Qatar. WTF?

[Bench]

Russia will host the 2018 World Cup, edging out England, Iberia, and Benelux (minus the lux).

In more surprising news, tiny Qatar was picked to host the 2022 tournament over the U.S.

The Link

[MusicMan]

Just a terrible, terrible decision.

Qatar in summer will be a disaster, now matter how much a/c they are using.

And they just blocked themselves from China 2026, which would have also been wildly successful.

[MusicMan]

RT @sportsguy33:

Qatar needs to thank its special consultant for the 2022 WC bid: Cam Newton's father.

[Limey]

Qatar has average July temps pushing 120F.  They have a population of 600k.  They have never qualified for the World Cup.  They will build nine new stadia and renovate 3 others.  After the tournament, they will dismantle the new stadia and donate them to other countries in the region.

W...T...F...?!!!!


As for Russia, the press (mostly in England, to be honest) has already exposed the rank corruption in FIFA as regards the 2018 tournament.  Millions of dollars has been stuffed into back pockets of FIFA officials, including (to the surprise of no one) the delegate(s) from Nigeria.

[ETA Link]

[Bench]

Millions of dollars has been stuffed into back pockets of FIFA officials, including (to the surprise of no one) the delegate(s) from Nigeria.

Goddamn finance minister wasn't lying after all!

[Ron Brand]

Fucking soccer.

[Limey]

Fucking soccer.

It's the same shit pulled by MLB, the NBA and the NFL, just on a World stage.

[austro]

It's the same shit pulled by MLB, the NBA and the NFL, just on a World stage.

How so? I'm not following your logic.

[austro]

As for Russia, the press (mostly in England, to be honest) has already exposed the rank corruption in FIFA as regards the 2018 tournament.  Millions of dollars has been stuffed into back pockets of FIFA officials, including (to the surprise of no one) the delegate(s) from Nigeria.
[ETA Link]

Which is why FIFA gave England a big "fuck you" this morning and handed the tournament to the maybe-even-more-corrupt Russians.

[MusicMan]

Which is why FIFA gave England a big "fuck you" this morning and handed the tournament to the maybe-even-more-corrupt Russians.

Maybe?  You've got to get up in a time machine to out-corrupt the Russians.

[BizidyDizidy]

And Houston has such lovely summers

[MusicMan]

And Houston has such lovely summers

The average high temperature in Houston is 94 in July.  In Doha, it's 107.

[hostros7]

We also have a retractable roof.  I think SA-DFW-HOU would have been pretty sweet and provide amazing facilities as well.

[MusicMan]

Captain Obvious says:

Choosing Qatar and Russia is the biggest indictment possible that FIFA is not a clean organization.

[Limey]

How so? I'm not following your logic.

Maybe lobbing MLB in there was a little harsh, but the NFL lords it over cities over the award of the SuperBowl each year, and the NBA is WWE without spandex.

[Limey]

Which is why FIFA gave England a big "fuck you" this morning and handed the tournament to the maybe-even-more-corrupt Russians.

The point of the reports coming out of England was that we were already fucked, so it made no difference if we cried foul before or after today's charade.

FTR, I'm not mad that England didn't get it, I just detest the faux-democracy that FIFA tries to sell.

[ybbodeus]

Qatar has average July temps pushing 120F.  They have a population of 600k.  They have never qualified for the World Cup.  They will build nine new stadia and renovate 3 others.  After the tournament, they will dismantle the new stadia and donate them to other countries in the region.

W...T...F...?!!!!


As for Russia, the press (mostly in England, to be honest) has already exposed the rank corruption in FIFA as regards the 2018 tournament.  Millions of dollars has been stuffed into back pockets of FIFA officials, including (to the surprise of no one) the delegate(s) from Nigeria.

[ETA Link]

Does this mean we can expect a new theme on their spam emails?

[Limey]

Does this mean we can expect a new theme on their spam emails?

Well, there is at least one Nigerian who has a genuine need to launder a large sum of money through someone's bank account...

[Mr. Happy]

This goes in the category of "who gives a fuck?"

[Limey]

This goes in the category of "who gives a fuck?"

Then you won't want to listen to this.

[Don]

Can't wait to see how Qatar responds to the female Brazil/Uruguayan/Dutch fans.

They do know that a little bit of drinking happens at the WC, right?

[geezerdonk]

The average high temperature in Houston is 94 in July.  In Doha, it's 107.

Isn't it pretty much a push when you factor in humidity?

[rifraft]

Can't wait to see how Qatar responds to the female Brazil/Uruguayan/Dutch fans.

