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Offline asylumseeker

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #30 on: December 18, 2014, 05:04:12 PM »
I haven't been looking closely, but anybody know about Platini's record when it comes to corruption in FIFA?

Why didn't Platini challenge Blatter? Why did he take a step back?

On the surface, he has the veneer of no taint ...

His son works for Qatari interests and while this hasn't captured the attention of the popular press, I gather it raised a question regarding influence and the vote in Qatar's favour.

Offline ANC2

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #31 on: December 18, 2014, 06:10:26 PM »
I haven't been looking closely, but anybody know about Platini's record when it comes to corruption in FIFA?

Why didn't Platini challenge Blatter? Why did he take a step back?

On the surface, he has the veneer of no taint ...

His son works for Qatari interests and while this hasn't captured the attention of the popular press, I gather it raised a question regarding influence and the vote in Qatar's favour.

Platini in the best place right now. Why move to FIFA? Europe dominates all football. Money galore, Best organization bar none, best Leagues, best competitions yearly.

Offline Spursy

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #32 on: December 19, 2014, 11:40:07 AM »
Statement from the FIFA President on the 2018/2022 bid process investigation

Based on the recommendation from Domenico Scala, the independent Audit and Compliance Committee Chairman, I have asked the FIFA Executive Committee to vote in favour of the publication of the 2018/2022 inquiry report by the investigatory chamber. The FIFA Executive Committee unanimously agreed to ask the Adjudicatory Chamber of the independent Ethics Committee to publish the report in an appropriate form once the ongoing procedures against individuals are concluded. I am pleased they have agreed. It has been a long process to arrive at this point and I understand the views of those who have been critical. We have always been determined that the truth should be known. That is, after all, why we set up an independent Ethics Committee with an investigatory chamber that has all necessary means to undertake investigations on its own initiative. At the same time we also need to remember that while the report is complete, the investigations flowing from it are not. We must ensure that we do not jeopardise those investigations and the proceedings against various individuals already initiated by the independent Ethics Committee. Participants in the investigation also deserve to have their rights respected.

It is clear that while a summary of the report was issued, the publication of this report has become a barrier to rebuilding public confidence and trust in FIFA. Part of this is due to the fact that we have been deliberate in the way that we have moved through the process. We need to ensure that we respect the rules of our organisation and that we do not breach confidentiality in a way that will prevent people from speaking out in the future.

Now it is important that the work of the Ethics Committee continues and that any instances of wrongdoing are fully investigated and their perpetrators pursued and sanctioned. I have been informed that various cases against individuals for alleged rule violations have been opened by the investigatory chamber and are currently under review by the adjudicatory chamber. The organisation fully supports the rigorous pursuit of these cases. And, while FIFA as an organisation does not have prosecutorial powers, we have provided information and the full report from Mr. Garcia to the Swiss General Attorney’s Office and have pledged our cooperation.

But the report is about history and I am focused on the future. We will not revisit the 2018 and 2022 vote and a report by independent, external legal experts commissioned by Mr. Scala supports the view that there are no legal grounds to revoke the Executive Committee’s decision on the award of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. We are already in the process of incorporating recommendations made by independent experts including the Ethics Committee for how the FIFA World Cup selection process can be improved so that everyone can be confident that the 2026 bidding process will be fair, ethical and open.

The work over the past two years of the investigatory committee led by Mr. Garcia has played a valuable role in ensuring that FIFA rules are upheld and has resulted in a series of sanctions against individuals. Although we are disappointed that our work with Mr. Garcia has ended this way, I want to make it clear that our commitment to ethical standards is stronger than ever. As such I am pleased that the FIFA Executive Committee today appointed Cornel Borbély as acting Chairman of the investigatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee. Mr. Borbély will be responsible for leading the ongoing procedures and ensuring that they are pursued to the fullest extent.

Mr. Borbély is an outstanding lawyer, an expert in forensics who also plays a key legal role in the Swiss military. He has worked closely with Michael Garcia as his deputy and his appointment ensures consistency and quality in the investigatory chamber’s ongoing proceedings. Mr. Borbély serves pending the election of a new chairman, which will take place at the FIFA Congress’s next session on 29 May 2015 in Zurich.

Offline Spursy

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #33 on: December 19, 2014, 11:42:27 AM »
Ethics: Executive Committee unanimously supports recommendation to publish report on 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup™ bidding process

Chaired by FIFA President Blatter, the FIFA Executive Committee today completed its last meeting of the year in Marrakech, on the eve of the final of the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup.

The Executive Committee unanimously supported the recommendation expressed by the chairman of the independent Audit and Compliance Committee Domenico Scala in his report to the Executive Committee today that the chairmen of the Ethics Committee (both chambers) publish the report on the inquiry into the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup™ Bidding Process prepared by the investigatory chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee.

