Fifa officials arrested in Zurich after dawn raid

[Hope]

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.

[Owlswing]

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!

[Hope]

. . . 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?

[jeremyp]

. . . 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.

[Hope]

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.

[Owlswing]

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."

[Hope]

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.

[Rhiannon]

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.

[ad_orientem]

Blatter has been provisionally suspended.

http://m.bbc.com/sport/football/34468663

[jeremyp]

Blatter has been provisionally suspended.

http://m.bbc.com/sport/football/34468663

Sam Allardyce for President!

[Owlswing]

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?