They do know that a little bit of drinking happens at the WC, right?

Lots of boners.  As for alcohol, they have already said they will relax their rules against drinking for the WC:

"Qatar also plans to allow alcohol consumption in fan zones and bathing suits to be worn at hotel pools."

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/200223/qatar-pulls-out-the-stops-in-bid-to-win-2022-world-cup


I am disappointed the US didn't get the '22 WC, but having said that, they do have some grand plans in Qatar:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-z2jtUS9-Y

[Ebby Calvin]

I am disappointed the US didn't get the '22 WC, but having said that, they do have some grand plans in Qatar:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-z2jtUS9-Y

That's pretty freaking cool.

[Bench]

That's pretty freaking cool.

I think the fifth stadium's 420,000 square foot media facade may be the final nail in chuck's coffin.

[EasTexAstro]

So, what time do I have to get up in the morning to see the games?

[chuck]

I think the fifth stadium's 420,000 square foot media facade may be the final nail in chuck's coffin.

Yeah, that'll be fantastic. I love how they trumpet that one of the facilities will be a short 30 minute water taxi ride from Bahrain! Outstanding news for those of us planning to spend the summer of 2022 in Bahrain. Get everyone in Bahrain on a water taxi and you could just about fill one of those stadiums.

[Limey]

Yeah, that'll be fantastic. I love how they trumpet that one of the facilities will be a short 30 minute water taxi ride from Bahrain! Outstanding news for those of us planning to spend the summer of 2022 in Bahrain. Get everyone in Bahrain on a water taxi and you could just about fill one of those stadiums.

You're missing the point.  Bahrain is where there's no restriction on booze or Russian hookers.

[CarolinaStro]

Both of these "votes", just led me to the realization that it is Brazil or bust for my dreams of attending a WC before death...I was hoping for England or Iberia in 18 and of course the US or even Austraila for 22.

Oh well, getting fucked up on a beach in Rio singing Ole!Ole!Ole! sounds like a proper plan anyways.

[chuck]

You're missing the point.  Bahrain is where there's no restriction on booze or Russian hookers.

Then why in the hell would anyone leave Bahrain to go sit beneath a 400 foot tall jumbotron and watch a bunch of socialists run around playing a game that everyone knows will end in a tie? Oh, I see. The water taxis will shuttle the Nigerian FIFA officials over TO Bahrain to give them a productive way to spend their bribe money. That makes sense.

[Limey]

Both of these "votes", just led me to the realization that it is Brazil or bust for my dreams of attending a WC before death...I was hoping for England or Iberia in 18 and of course the US or even Austraila for 22.

Oh well, getting fucked up on a beach in Rio singing Ole!Ole!Ole! sounds like a proper plan anyways.

It's China in 2026, but all expectations, so presumably it'll rotate to Europe again in 2030.  Unless, of course, the Sultan of Brunai wants to host the tournament for his own enjoyment.

[Limey]

Meanwhile, soccer announces officially that it is gay.

[MusicMan]

It's China in 2026, but all expectations, so presumably it'll rotate to Europe again in 2030.  Unless, of course, the Sultan of Brunai wants to host the tournament for his own enjoyment.

Can't be in China in 2026 with Qatar winning 2022.

[Limey]

Problem solved.  The Qatarians (or whatever the fuck they're called) have invented man-made clouds to shade the matches.  W...T...F...?

[austro]

I'm sure that nothing could go wrong with that scheme.

[Limey]

Next they will announce a manned mission to the sun.  But it's ok, they're going to go at night.

[Lurch]

Problem solved.  The Qatarians (or whatever the fuck they're called) have invented man-made clouds to shade the matches.  W...T...F...?

What else could possibly solve the problem of shading the sun and reducing heat during the day?  No, $500k per cloud seems to be a wise investment.

[Limey]

What else could possibly solve the problem of shading the sun and reducing heat during the day?  No, $500k per cloud seems to be a wise investment.

Exactly

[Gizzmonic]

What else could possibly solve the problem of shading the sun and reducing heat during the day?  No, $500k per cloud seems to be a wise investment.

Pssstt....hey Qatar?  We'll let you have the Astrodome for half that, if you pay shipping.

[austro]

What else could possibly solve the problem of shading the sun and reducing heat during the day?  No, $500k per cloud seems to be a wise investment.

I only hope that Sepp Blatter is still alive to watch the catastrophe that he set in motion unfold.

[Ebby Calvin]

Exactly

That's hilarious.