The Executive Committee stressed that such a publication must of course fully adhere to the provisions of the FIFA Code of Ethics (FCE), notably the obligation of confidentiality (art. 36 of the FCE).

It also recommended that such a publication should only occur after cases against individuals have been concluded, as also recommended by Mr Scala.

Furthermore, the Executive Committee took note of Domenico Scala’s report and legal opinion regarding the 2 December 2010 decisions (i.e. the vote for the hosts of the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups™), notably that “the members of the FIFA Executive Committee – given the findings of the report of the chairman and deputy chairman of the investigatory chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee on the inquiry into the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup™ Bidding Process – do not have to revoke the decisions taken by the Executive Committee on 2 December 2010.”

The Executive Committee also welcomed the recommendations of the Ethics Committee, supported by the independent Audit and Compliance Committee chairman, regarding future bidding processes, with the aim now being to focus on the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.

Following the resignation of the chairman of the investigatory chamber of the Ethics Committee, Michael J. Garcia, the Executive Committee appointed the current deputy, Cornel Borbély, to chair the chamber until the next FIFA Congress in May 2015.

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™
The Executive Committee approved the tournament dates, with the opening game to be played on14 June and the final on 15 July 2018. The FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 will kick off on 17 June and end on 2 July 2017.

It also agreed that the AFC and CONCACAF could start their preliminary competitions prior to the Preliminary Draw (scheduled to take place in St Petersburg on 25 July 2015), with the first games kicking off in March next year.

Furthermore, thanks to the good financial results of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, a proposal from the Finance Committee for each member association to receive a contribution of USD 300,000 to the costs of qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ – subject to audit – was approved.

2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™
The Executive Committee confirmed that the dates of the competition would be decided at their next meeting in March 2015. The Task Force for the International Match Calendar 2018-2024 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™, which is chaired by AFC President Shk. Salman bin Ebrahim al Khalifa, will hold its next meeting in Doha on 23 February.

Regarding the issue of labour rights in Qatar, the Executive Committee confirmed its strong support for the creation of an independent body – as recommended in the relevant DLA Piper report – to oversee the implementation of the reform programme in the country. It also mandated FIFA President Blatter, with Dr Theo Zwanziger, to discuss this issue with the political authorities of the country and make sure that FIFA was represented on this body.

Israel-Palestine
The Executive Committee heard a detailed report from Cyprus FA President Costakis Koutsokoumnis, who was appointed to observe the implementation of the approved parameters concerning the movement of players and officials into, out of, and within Palestine (see FIFA circular 1385). While the report expressed its satisfaction on the progress achieved during the last six months, it also stressed that FIFA’s ultimate objective was the full implementation of circular 1385 – which had not yet been achieved – as soon as possible. As a result, the Executive Committee clearly expects the pace of implementation to accelerate during the coming months. In order to further improve the situation, the Executive Committee has decided to invite the DCO (Palestinian District Coordination Offices) and COGAT (Israeli Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories) to participate in the working group together with the Palestinian FA, the Israel FA and FIFA, in order to ensure full implementation of the said circular.

Furthermore, FIFA President Blatter stated: “I condemn the recent raid on the offices of the Palestinian Football Association. Such actions are not only a blow for the international football community but it also puts the whole process at risk. Football shall unite. I encourage the Palestinian FA to continue its successful work for football in Palestine, which culminated with their qualification for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup.”

Regarding other FIFA member associations, the following decisions were taken:

 - Cyprus: the Executive Committee commended and expressed its support for the considerable efforts of the President of the Cyprus Turkish Football Association (CTFA) relating to the arrangement signed by the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) and the CTFA last year aiming to unify and facilitate the progress of football within the football communities on the island of Cyprus. It called upon the CTFA to apply for membership of the CFA as soon as possible.

 - Togo (FTF): appointment of a normalisation committee to revise the FTF statutes and to organise elections by 30 November 2015 at the latest

 - Iraq: independent group to travel to Iraq with FIFA Vice-President HRH Prince Ali bin al Hussein to assess the security situation in view of the possibility of international matches being played there

- Ratification of the recent decisions of the FIFA Emergency Committee on the situation in Maldives and Cameroon.

Third-party ownership of players’ economic rights
Following its decision of general principle that third-party ownership of players’ economic rights (TPO) shall be banned with a transitional period, the Executive Committee approved the following measures:

 - The ban will come into force on 1 May 2015

 - Existing agreements shall continue to be in place until their contractual expiry

 - New agreements made between 1 January and 30 April 2015 will be subject to a time limit (one year maximum)

Protection of minors
In order to strengthen the protection of minors and due to the increased number of international transfers of players younger than 12, the Executive Committee has approved a reduction in the age limit for which an international transfer certificate (ITC) is required to the age of 10.

