
I just wonder how FIFA itself can be cleaned up. For example, many of the people voting for Blatter are still in place, and they may be happy with a system which gives them lots of cash. It's a strange organisation, separate from any state, not really democratic. But then who appoints people to the FA board?
Should it be disbanded, and re-established, perhaps without its charity status.
-
I just wonder how FIFA itself can be cleaned up. For example, many of the people voting for Blatter are still in place, and they may be happy with a system which gives them lots of cash. It's a strange organisation, separate from any state, not really democratic. But then who appoints people to the FA board?
Should it be disbanded, and re-established, perhaps without its charity status.
I found it hard to believe that it is a registered charity but it is true.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-13616328
-
Are all such organisations?
-
Thought this was quite funny: Fifa largely fund a 'docu-drama' film about themselves into which they pour millions, and it bombs. You have to laugh, until you remember that many these millions have probably been paid for by genuine fans whose good faith (and dosh) has been abused.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33050289
I'm not a footie fan but it seems to me that this organisation is probably so dysfunctional now that it would be better to just disband it.
-
Yes, it makes me wonder if FIFA should be dissolved, and not replaced. To organize World Cups would require some kind of organizing committee - of course, the trouble is, that tons of dosh are involved, but there must be some way of having a clean set-up without all the elaborate bureaucracy.
-
Yes, it makes me wonder if FIFA should be dissolved, and not replaced. To organize World Cups would require some kind of organizing committee - of course, the trouble is, that tons of dosh are involved, but there must be some way of having a clean set-up without all the elaborate bureaucracy.
Put it, organising the World Cup, in the hands of the IOC?
-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33126284
FIFA's very own Farage?
-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33126284
FIFA's very own Farage?
I'm half expecting him to be in a US court by then.
-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33126284
FIFA's very own Farage?
I'm half expecting him to be in a US court by then.
The slimy piece isn't going quietly. I suspect he's up to something nefarious.
-
"I didn't resign" - Blatter
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33284185
-
I like this report - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-33591332
What was that Sepp said about money having nothing to do with football? ;) :-X
-
Who would favour Michel Platini as replacement boss of FIFA?
-
Who would favour Michel Platini as replacement boss of FIFA?
He seems honest and competent, certainly in comparison to the present leadership. He did encourage Blatter to step down before the recent election (just after those arrests) - sadly his advice was not taken. I think he'd be ok. The only worry is that he and Blatter are friends - but I don't think they're so close that it should be a problem.
-
I like this report - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-33591332
What was that Sepp said about money having nothing to do with football? ;) :-X
He's a liar. What do you expect?
-
Breaking News:
Sepp Blatter questioned by Swiss officials
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34363289
-
Is it time for FIFA to be wrapped up and replaced with something like 'World Football' (compare www.worldrugby.com)?
-
Is it time for FIFA to be wrapped up and replaced with something like 'World Football' (compare www.worldrugby.com)?
Rugby players are not paid in the £ 250,000 a week bracket - the players are the people in football who, by the size of their wages, demonstrate just how much money is available floating around in the fame.
As for Blatter - power corrupts etc!
-
Rugby players are not paid in the £ 250,000 a week bracket - the players are the people in football who, by the size of their wages, demonstrate just how much money is available floating around in the fame.
As for Blatter - power corrupts etc!
Matt, there are some who are paid in that kind of range - mostly, they play for a couple of the French clubs. However, I'm not sure that the monies that players receive have any influence of the corruptness or otherwise of international commissioners.
-
However, I'm not sure that the monies that players receive have any influence of the corruptness or otherwise of international commissioners.
I think the point is that the huge salaries commanded by top players is an indication of how much money is in the game. Football clubs are businesses, you wouldn't pay £40 million for a player if you didn't think the return on that player would be of that sort of magnitude.
-
I think the point is that the huge salaries commanded by top players is an indication of how much money is in the game. Football clubs are businesses, you wouldn't pay £40 million for a player if you didn't think the return on that player would be of that sort of magnitude.
No denying that, but does it necessarily translate into the level of corruption at the top of the game?
-
However, I'm not sure that the monies that players receive have any influence of the corruptness or otherwise of international commissioners.
I think the point is that the huge salaries commanded by top players is an indication of how much money is in the game. Football clubs are businesses, you wouldn't pay £40 million for a player if you didn't think the return on that player would be of that sort of magnitude.
Thanks Jeremy, you beat me to it - I said Quote by the size of their wages, demonstrate just how much money is available floating around in the game Unquote (After correction of typo!)
I didn't thnik that anyone would not see that - you did but . . . .
-
I think the point is that the huge salaries commanded by top players is an indication of how much money is in the game. Football clubs are businesses, you wouldn't pay £40 million for a player if you didn't think the return on that player would be of that sort of magnitude.
No denying that, but does it necessarily translate into the level of corruption at the top of the game?
Not necessarily, but the money is a huge temptation.
-
. . . there are some who are paid in that kind of range - mostly, they play for a couple of the French clubs . . .
French clubs - really!
Ozil - £ 180,000 pw
Costa - £ 185,000
Hazard - £ 200,000
Fabregas - £ 200,000
Silva - £ 200,000
Di Maria - £ 200,000
Aguero - £ 225,000
Toure - £ 240,000
Van Persie - £250,000
Rooney - £ 300,000
ALL in the premiership.
As jeremyp said, if this much is available at club level how much is washing around at the very very top?
No denying that, but does it necessarily translate into the level of corruption at the top of the game?