[Limey]

I only hope that Sepp Blatter is still alive to watch the catastrophe that he set in motion unfold.

I hope he is alive, sitting in the front row, sweating his fat, corrupt, Swiss arse off.

[MusicMan]

I hope he is alive, sitting in the front row, sweating his fat, corrupt, Swiss arse off.

Imagine that.  The Swiss taking money of ill repute and staying quiet about it.

[MRaup]

I'm sure that nothing could go wrong with that scheme.

Oh the huge manatee!

[VirtualBob]

That's hilarious.

+1

[Limey]

In related news, FIFA is holding an election for its President, between the aforementioned Swiss fat arse, and a Qatari challenger.  What a pair!

The English Football Association has stated today that it will vote for neither.  What a joke FIFA is.

[ybbodeus]

+1

Is it a Cub fan?

[94CougarGrad]

Maybe?  You've got to get up in a time machine to out-corrupt the Russians.

The ghost of Bukharin Lenin Trotsky Uncle Joe Stalin is unamused, comrade.

[austro]

In related news, FIFA is holding an election for its President, between the aforementioned Swiss fat arse, and a Qatari challenger.  What a pair!

The English Football Association has stated today that it will vote for neither.  What a joke FIFA is.

It keeps getting better and better.

[Limey]

It keeps getting better and better.

All on top of Saturday's showcase "Champions*" League final.  They are a joke.


* Moan Utd qualified for the tournament by finishing 2nd in the 2009-10 Premier League.  Seriously, this tournament used to be for league winners only, and it was a pure knockout format (over two legs).  Now a team can finish 4th in the Premier League, and qualify for the next season's "Champions" League, which is part knockout (to eliminate the minnows), part league (to line the pockets of the remaining clubs) and part knockout (to make the latter stages at least a little exciting).  It's arguably the most prestigious club trophy in the World, and it's poster child for milking revenues from the fans.

Then - just before the World/European Cup - someone will bleat about how the players are tired from too many games (usually someone English, after the national team has or is about to be embarrassed by the Pitcairn Islands).

I fucking hate Sepp Blatter and all his FIFA crooks.

[austro]

* Moan Utd qualified for the tournament by finishing 2nd in the 2009-10 Premier League.

I desperately want Barcelona to win by 4 or 5 goals. I don't quite understand my loathing for United, but I suppose it comes from the same place as my loathing of the Yankees. Aided by Rooney's churlishness.

[Limey]

I desperately want Barcelona to win by 4 or 5 goals. I don't quite understand my loathing for United, but I suppose it comes from the same place as my loathing of the Yankees. Aided by Rooney's churlishness.

In my case, it's the enemy of my enemy...

Hate Moan Utd, but for all Barca's pretty ticky-tacky passing style, they get Laker-style help from FIFA.

For non-aficionados, here's a song to listen out for tomorrow - regarding EPL Player of the Year Nemanje Vidic (pronounced Ner-man-yer Vid-itch):

(To the tune of "Volare")

Nemanje...oh-oh-oh-oh!
Nemanje...oh-oh-oh-oh!

He comes from Serbia!
He'll fucking murder ya!

(Repeat until bored)

[VirtualBob]

In my case, it's the enemy of my enemy...

Hate Moan Utd, but for all Barca's pretty ticky-tacky passing style, they get Laker-style help from FIFA.

For non-aficionados, here's a song to listen out for tomorrow - regarding EPL Player of the Year Nemanje Vidic (pronounced Ner-man-yer Vid-itch):

(To the tune of "Volare")

Nemanje...oh-oh-oh-oh!
Nemanje...oh-oh-oh-oh!

He comes from Serbia!
He'll fucking murder ya!

(Repeat until bored)

Could be a short song.

[austro]

From the side, Vidic looks like Pence. Especially when he's confused.

[Limey]

FIFA delegates fall into lock-step, taking Blatter's cock out of their mouths just long enough to spit at the English association.

England will never again host, or win*, a major tournament in soccer.  Hopefully the UK government will pull its subsidies; with everything else going on, giving money to these crooks is pointless and unpopular.


* Admittedly this won't be entirely the doing of FIFA.

[Limey]

...aaaaaaaand Blatter is re-elected.  208 delegates cast 203 votes, 186 of which were for Blatter.

[Texifornia]

Isn't it pretty much a push when you factor in humidity?

If anything Qatar is more humid than Houston. On my first trip to "the other Gulf" in Bahrain I stepped out of the airport at 1:00 A.M. and nearly hit the deck. It was 112 F and 95% humidity at that time.

