FIFA Scandal

In a world where you could use the line from Hogan’s Hero’s and the inept Sgt Han’s Schultz, “I see nothing” is rather fitting for this world’s governing body for Soccer is in shambles.

Following the recent election of governing body it’s ironic that there has been much talk about corruption, it all comes to an end and it’s long overdue.

As (probably) the biggest news story of the year was breaking, the journalist, Andrew Jennings’s that was responsible was asleep, unaware of the “stir’ he had caused.

He was the man who set the investigation in motion, with a book written in 2006 called “FOUL! The Secret World of FIFA: Bribes, Vote Rigging and Ticket Scandals,”

This was followed by a story that was aired on the BBC’s “Panorama” program (also in 2006) and then another book written in 2014, called “Omerta: Sepp Blatter’s FIFA Organised Crime Family.”

Swiss police had just launched a startling raid on a luxury hotel in Zurich, arresting seven top FIFA officials and charging them and others with running a $150 million racket.

Everyone had thought that the world of Soccer or FIFA was corrupt, but it wasn’t until Jennings focused on the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), international soccer’s governing body.

Other journalists were watching and reporting several storylines, while Jennings was digging into the dirty deals underpinning the world’s most popular game.

The documents clearly outlined the incredible lavishness of FIFA’s executive committee, especially Blatter, and it was reported that Blatter had been paying himself a secret, six-figure bonus.

“In Herr Blatter’s case, he has to buy a private jet out of Zurich, even if he was going shopping at the local mall, he’d probably hire one,” Jennings said. “He’s got to be given constant evidence that he’s a powerful, important person. So the big Mercedes taking him to the private jet engine at the Zurich airport is what sustains him.”

Blatter threatened to sue Jennings for defamation of character, presumerably with the assistance of a California defamation lawyer, but Jennings kept digging into the president and the rest of his fellow FIFA executives.

As quick as the raid started it was over as in a matter of minutes, seven current FIFA executives – including its vice president, CONCACAF chief Jeffrey Webb – were arrested and charged with racketeering, bribery, money laundering and fraud.

Seven other men, including former FIFA No. 2 Jack Warner, were also indicted in a Brooklyn federal court.

A short four days after being re-elected, it was announced that he (Blatter) would be stepping down as President of FIFA.

A special election will be called later this year. “It is my deep care for FIFA and its interests, which I hold very dear, that has led me to take this decision,”

While everyone is clearly speculating, one has to wonder how far this has actually gone and what other Countries are involved in this scandal.

The legacy dies, while the game struggles and one must ponder if this goes as deep as minor soccer?

Will we ever know?