Fight against Ebola
The Executive Committee commended the “11 against Ebola” campaign supported by top international players, FIFA, CAF and the World Bank to support the fight against the current Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

Other decisions:

 - FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ : approval of an increase by 50% of the prize money (from USD 10 million in 2011 to USD 15 million for the 2015 edition), with USD 2 million for the winning team

- FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017: appointment of the Bahamas as hosts

 - Refereeing: regarding the age limit for FIFA international referees, the Executive Committee approved the proposal from the Referees Committee that every FIFA referee over the age of 45 shall be carefully evaluated by the Referees Committee every year according to technical assessments, medical examinations and fitness tests

- Futsal: approval of the 2016-2020 Futsal International Match Calendar

The next meeting of the FIFA Executive Committee will be held in Zurich on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 March 2015.

Offline Spursy

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #34 on: December 19, 2014, 11:45:29 AM »
FIFA will not reopen World Cup votes, agree to release Garcia report
Defiantly declaring that FIFA is no longer in crisis, Sepp Blatter said Friday the decision to hold the next two World Cups in Russia and Qatar won't be revoked and the governing body will publish a confidential probe into the process that picked those countries as hosts.
The decision by the FIFA executive committee to publish ethics investigator Michael Garcia's report, with witnesses' names taken out, is aimed at lifting the cloud of suspicion that has dogged the 2018 and 2022 tournaments in Russia and Qatar and the December 2010 vote that sent the World Cup to those countries for the first time.
Blatter said only if major new evidence of bidding irregularity comes to light could those votes be reconsidered.
''There is no reason to say that our decisions were wrong. So we will go on sticking to our decisions,'' Blatter said, speaking through a translator. ''There must be huge upheaval, new elements must come to the fore, in order to change this.''
The 78-year-old Blatter, who is seeking a fifth term as president, said the decisions by the FIFA executive committee will allow the governing body to move on from four years of controversy.
''We have been in a crisis,'' Blatter said. ''The crisis has stopped because we again have the unity in our government.''
All 25 voting members of the executive committee, including three of them placed under investigation by Garcia before he suddenly resigned in protest this week, agreed that the findings of the American lawyer's two-year probe into the 2018 and 2022 voting should be published, Blatter said.

http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/fifa-agree-to-publish-appropriate-parts-of-garcia-world-cup-report-121914

Offline Flex

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #35 on: December 22, 2014, 06:40:55 AM »
Fifa and Sepp Blatter in secret talks about president's future
Richard Conway BBC RADIO 5 LIVE SPORTS NEWS CORRESPONDENT


Secret talks between Fifa officials and Sepp Blatter have taken place over his future as the president of football's world governing body, BBC Sport has learned.

The discussions, involving representatives from a number of football confederations, are understood to have started in October 2013, at the celebrations for the English Football Association's 150th anniversary.

Blatter has since confirmed his intention to stand in May's presidential election and seek a fifth term of office.

However, with the 29 January deadline looming for candidates to declare their interest, there is mounting concern amongst several Fifa executives over the governing body's future direction and leadership.

Speaking in Manilla earlier this month, Blatter reaffirmed he has support from five of the six confederations that constitute Fifa.

But BBC Sport has been told the recent crisis within the governing body, stemming from an investigation into alleged World Cup bidding corruption that culminated last week in the resignation of ethics committee investigator Michael Garcia, could yet have far-reaching effects.

Garcia quit citing a lack of independence in Fifa's judicial processes and his belief the organisation's culture was beyond reform.

Speaking to BBC Sport, one source described 78-year-old Blatter as being increasingly "weary" following years of fire-fighting multiple scandals, a hectic work schedule and the acrimonious fall-out from the decision to award the next two World Cups to Russia and Qatar.

Fifa sources have also spoken of how, in light of recent events, a number of potential challengers are now weighing their candidacy options.

Blatter on 2022 World Cup:
"It would really need an earthquake, extremely important new elements, to go back on this World Cup in Qatar."

The question being posed within Fifa circles is whether Blatter, if he opts to stand aside ahead of May's election, would back the candidacy of one of the five publicly supportive confederation presidents.

Uefa, the European confederation, remains the most vocal critic of Blatter's desire to continue on as president.

European football association chiefs, including FA chairman Greg Dyke, told Blatter he should stand aside for the good of the sport during a stormy meeting in Sao Paulo in June.

Yet Uefa has yet to propose a candidate of its own, with president Michel Platini ruling himself out of the running in July.

Fifa executive committee member Prince Ali of Jordan is understood to be one potential candidate Uefa would consider supporting.

However, given that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), under the leadership of Shaikh Salman of Bahrain, has declared strong support for Blatter, it is thought he would struggle to secure the necessary votes to win.