If one goes inland into the Arabian desert just a few miles it becomes very dry, but on the Arabian Gulf (don't call it "Persian" Gulf on the west side) it is crazy hot and humid. I know Houstonians in al Khobar who send their families back home in July and August to escape the heat and humidity.

[Limey]

Sepp Blatter will not start 2022 Qatar World Cup probe

Hands up anyone who is surprised.  Anyone.   Anyone at all....

[austro]

Sepp Blatter will not start 2022 Qatar World Cup probe

Hands up anyone who is surprised.  Anyone.   Anyone at all....

That was the quid pro quo for bin Hammam (?) not continuing the push for an inquiry into Blatter.

[Bench]

That was the quid pro quo for bin Hammam (?) not continuing the push for an inquiry into Blatter.

Well, gosh.  That doesn't seem very honest at all.

[austro]

Well, gosh.  That doesn't seem very honest at all.

But at least it's transparent, so there's that.

[MusicMan]

That was the quid pro quo for bin Hammam (?) not continuing the push for an inquiry into Blatter.

And USA Soccer just bent over and took it.

[Limey]

...and now comes the purging.  Santa Blazer under investigation by FIFA.

[Limey]

Fat Fuck Blatter now saying that, because FIFA made the entirely self-enriching decision to put the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he wants to move it to "winter".

What a joke.

Still no solution to the whole alcohol, birching, hand-lopping issues of inviting the world to party in an Islamic theocracy.

[MusicMan]

How much did Winter donate to his favorite cause?

[Limey]

I have read recently where the EPL is cooling (get it?) on its objections to a winter finals tournament.  Really?  It's going to happen in Qatar, so best not to kill off any of your star players for the sake of hubris.

The same is not true of the poor fuckers who are building all the new infrastructure.  They have to work year round and are dropping like flies due to the heat.  Projections suggest that as many as four thousand workers may die by the time the job's done.

Four.  Thousand.  Dead.

[Bench]

I have read recently where the EPL is cooling (get it?) on its objections to a winter finals tournament.  Really?  It's going to happen in Qatar, so best not to kill off any of your star players for the sake of hubris.

The same is not true of the poor fuckers who are building all the new infrastructure.  They have to work year round and are dropping like flies due to the heat.  Projections suggest that as many as four thousand workers may die by the time the job's done.

Four.  Thousand.  Dead.

That's disgusting. 

[Limey]

That's disgusting. 

I am actually looking forward to the class action lawsuit to be filed against FIFA.

[MusicMan]

I am actually looking forward to the class action lawsuit to be filed against FIFA.

Silly Limey.  Like anyone will have legal standing in Qatar.

[Bench]

Silly Limey.  Like anyone will have legal standing in Qatar.

They will in Switzerland.

[Limey]

That's disgusting. 

So disgusting that it's overshadowing the fact that the same thing is happening in Brazil in advance of the 2014 finals.

[Matt]

So disgusting that it's overshadowing the fact that the same thing is happening in Brazil in advance of the 2014 finals.

There's a very short list of countries that should be allowed to host the World Cup. Other countries can up their game and get added to that list but not at the expense of human lives or their people.

[Limey]

A FIFA official is saying that the World Cup in Qatar - with its giant vagina stadium (see link) - being moved to winter is a done deal.

Confusion reigned at the top of football's world governing body after the Fifa general secretary, Jérôme Valcke, said that the 2022 World Cup will not be played in the summer months in Qatar.

"The dates of the World Cup will not be in June or July. I think it will be played between November 15 and January 15 the latest," he told France Inter Radio. "If you play between November 15 and, let's say, the end of December, it's the time when the weather is the most favourable.

"You play with a temperature equivalent to that of a rather hot spring in Europe, you play with a temperature of 25C, which is perfect to play football."

Valcke's comments appeared to catch his colleagues on the hop, with Jim Boyce, one of Fifa's vice-presidents, saying: "I'm totally, completely shocked.

FIFA: fucking up world football, one ignorant, incompetent, corrupt decision at a time.

[Navin R Johnson]

Hopefully some arctic blast hits and all the games look like US vs Costa Rica in Denver last year.

[austro]

A FIFA official is saying that the World Cup in Qatar - with its giant vagina stadium (see link) - being moved to winter is a done deal.

Not's so fast, my friend: FIFA: No decision on World Cup 2022. FIFA's left hand doesn't know what its right hand is doing? That's un-possible!

FIFA: fucking up world football, one ignorant, incompetent, corrupt decision at a time.