YES YES YES - a corrupt payment of $10,000,000 - that kind of money being available will buy you just about anything or, in FIFA, more importantly ANYONE!
-
Thanks Jeremy, you beat me to it - I said Quote by the size of their wages, demonstrate just how much money is available floating around in the game Unquote (After correction of typo!)
I didn't thnik that anyone would not see that - you did but . . . .
But that still doesn't mean that corruption, especially of the sort we've seen in the last few years within FIFA, is an automatic corrollary. After all, whilst there is clearly some corruption with American Football, baseball and basketball - all of which have very high wages - I don't think the level at the higher eschelons of the games is a patch on FIFA - an organisation that is meant, at least in part, to be ensuring that corruption is at a minimum.
It is, in large part, why I queried whether a completely new start, under a newly-named organisation, might not be the way forward.
-
Thanks Jeremy, you beat me to it - I said Quote by the size of their wages, demonstrate just how much money is available floating around in the game Unquote (After correction of typo!)
I didn't thnik that anyone would not see that - you did but . . . .
But that still doesn't mean that corruption, especially of the sort we've seen in the last few years within FIFA, is an automatic corrollary. After all, whilst there is clearly some corruption with American Football, baseball and basketball - all of which have very high wages - I don't think the level at the higher eschelons of the games is a patch on FIFA - an organisation that is meant, at least in part, to be ensuring that corruption is at a minimum.
It is, in large part, why I queried whether a completely new start, under a newly-named organisation, might not be the way forward.
Have it your way, Hope!
You have demonstred so many times that once you get an idea into your head nothing, not even a nuclear explosion, is going to shift you from you position - trying to debate with you is like smashing your head against a brick wall - bloody wonderful when you stop!
Which on this subject - I now do!
-
. . . there are some who are paid in that kind of range - mostly, they play for a couple of the French clubs . . .
French clubs - really!
Ozil - £ 180,000 pw
Costa - £ 185,000
Hazard - £ 200,000
Fabregas - £ 200,000
Silva - £ 200,000
Di Maria - £ 200,000
Aguero - £ 225,000
Toure - £ 240,000
Van Persie - £250,000
Rooney - £ 300,000
ALL in the premiership.
I notice that, having introduced the issue of the pay that rugby players are paid as a comparison of that which footballers are paid, you then conveniently forget them when responding to my response that pointed out that there are those from that sport who get very high wages - mostly from French clubs.
YES YES YES - a corrupt payment of $10,000,000 - that kind of money being available will buy you just about anything or, in FIFA, more importantly ANYONE!
and as I have pointed out, do we have a comparative level of corruption within American Football/baseball or basketball?
-
. . . there are some who are paid in that kind of range - mostly, they play for a couple of the French clubs . . .
French clubs - really!
I'm pretty sure Hope was talking about French rugby clubs.
-
Have it your way, Hope!
You have demonstred so many times that once you get an idea into your head nothing, not even a nuclear explosion, is going to shift you from you position - trying to debate with you is like smashing your head against a brick wall - bloody wonderful when you stop!
Which on this subject - I now do!
Oddly enough, I'm not trying to 'have it my own way', Matt. All I'm asking is whether the widely accepted view that you and jeremy have taken is actually the whole answer, or whether there is something other than money, perhaps unique to football, that triggers the abuse of the money that is available. Just think what that $10 million would have done for grassroots football, which is where everything springs from in the first place - and which FIFA is mandated to support/foster.
-
Have it your way, Hope!
You have demonstred so many times that once you get an idea into your head nothing, not even a nuclear explosion, is going to shift you from you position - trying to debate with you is like smashing your head against a brick wall - bloody wonderful when you stop!
Which on this subject - I now do!
Oddly enough, I'm not trying to 'have it my own way', Matt. All I'm asking is whether the widely accepted view that you and jeremy have taken is actually the whole answer, or whether there is something other than money, perhaps unique to football, that triggers the abuse of the money that is available. Just think what that $10 million would have done for grassroots football, which is where everything springs from in the first place - and which FIFA is mandated to support/foster.
OK - what do YOU think "is something other than money, perhaps unique to football, that triggers the abuse of the money that is available."
-
OK - what do YOU think "is something other than money, perhaps unique to football, that triggers the abuse of the money that is available."
Two possibilities which spring to mind would be 1) someone having a very set idea about the future of football (which I believe Sepp Blatter always has had); 2) one or more people who are insecure in themselves and have found a niche for themselves in the world of global football administration - and are willing to spent money to retain that position.
If we look at the way in which the money has been pouring into the global game, it seems to have started in earnest shortly after Blatter took over from Havelange in 1988. This period has also seen many of the big clubs become heavily indebted as they been taken over by oil magnates, oligarchs, hedge funds, etc. and spend extortionate sums for - often - less than amazing players.
-
Surely the biggest temptation is the global appeal of football? To be associated with the world's 'beautiful game' - both massive corporations and nations will pay hugely for that especially if they think it will polish an otherwise dubious image. And if the people at the top are happy to take a bung to endorse them whilst ignoring human rights abuses etc, then these countries and organisations are happy to bung it. Birds of a morally bankrupt feather flock together.
-
Blatter has been provisionally suspended.
http://m.bbc.com/sport/football/34468663
-
Blatter has been provisionally suspended.
http://m.bbc.com/sport/football/34468663
Sam Allardyce for President!
-
Blatter has been provisionally suspended.
http://m.bbc.com/sport/football/34468663
Took 'em bloody long enough didn't it? And its only a recommendation!
And how much is Blatter going to pay the head of the Ethics Committee to not confirm it?