In addition, Ali is facing his own fight to remain a Fifa executive, with AFC elections looming, and may yet choose to focus his attention on that objective instead.

He is not expected to announce his decision until late January and declined to comment last week when asked if he would stand.
With former Fifa official Jerome Champagne the only other person to publicly state his wish to be on the presidential ballot paper, attention amongst Fifa insiders is starting to turn to Jeffrey Webb.

He was appointed president of Concacaf, the football confederation for North, Central America and the Caribbean, in 2012 in the wake a major financial scandal involving the former Fifa vice-presidents Chuck Blazer and Jack Warner.

Since then, he has stabilised the organisation's finances and has led Fifa's anti-discrimination taskforce, which has introduced tough new sanctions for racism offences within the game.

Webb has stated he does not intend to run for the presidency in 2015, with the expectation amongst observers that he intends to target the 2019 poll instead.

But as the pressure on Blatter continues to build, and given the recent haemorrhaging of Fifa's credibility, Webb is believed to be considering his options.

He is thought to be undecided over whether now is the right time to attempt to seize power.

Blatter has praised Webb in the past, lavishing praise on his efforts to reform Caribbean football at a Concacaf conference last year.

Shaikh Salman is another name thought to be under discussion amongst insiders, along with Fifa general secretary, Jerome Valcke, as candidates Blatter could potentially accept as a successor.

With five weeks to go until the deadline for presidential candidates to formally declare their candidacy, it is thought Blatter's actions in Marrakech last week, where he backed the redacted publication of the Garcia report once current investigations have concluded, has provided him with sufficient political breathing space to make it onto the list of nominees.

But the man who has led Fifa since 1998 was far from convincing about his candidacy when asked last week by BBC Sport if he would categorically run.

"We will see on 1 February who are the candidates for the election," he said.

"Probably you will see my name there because I've been asked by a lot of national associations to do so. But let me pass Christmas, or let's say the fiestas at the end of the year, and give me then the opportunity to say: 'Yes I will be present.'"

Blatter has also spoken about the "health and good luck" he would need to stand, comments seen by some within Fifa as a sign he may yet choose to stand aside.

Fifa executives are also thought to fear that any further serious allegations in the next few months against the organisation could seriously destabilise world football.

Reports of an FBI investigation concerning Fifa, or the prospect of action by other foreign law enforcement agencies, has led some to believe there should now be an orderly transfer of power.

The possibility of the Garcia report being published in April or May - and the conclusion of disciplinary cases against three serving Fifa executives - is seen by some as a potential opportunity for Blatter to depart under the claim he instigated and completed a thorough reform process.

A valedictory review by Fifa of his time in charge of world football would also allow Blatter to enter retirement basking in the glow of taking the World Cup to new countries, highlight his work with football associations in conflict zones such as Israel and Palestine and showcase how football has risen in recent decades to be the world's most popular sport.

But should Blatter decide to stay and fight for a fifth term, his opponents are growing in confidence that the right candidate could garner the necessary global support to defeat him.

A majority of 50% of the 209 Fifa member associations plus one additional vote is required to claim victory in the Fifa presidential election.

Four years of controversy
2 December, 2010 - Russia and Qatar chosen to host 2018 and 2022 World Cups
4 October, 2013 - Fifa agrees to set up taskforce to look into alternative dates for 2022 World Cup in Qatar
1 June, 2014 - Sunday Times alleges ex-Fifa vice-president Mohamed bin Hammam paid £3m to football officials in return for supporting Qatari bid
5 September, 2014 - Report into 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding process submitted to Fifa by Michael Garcia
13 November, 2014 - Fifa releases 42-page summary of Garcia report which clears Russia and Qatar of corruption
13 November, 2014 - Garcia claims summary of his report is "materially incomplete" and contains "erroneous representations"
20 November, 2014 - Garcia and Fifa ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert agree to release full report to organisation's compliance chief, Domenico Scala
16 December, 2014 - Fifa deems Garcia's complaint against Eckert's summary of his report is "not admissible"
17 December, 2014 - Garcia quits as independent chairman of the Fifa Ethics Committee's Investigatory Chamber
19 December, 2014 - Fifa agrees to release full Garcia report
The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Spursy

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #36 on: December 23, 2014, 01:33:03 PM »
Football and the power of a handshake
One hundred years ago on Christmas Day, soldiers in the First World War laid down their weapons to play football in no man’s land.

It was a remarkable gesture of humanity amid the squalid nightmare of trench warfare.

Today, FIFA remembers and pays tribute to those young men who shook hands and kicked a ball across the frozen earth.

Our social campaign with the Nobel Peace Center, the Handshake for Peace, has its roots in that day of calm in 1914, when hope and friendship triumphed briefly over war.