It's what they do.

[Limey]

Not's so fast, my friend: FIFA: No decision on World Cup 2022. FIFA's left hand doesn't know what its right hand is doing? That's un-possible!

It's one of those political "gaffes", where someone accidentally speaks the truth and then has to walk it back.  They've already decided to move it, but they wanted to make a show of including all the "stockholders" (i.e. sponsors and broadcasters) in the decision-making process.  That cat is out of the bag now.

A winter world cup fucks with a lot of things, from the Winter Olympics to the Champions League to the European transfer window.  It's a mess.

[Nate Colbert]

This report says 5,000 construction workers (more like slave laborers) will die in Qatar by the time work is completed over the next 8 years. Nearly 1,000 workers have already died (and that's the official figure from Qatar's own government investigation).

[Limey]

This report says 5,000 construction workers (more like slave laborers) will die in Qatar by the time work is completed over the next 8 years. Nearly 1,000 workers have already died (and that's the official figure from Qatar's own government investigation).

Meanwhile, Brazil is spending squillions on their stadiums while simultaneously killing and torturing its own people in advance of this summer's tournament.

These are ugly times for the beautiful game.

[Lefty]

These are ugly times for the beautiful game.

Who put Blatter in charge of this tragic farce (FIFA) and how do you get rid of him?

[Limey]

Who put Blatter in charge of this tragic farce (FIFA) and how do you get rid of him?

Anointed lunatics members of the asylum FIFA get to vote on who is their leader.

[austro]

Anointed lunatics members of the asylum FIFA get to vote on who is their leader.

In other words, it's a pyramid scheme.

[Limey]

So, FIFA appointed a former US Federal prosecutor to investigate the accusations of corruption in the bids for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup Finals, awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively.  This he did, spending two years doing it.  FIFA declined to issue his report - than ran to hundreds of pages - in full.  Instead, they had a German judge - Hans-Joachim Eckert - read Garcia's report, and write his own report on Garcia's report.  Amazingly, Eckert's report confirms no wrongdoing by FIFA, Russia or Qatar, but does throw the English FA under the bus.

Instantly, the cry of "BUUUUUUULLLSHIIIIIIIT!" went up.  Most notably from Garcia himself who said that Eckert's report "contains numerous materially incomplete and erroneous representations".

Meanwhile, the Russian FA hasn't paid the coaching staff of its national team since June, because it's broke.  I'm sure this will not impact the preparations for the 2018 finals, and it will all come together just fine...just like Sochi.

[Lefty]

Beer and gay fans:  probably ok in Quatar.  Maybe.

http://screamer.deadspin.com/qatar-sports-minister-says-he-probably-wont-imprison-ga-1657523135

[Limey]

Beer and gay fans:  probably ok in Quatar.  Maybe.

Gay fans aren't going to have much fun at the next two world cups.

[BizidyDizidy]

Gay fans aren't going to have much fun at the next two world cups.

...resisting inappropriate soccer joke...

[HudsonHawk]

Beer and gay fans:  probably ok in Quatar.  Maybe.

http://screamer.deadspin.com/qatar-sports-minister-says-he-probably-wont-imprison-ga-1657523135

Point of order:  Alcohol isn't illegal in Qatar.  I've have plenty of booze there.  There's just only one liquor store in the country, and you have to have a license to buy it.  And the only people who ever get the license are the big hotels.  And the airport.  You can get shitfaced at the airport, as well as on Qatar Airways. 

[Limey]

Well, it's happening.  FIFA's task force - tasked with finding a way out of a mess of FIFA's own creation - has recommended that the tournament be pushed back and held between late-November and late-December.  That fucks with the European tournaments, including the domestic leagues and UEFA's crown jewel Champions League, and no one knows how that will work out.  Clubs are already talking about requiring compensation, and FIFA has already had to give away the rights to televise the 2026 tournament in the U.S. to Fox and Telemundo, who were understandably unimpressed that their broadcasts of the 2022 World Cup will now be in direct competition with major league sports.

What I'm curious to see is whether Australia, the U.S. and Japan/Korea will sue.  They "lost" a bid to hold a summer tournament, which is now being moved to the winter.  Got to be a breach of the bidding contract there somewhere.

[Limey]

Shit is hitting fans all over the place now.  The US DOJ has issued warrants for a fistful of FIFA suits over bribery, corruption and racketeering; while the Swiss authorities are launching a criminal investigation into the awards of the 2018 and 2022 2021 World Cups.  The DOJ action appears to have real teeth and, let's face it, if they come for you, you're already fucked.  It remains to be seen if the Swiss action is genuine, or more cover for their homeboy Blatter.

