It’s only a game…

Maybe it is just a game, but there are some who are making a lot of money individually off the sport. In case you haven’t been paying attention, Jack Warner (FIFA VP and CONCACAF Chief) is a crook. There’s plenty of evidence to at least instill some doubt about his actions.

However, he’s been sheltered for a long time.  His buddy, Sepp Blatter, has managed to make the bad stuff go away. There have been few to try and stand up to him…until now.

Why is it that the little guy is calling him out? None of the big guns (US, Mexico et al) seem to care. In some ways, that worries me. Are they in on the corruption? I hope not. How much are we, the fans, getting screwed by dishonest administration? Will/Can anyone step in and clean up this corruption? I love to watch soccer, but I hate to think its funding people like Warner.

Anyone still think FIFA bosses aren’t crooks?

Will this be the final proof needed?

‘Warner asked me to make a cheque out to his personal account. I said we don’t do that’

Too bad it’s more crooks who are covering up for people like Warner.  I thought FIFA’s goal was for the advancement of the sport, not their bank accounts.

FIFA does it again

This time FIFA has managed to get itself in a bit of trouble. It turns out their signing Visa as a new sponsor (partner) breached their existing agreement with MasterCard. This is being reported only a couple of days after another black eye they gave themselves.

What I find really bad about this whole thing is their attitude about this.

While the FIFA witnesses at trial boldly characterized their breaches as “white lies,” “commercial lies,” “bluffs,” and, ironically, “the game,” their internal emails discuss the “different excuses to give to MasterCard as to why the deal wasn’t done with them,” “how we (as FIFA) can still be seen as having at least some business ethics” and how to “make the whole f***-up look better for FIFA.” They ultimately confessed, however, that “[I]t’s clear somebody has it in for MC.”

But what do you do? The whole organization is run but shady people and as far as I know there’s nothing which can be done to change that. We are stuck with more of this.

…and these guys run the sport

At this point, I want someone at FIFA headquarters to explain why anyone should take any of the FIFA leadership seriously. In it’s infinate wisdom, FIFA doesn’t even give Jack Warner a slap on the wrist.

What was the crime? He (or rather his son with the help of the famly Travel Company) resold World Cup tickets well above face value breaking FIFA rules on the practice.

However, all Sepp Blatter(ed) could say was…

“The committee expressed its disapproval…drawing attention to the fact that Mr Warner should be more cautious and prudent.”

In other words, don’t get caught next time you idiot.