The Handshake for Peace campaign encourages players and officials to treat each other with respect and fairness in keeping with the traditional spirit of football. In turn, the campaign is intended to set an example to others and to promote peace and solidarity around the world.

FIFA believes football is a game for everyone that brings people of all walks of life and nations together; where all who play football are equals.

If soldiers on opposing sides in war can shake hands, today’s players – in the heat of their own battles on the pitch – can show each other a similar respect, regardless of the result of a match or any decisions that did not go their way.

Protecting and promoting this spirit of fair play and respect is essential for the future of football and a core duty of FIFA, as the global guardian of the game.

FIFA has made the Handshake for Peace an integral part of all of our international competitions. Players and officials shake hands and exchange Handshake for Peace pennants before and after each match.

The campaign was a success during the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil, where the Handshake for Peace and its message of hope was transmitted around the globe from the unique and powerful platform of the world’s biggest single-sport event.

The global football community will continue to embrace this campaign to encourage respect and solidarity within the game.

As those soldiers from the First World War showed us, the simple gesture of a handshake and the power of football can create a powerful symbol of peace and understanding today.
« Last Edit: December 23, 2014, 02:05:46 PM by FF »

Offline Spursy

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #37 on: December 31, 2014, 02:44:56 PM »
Gone but not forgotten
(FIFA.com) Wednesday 31 December 2014


A number of historic figures from the worldwide family of football passed away in 2014, as a year that served up so many wonderful memories also delivered much in the way of painful moments. The list of iconic names to have left us in the last 12 months includes former players, such as revered duo Alfredo Di Stefano and Eusebio, and football officials, with the game having also mourned Julio Humberto Grondona, President of the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) and Senior Vice-President of FIFA.

The death which shook the football world the most, however, was surely that of Tito Vilanova, who bravely led Barcelona to a record Liga title win before succumbing to illness just seven months later on 25 April 2014, at the age of 45.

Players
Legendary forward Alfredo Di Stefano died shortly after his 88th birthday, suffering a heart attack in Madrid, not far from the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu where he spent his finest years on the pitch with Real Madrid. An honorary president at the club and considered 'the best player in the world' by Los Merengues' faithful, he left an indelible imprint on the global game. "All the openings that exist now for Latin American players at European clubs were created thanks to the work of Alfredo Di Stefano," said Pele in a homage to his fellow great.

Fans of the global game also said goodbye to another indisputable legend in Portugal striker Eusebio da Silva Ferreira, the 'Black Panther' having died of heart failure aged 71. Top marksman at the 1966 FIFA World Cup™ with nine strikes, Eusebio remains the all-time record goalscorer for Lisbon giants Benfica. "Football has lost a fantastic forward who fully deserves his place alongside the greatest players of all time," commented FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.

The goalkeeping fraternity was particularly affected this year as well, with the game losing former Belgian international and Standard Liege stalwart Jean Nicolay at the age of 76 and 88-year-old Gyula Grosics, who represented Hungary 86 times between 1947 and 1962. Meanwhile, France bade farewell to a pair of custodians in the space of just two days in Georges Lamia, 73, and Rene Llense, the oldest living French international until his death aged 100.

Numerous other former stars featured in the obituary columns during 2014, including 46-year-old midfielder Klas Ingesson, who played 57 times for Sweden and helped his country finish third at the 1994 World Cup. Ingesson's death came just weeks after he had stepped down as coach of Elfsborg. Football also mourned one of the greatest forwards ever to turn out for Yugoslavia in Milan Galic, 76, the Serbian having plundered 37 goals in 51 international appearances between 1959 and 1965.

There was much sadness too after the death of former France midfielder Jean-Jacques Marcel, 83, who won 44 caps and took part in the 1954 and 1958 World Cups, while Belarus lost Valentin Belkevich at 41 years of age and with 56 caps under his belt along with 70 goals in 317 outings for Dynamo Kyiv. Elsewhere, Richard Durr passed away at the age of 75, his 29 Switzerland games comprising matches at the 1962 and 1966 World Cup finals, and Brazil said goodbye to 83-year-old Hilderaldo Luiz Bellini, who captained a Seleção side featuring a young Pele to World Cup glory in 1958.

Nor can we forget the former Portugal captain and team-mate of Eusebio Mario Coluna, who died aged 78, and ex-defender Philippe Mahut, the 57-year-old having served on the French Football Federation's national ethics council. In addition, Mohamed Salah Jedidi, who appeared 40 times for Tunisia, passed away on the day of his 76th birthday, while there was sombre news too concerning his compatriot, Tahar Chaibi, 68, plus the first Togolese player to ply his trade abroad, Wazo Kossi Denke, who died aged 55 after collecting 70 caps.