All this is taking place on the cusp of  FIFA's latest sham election to re-anoint Blatter as the fat cat di tutti cati.  He, of course, thus far, being free from indictment, while expressing his shock...SHOCK...that there was gambling going on here bribery and corruption in FIFA.

The Swiss are already working on extradition to the US of the arrested FIFA suits.  Once that happens, the spineless toads will be in a race to sing the quickest and loudest to avoid the decades of jail time that is associated with the federal crimes of which they are accused.  There is a good chance that these are real rocks being turned over.

What happens to the 2018 and 2021 tournaments?  Anyone's guess at this point.  The runners up were Spain/Portugal and USA respectively.  I'm sure the US could be ready to host the 2022 event, but it might be a hard ask for Spain and Portugal to bootstrap the 2018 event at such short notice.  They do already have, I believe, sufficient large stadia to take it on without major infrastructure requirements, however.

[Uncle Charlie]

Shit is hitting fans all over the place now.  The US DOJ has issued warrants for a fistful of FIFA suits over bribery, corruption and racketeering; while the Swiss authorities are launching a criminal investigation into the awards of the 2018 and 2022 2021 World Cups.  The DOJ action appears to have real teeth and, let's face it, if they come for you, you're already fucked.  It remains to be seen if the Swiss action is genuine, or more cover for their homeboy Blatter.

All this is taking place on the cusp of  FIFA's latest sham election to re-anoint Blatter as the fat cat di tutti cati.  He, of course, thus far, being free from indictment, while expressing his shock...SHOCK...that there was gambling going on here bribery and corruption in FIFA.

I don't know the exact charges, but the is ripe for the long-armed Foreign Corrupt Practicies Act (FCPA).  It is not a law to be fucked with and has some serious teeth.  Basically, if the crime involved the USA in any form or fashion, including wired money that made its way through the US banking system even just in transit...you're screwed.

Also, there is no way that Blatter has deniability here.  Ask yourself, if you are a CEO and the main product of your business (World Cup) was sold corruptly and many of your key staff (VPs and Federation presidents) were performing corrupt practices...how are you not accountable?  Either (1) you were involved OR (2) you're incompetent for not managing your business properly.  What a farce.

[Limey]

I don't know the exact charges, but the is ripe for the long-armed Foreign Corrupt Practicies Act (FCPA).  It is not a law to be fucked with and has some serious teeth.  Basically, if the crime involved the USA in any form or fashion, including wired money that made its way through the US banking system even just in transit...you're screwed.

Wiring bribery funds through the US banking system is one of the the many crimes here.  So, yes, they're fucked.

Also, there is no way that Blatter has deniability here.  Ask yourself, if you are a CEO and the main product of your business (World Cup) was sold corruptly and many of your key staff (VPs and Federation presidents) were performing corrupt practices...how are you not accountable?  Either (1) you were involved OR (2) you're incompetent for not managing your business properly.  What a farce.

Exactly.  However, I'm sure that they went after the lieutenants to use them to build a case against Blatter.

[Limey]

Kelly Curries, the acting US attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said: “This is the beginning of our effort, not the end. We are looking into individuals and entities in a variety of countries.” There are 25 unnamed co-conspirators mentioned in the indictment, including people linked to the South Africa 2010 World Cup bid committee.

Link

[HudsonHawk]

Also, there is no way that Blatter has deniability here.  Ask yourself, if you are a CEO and the main product of your business (World Cup) was sold corruptly and many of your key staff (VPs and Federation presidents) were performing corrupt practices...how are you not accountable?  Either (1) you were involved OR (2) you're incompetent for not managing your business properly.  What a farce.

Whether he claims deniability or not, that's where the long arm of the Rackateer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) comes into play. 

[NeilT]

Now I know why Europeans love soccer.

[chuck]

There was a comment in a New York Times article that said something like If George Bush had invaded FIFA rather than Iraq he'd have avenues named after him in every European capital.

Most of the guys that were arrested this morning are CONCACAF people. (The Panamanian, Chaluja, incredibly, appears to be clean.) I suspect that they didn't round these idiots up in Miami like they certainly could have but waited until today in order to impact Friday's election.

I will be fascinated to see if FIFA changes the location of upcoming World Cups. The Iberian peninsula and the US could host the World Cup next month never mind years from now so any resistance to a location change should not be about logistics.

