Fifa officials arrested in Zurich after dawn raid

[wigginhall]

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? 

[Rhiannon]

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.

[Hope]

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.

[jeremyp]

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

[Rhiannon]

Are all such organisations?

[Gordon]

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. 

[wigginhall]

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.

[Owlswing]

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?

[Hope]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33126284

FIFA's very own Farage?

[jeremyp]

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.

[BashfulAnthony]

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.

[Hope]

"I didn't resign" - Blatter

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

[Hope]

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?   

[Hope]

Who would favour Michel Platini as replacement boss of FIFA?

[cyberman]

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.

[jeremyp]

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?   

He's a liar.  What do you expect?

[Hope]

Breaking News:

Sepp Blatter questioned by Swiss officials

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34363289

[Hope]

Is it time for FIFA to be wrapped up and replaced with something like 'World Football'  (compare www.worldrugby.com)?

[Owlswing]

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!
 

[Hope]

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.

[jeremyp]

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.

[Hope]

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?

[Owlswing]

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  . . . .

[jeremyp]

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.

[Owlswing]

. . . 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!