Sadly, accidents and tragedies of one kind or another claimed several lives as well. That was true of 36-year-old Brazilian forward Fernando Lucio da Costa, better known as Fernandao, who fell victim to a helicopter accident. As for South Africa captain Senzo Meyiwa, 27, he was shot to death in his own home, while former Dynamo Kyiv midfielder Andriy Husin, who disputed 71 matches for Ukraine, was killed at the age of 41 in a motorcycle accident.

Coaches
Along with Tito Vilanova, who died of cancer of the parotid gland, Spanish football lost another major coach this year in Luis Aragones. The man whose name will forever be associated with Atletico Madrid passed on aged 75, having been one of the key architects of Spain's rise to prominence by introducing the tiki-taka style that helped La Roja conquer all-comers until very recently.

Also in the managerial realm, there was cause to reflect on the achievements of former Yugoslavia and Madrid boss Vujadin Boskov, a fine player in his own right who died at the age of 83, and Richard Moller Nielsen, 76, who memorably led Denmark to a shock victory at UEFA EURO 1992.

Officials
Julio Humberto Grondona, who died aged 82 in July, was President of the AFA but also a member of FIFA's Executive Committee from 1988 onwards and President of FIFA's Finance Committee.

Lastly, a pair of notable club presidents passed away in 2014: Malcolm Glazer, the 85-year-old American owner of Manchester United, and Said Fakhri, 77, the Senegalese owner of French side Cannes.

This list is naturally, and regrettably, far from exhaustive, but as the year draws to a close, FIFA.com would like to pay our respects to all the devotees of the game who left us in 2014.

Offline Brownsugar

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Campaign for a new FIFA
« Reply #38 on: January 08, 2015, 05:25:08 AM »
Got this in my inbox this morning from the New FIFA Media Office....eh sure how dey get mih email address......I was hacked!!  ;D

Media Release: January 8, 2015

CAMPAIGN FOR A NEW FIFA NOW

Summit in Brussels to discuss how to make it happen

Football players and fans who are concerned with how world football's governing body, FIFA, is run have been invited to join a peoples' campaign for a new FIFA.

The campaign will kick-off at a Summit to be held at the European Parliament in Brussels on January 21st that will be attended by FIFA Presidential candidate, Jerome Champagne; the man who led the technical inspection team for the 2018/2022 World Cup Bids, Harold Mayne-Nicholls; the former Chairman of the England Bid and the English FA, Lord David Triesman, as well as other high profile football identities.

"People have had enough," said British MP, Damian Collins, who has been one of the most vocal critics of FIFA's management and governance practices.

"I speak to amateur and professional players, fans, and mums and dads whose children play and love the game. It has reached the stage where FIFA is a laughing stock.

"We all love the game. But we all detest how it's run."

Collins said the Brussels Summit is the first vital step in making a new FIFA a reality.

It's also the first of its kind where politicians, players, fans and corporations will come together in a campaign for change.

Champagne, Mayne-Nicholls and Triesman will be joined by co-hosts, European MPs Ivo Belet of Belgium and Emma McClarkin of England, as well as British MPs Gerry Sutcliffe, John Leech and Collins. Other attendees include the Chairman of SKINS, Jaimie Fuller, and Bonita Mersiades who is a former senior executive of the Australian FA and the Australian World Cup bid.

Collins says the Brussels Summit will focus on how change can happen.

"We don't intend to talk about what is wrong with FIFA, as we all know what's wrong.

"The experience since the Presidential election in 2011 - when we were promised things would change - shows that FIFA is incapable of reforming itself. But we also know that FIFA's problems go much further back than that."

Collins says that while recent events concerning the Garcia report into the conduct of the 2018/2022 World Cup Bids was the final motivation needed for he and other MPs to take action, the report and its publication is not a 'first order' issue.

"Like the decisions surrounding Russia and Qatar, the farce surrounding the Garcia report is symptomatic of a governing body where democracy, transparency and accountability were long ago forsaken in place of corruption, mismanagement and self-interest."

He said that the Brussels Summit will focus on what mechanisms can be employed to make real change happen.

"This is not about shifting deck chairs on the Executive Committee of FIFA," Collins said.

"It is real change for a new style of organisation that is befitting of FIFA's position overseeing the biggest sport in the world.

"We want to see football governed by people who make decisions and take action in a transparent manner, and who are held accountable in the best interests of the sport and civil society."

Collins urged everyone wishing to support the campaign for a New FIFA Now to sign the petition at
 www.newfifanow.org.

The Brussels Summit will be held in the European Parliament.