[Limey]

I will be fascinated to see if FIFA changes the location of upcoming World Cups. The Iberian peninsula and the US could host the World Cup next month never mind years from now so any resistance to a location change should not be about logistics.

I'm sure Russia and Qatar would put up quite a fight; the former perhaps literally.

[hostros7]

I'm sure Russia and Qatar would put up quite a fight; the former perhaps literally.

the 21st century's Franz Ferdinand


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BUWebguy]

I'm sure Russia and Qatar would put up quite a fight; the former perhaps literally.

Here we go:

"Russian President Vladimir Putin has come out swinging in defense of FIFA's embattled president and against U.S. authorities who've gone after soccer's powerful, polarizing governing body."
...
"The USA definitely (has) nothing to do with this," the Russian President said of FIFA, which is based in Switzerland. "This is yet another obvious attempt to spread their jurisdiction to other (countries)."

CNN article

[Limey]

Here we go:

"Russian President Vladimir Putin has come out swinging in defense of FIFA's embattled president and against U.S. authorities who've gone after soccer's powerful, polarizing governing body."
...
"The USA definitely (has) nothing to do with this," the Russian President said of FIFA, which is based in Switzerland. "This is yet another obvious attempt to spread their jurisdiction to other (countries)."

CNN article

Even Mr. Happy's sarc meter registered a blip on that one.  Putin accusing the US of expanding its jurisdiction...  I'll take "Shit you couldn't make up for $100".

[Limey]

Here's a handy infographic to show you who in the FIFA hierarchy has either plead guilty to corruption, been indicted for corruption or arrested for corruption.

To save you the time...it's everybody except Blatter.  He has to be next...right?

[Limey]

As an aside, that will shock ones of people, Nike are implicated in the circulation of brown paper bags.  The indictments reference an unnamed sportswear company that distributed "tens of millions of dollars" to get the sponsorship of the Brazil finals.  Nike got the sportswear sponsorship of the Brazil finals...and has issued "no comment" (rather than "not us").

But if Nike goes down, who will employ all those out of work children?

[Nate Colbert]

SEPPuku.

[Limey]

The shit washed up far too close to his front door.  The South African FA confirmed that it paid a $10 million bribe to win the hosting job for the 2010 World Cup finals, and they said it was authorised by FIFA.  The bribe went through the hands of former CONCACAF president and current cartoon character Jack Warner.

FIFA said the payment was authorized only by a guy who died last year...so nothing to see here, right?

This morning, a letter surfaced that showed the bribe to have been authorized by FIFA deputy and No. 2 to Dr. Evil Sepp Blatter, Jerome Valke.  As an aside, Valke had been due to attend the opening ceremonies of Women's Work Cup in Canada, but changed his plans at short notice - presumably for reasons other than the tournament's proximity to the U.S.  Shortly after the letter dropped, FIFA announced a press conference for later in the day, at which Blatter quit.

[Navin R Johnson]

Word leaking out that the FBI is now coming after Sepp. 

[Limey]

Word leaking out that the FBI is now coming after Sepp.

Was it anything like this?  I hope so.

[Limey]

Word leaking out that the FBI is now coming after Sepp.

Interpol are now pursuing some FIFA officials, including the amazing Jack Warner, as well as four sports marketing officials, for charges including racketeering, conspiracy and corruption.  #rico

[Limey]

Hitler reacts to Blatter's resignation.

[austro]

Hitler reacts to Blatter's resignation.

"It's ok. I won't let Silvio near you." Classic!

[Aussie Astro]

Word leaking out that the FBI is now coming after Sepp.

I find this somewhat curious, have they run out of crooks to chase in the US?

[NeilT]

I find this somewhat curious, have they run out of crooks to chase in the US?

It was down to ISIS or FIFA.

[HudsonHawk]

I find this somewhat curious, have they run out of crooks to chase in the US?

Is FIFA not crooked enough for you?

[VirtualBob]

I find this somewhat curious, have they run out of crooks to chase in the US?

The crooks are all in charge in the US. Gotta divert attention elsewhere.

[Aussie Astro]

Is FIFA not crooked enough for you?

I think FIFA could probably have taught Ned Kelly a thing or two but I am still not sure why it is the FBI that are after them.

[Navin R Johnson]

I think FIFA could probably have taught Ned Kelly a thing or two but I am still not sure why it is the FBI that are after them.

Because they broke US law?

[Lefty]

I think FIFA could probably have taught Ned Kelly a thing or two but I am still not sure why it is the FBI that are after them.

You should read up a little more on what's been going on.

[Aussie Astro]

Because they broke US law?

That sounds more like justification than motivation.

[HudsonHawk]

I think FIFA could probably have taught Ned Kelly a thing or two but I am still not sure why it is the FBI that are after them.

Because they committed wire fraud and racketeering in the US, and the FBI is the law enforcement agency that investigates those crimes.  Sounds like you're upset they've been caught and are being prosecuted.  Not sure how to respond to that.

[Aussie Astro]

Because they committed wire fraud and racketeering in the US, and the FBI is the law enforcement agency that investigates those crimes.  Sounds like you're upset they've been caught and are being prosecuted.  Not sure how to respond to that.

If you look at headlines in our press all you get is that a lot of people are under investigation for corruption.  If I cared anything at all about soccer or FIFA I expect I could find out the detail but I think that a lot of casual observers (like me) look at it and think the US would have bigger fish to fry.  At the end of the day, if it is proved that these people have committed crimes and get punished, fair enough.

[Limey]

That sounds more like justification than motivation.

They defrauded the U.S. Treasury out of tax revenue.  Game over.

[subnuclear]

If you look at headlines in our press all you get is that a lot of people are under investigation for corruption.  If I cared anything at all about soccer or FIFA I expect I could find out the detail but I think that a lot of casual observers (like me) look at it and think the US would have bigger fish to fry.  At the end of the day, if it is proved that these people have committed crimes and get punished, fair enough.

The FBI is a pretty large organization and these aren't particularly hard crimes to prosecute and keep from happening again as opposed to narco-trafficking or financial fraud or terrorism.

[HudsonHawk]

If you look at headlines in our press all you get is that a lot of people are under investigation for corruption.  If I cared anything at all about soccer or FIFA I expect I could find out the detail but I think that a lot of casual observers (like me) look at it and think the US would have bigger fish to fry.  At the end of the day, if it is proved that these people have committed crimes and get punished, fair enough.

In other words, people who don't know any better have uninformed opinions based on lazy information gathering.  How typical. 

[chuck]

There is surely an element of retribution involved in all of this but these guys plainly broke US law.

Why they weren't bright enough to avoid using their AOL accounts to arrange wire transfers through US banks I have no idea.

[Jacksonian]

Apparently they not only took bribes but gave bribes too.

[Limey]

Why they weren't bright enough to avoid using their AOL accounts to arrange wire transfers through US banks I have no idea.

They never thought they'd get caught because they never thought anyone would dare try.  For decades, they were right, too.

[Navin R Johnson]

Why they weren't bright enough to avoid using their AOL accounts to arrange wire transfers through US banks I have no idea.

Maybe because they aren't bright?

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/06/01/411210630/the-onion-strikes-again-indicted-ex-fifa-exec-quotes-satirical-article

[Aussie Astro]

In other words, people who don't know any better have uninformed opinions based on lazy information gathering.  How typical.

Absolutely typical.  People form opinions based on the facts at hand, perception and whatever baggage they carry around.  I expect that the stronger the feeling the more we dig for information, but some people don’t need much to form strong opinions.  It is the human condition, more information doesn’t necessarily lead to better understanding.  It is a good start but not guaranteed. I don’t have a strong opinion on this business yet, maybe I never will.

[HudsonHawk]

Absolutely typical.  People form opinions based on the facts at hand, perception and whatever baggage they carry around.  I expect that the stronger the feeling the more we dig for information, but some people don’t need much to form strong opinions.  It is the human condition, more information doesn’t necessarily lead to better understanding.  It is a good start but not guaranteed. I don’t have a strong opinion on this business yet, maybe I never will.

I just get annoyed by the passive-aggressive outrage at the US, as they've invaded the Crimea.  They're prosecuting federal crimes that occurred in the US.  Why do people see that as some sort of imperialistic power grab?

[Bench]

I just get annoyed by the passive-aggressive outrage at the US, as they've invaded the Crimea.  They're prosecuting federal crimes that occurred in the US.  Why do people see that as some sort of imperialistic power grab?

But we're not supposed to care about soccer!

[Limey]

Blatter has come out and said that the Russia and the U.S. were already picked for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups respectively.  Before the votes were taken.

Sepp then shits in a bag, lights it on fire and drops it on Michel Platini's doorstep; claiming that the only reason that Qatar came up as a venue for 2022 2021 was because the Frenchman started pushing for it on behalf of the French Government who had significant interest in making it happen.

So Platini's corruption trumped Blatter's corruption?  That's some powerful juice.