ENDS

Further information:  Damian Collins +44 207 219 7072; or Kate McQuestin, +44 7768 663 513

Note to media
•       Media are invited to attend the Brussels Summit, which will include a media conference after the event as well as an opportunity for one-on-one interviews with attendees.
•       As the Summit is being held at the European Parliament, all media must be accredited. To register your attendance or interest, please contact Kate McQuestin or email media@newfifanow.org
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Offline Spursy

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #39 on: January 09, 2015, 01:16:55 PM »
Nowitzki: Neuer was magnificent in Brazil

Just a few days ago, Dirk Nowitzki made basketball history once more as his 27,412 career points lifted him to seventh in the NBA’s all-time scoring list. He is the first European to hit these impressive heights and can now be spoken about in the same breath as greats such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

No conversation about basketball would be complete in Germany without mentioning the ‘German Wunderkind’. The 36-year-old Wurzburg native is the best German basketball player of all time and one of the sport’s best exponents, having played in the NBA for Dallas Mavericks since 1998. In 2011 he became the first, and to date only, German to win the NBA championship and was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his part in the Mavericks’ finals campaign that season.

Despite this success, Nowitzki’s sporting interests extend beyond the industry in which he has made his name. The 6"10 power forward is also a keen football fan. He tweeted his excitement while watching every Germany match at last summer’s 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, while his wife’s two brothers play the beautiful game professionally in England. What’s more, in June 2013 he hosted a benefit match on behalf of his foundation with world champion goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, giving Dirkules a prime opportunity to showcase his skills with a ball at his feet.

Nowitzki sat down with FIFA.com to discuss his favourites to take home the awards at the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2014, the importance of individual accolades, his foundation’s mission and what it was like to experience football fever in the USA during the World Cup.

FIFA.com: Last year you organised a benefit match with Manuel Neuer on behalf of your foundation. How did you meet the Germany goalkeeper?
Dirk Nowitzki: Manu’s a great guy. We met on the eve of the Team Up For Kids match and got on really well. Unfortunately I haven’t personally managed to score against him. When I converted my penalty, Ralf Fahrmann [current Schalke 04 goalkeeper – editor’s note] was in goal and he helped me out by giving me a little tip.

What are the aims of your foundation and what projects are you running?
My foundation enables me to stand up for socially disadvantaged children. We want to use sport to open up different ways of life for the kids we work with. Our projects encourage social participation for children and young people through sport and exercise. You can get a good idea of the work the foundation does on our website: http://www.dirk-nowitzki-stiftung.org/

Returning to Manuel Neuer. In a few days, the FIFA Ballon d’Or award will be presented to the world’s best footballer over the past year. Who do you think is most deserving of this accolade and who's your favourite to win?
Manu played magnificently at the World Cup and completely deserves the award in my opinion.

Offline Brownsugar

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #40 on: January 18, 2015, 12:41:32 PM »
14 January 2015


BRUSSELS SUMMIT ON FIFA'S FUTURE GATHERING PACE

Campaign for a new FIFA


International fan group representatives, football administrators, politicians and sports politics experts are the latest names to be added to the list of contributors for a summit on world football's governing body, FIFA, which is being held at the European Parliament in Brussels next week (January 21).

British MP Damian Collins, who has convened the event in conjunction with co-hosts Emma McClarkin and Ivo Belet from the European Parliament, has already confirmed the presence of FIFA Presidential candidate Jerome Champagne, Former FIFA technical inspection chief, Harold Mayne-Nicholls and Lord David Triesman, who was Chairman of England's 2018 World Cup Bid team.

The international line-up is further strengthened by the latest confirmations from prominent figures in Europe and Australasia.

Joining the politicians is the co-president of the Sports Intergroup at the European Parliament, Marc Tarabella from Belgium who has long held concerns and been outspoken about FIFA's management.

Two former football executives with England and Australia will also join the group.

David Davies OBE, who was Executive Director of England's FA will attend, along with Remo Nogarotto of Italy. Davies now works as a consultant to football associations around the world including Africa, Asia, Central American and the Caribbean and was responsible for reforming the structure and governance of the Hong Kong Football Association. Nogarotto is a former Chairman of Soccer Australia (now Football Federation Australia), and director and CEO of clubs in both the A-League and the former national soccer league.

Davies and Nogarotto have first-hand knowledge of the implications to commercial partners of FIFA's future direction as it prepares for the crucial Presidential election in May.

They will be joined in the corporate debate by Jaimie Fuller, the Chairman of Swiss-based sports wear company SKINS. Fuller has previously been a vocal figure in the campaign for Presidential change in world cycling and in the promotion of a global anti-doping stance for drug-free sport.

Jens Sejer Anderson is a sports politics expert from Denmark and the international Director of 'Play The Game', an organisation which promotes democracy, transparency and freedom of expression in sport. Jens is currently co-ordinating Play the Game's EU project 'Action for Good Governance in International Sports Organisations' with universities across Europe.

A supporters' view of FIFA's current status amongst international football fans will be provided by Daniela Wurbs and Dirk Vos from Football Supporters Europe (FSE).

FSE is an independent group that represents fans from 45 countries across the European continent and was launched in 2008 to give supporters a voice on the structure and governance of the game.

Confirming the latest attendees, Damian Collins said: "Since announcing the summit, we have had tremendous support from people around the world who see this summit as an opportunity to speak out on behalf of fans across the world and to finally be heard.

"Supporters want a new FIFA and the list of attendees represents a gathering of people with different skill sets and expertise who all see the game being compromised by FIFA's mismanagement. They, and millions of others around the world have had enough and they want change at the top.

"Next week's summit will send a clear message to those voting in FIFA's Presidential election on May 29th, that they have football's future credibility in their hands.

"The Brussels summit will make it clear beyond any doubt that the voting members are expected to follow the collective voice of fans across the world and create a New FIFA which truly is 'for the good of the game'."

Damian Collins urges everyone wishing to support the campaign for a New FIFA Now to sign the petition at www.newfifanow.org. The official website also houses full details of all speakers and contributors who will be in attendance.

ENDS

Further information:  Damian Collins +44 207 219 7072; or Kate McQuestin, +44 7768 663 513

Note to media
• Media are invited to attend the Brussels Summit, which will include a media conference after the event as well as an opportunity for one-on-one interviews with attendees.
• As the Summit is being held at the European Parliament, all media must be accredited. To register your attendance or interest, please contact Kate McQuestin or email media@newfifanow.org
"...If yuh clothes tear up
Or yuh shoes burst off,
You could still jump up when music play.
Old lady, young baby, everybody could dingolay...
Dingolay, ay, ay, ay ay,
Dingolay ay, ay, ay..."

RIP Shadow....The legend will live on in music...

Offline Spursy

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #41 on: January 20, 2015, 12:55:52 PM »
Simeone: With me, what you see is what you get
(FIFA.com) 20 Jan 2015

It would be fair that Diego Simeone is very much in vogue these days. Over the last three seasons his Atletico Madrid side – the very epitome of sacrifice and teamwork – have won titles in Spain and Europe and begun writing a glorious chapter in the club’s history. It was, therefore, a fitting reward, to see the Argentinian on the three-man shortlist for the 2014 FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men's Football award.

During his trip to Zurich last week for the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala, the 44-year old sat down for an exclusive interview with FIFA.com. Among the topics discussed in a wide-ranging chat was the footballing philosophy at Atletico, a possible future as a national-team coach and his particular relationship with fans of arch-rivals Real Madrid. 

Would the decision to risk Diego Costa in UEFA Champions League final be in that category?
No, on the contrary. It was a very considered decision given that the final of the Champions League was at stake. I always tell people that the day before, Costa was doing 100-metre sprints and looked like an athlete! I reasoned that if he could give us 45-50 minutes, then it’d be worth playing him in the final, especially given his importance to us. Alas, fate had other ideas and we lost a potential matchwinner [after just eight minutes]. But he wasn’t the only one: Arda [Turan] got injured too and couldn’t play. For all that, we still competed at a very high level.

Have you watched the game again since?
No, no. You can’t turn back time. And when you cannot go back, it’s better not to dwell on the past.

As a coach your character is just like it was as a player. There’s no sign of that abating…
No they’re traits of mine. Every coach has them. Obviously when I’m older, I’ll probably – though I can’t promise – have different mannerisms. Right now I feel young and energetic, so one way or another, I participate in the game.

Not long ago, Atletico Madrid were looked upon sympathetically, like a perennial bridesmaid. How do you think people view them now?
Just after I was appointed coach here, I said in a press conference that I wanted Atletico to become a team that causes problem for others. Taking on two giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona is very hard. If you think about it, in our domestic league we’re up against two clubs who are always expected to win the Champions League. We’ve managed to break that hegemony – just as we did in 1996 when I was a player – and triumph over the kind of financial muscle and great players that they acquire. Over time we’ve become something more than just a troublesome team, and that’s down to consistency, which is the hardest thing to achieve in football. For more than three years now, we’ve been achieving success, and we’re still doing it. We’re just three points behind Barcelona and [four behind] a Madrid side who have been in great form this season.

FIFA.com: You’ve finally made the three-man shortlist for Coach of the Year. Do you place a lot of importance on recognition like that and wait eagerly for those kinds of announcements?
Diego Simeone: The recognition is good when it comes from actual footballers, and when it’s from players the world over, it’s even better. However, it’s nothing definitive, as football’s all about your next game, the need to keep producing the goods. But when it’s the opinion of footballers, I definitely place greater store on it. I’m pleased to be in a trio that includes [Joachim] Low and [Carlo] Ancelotti, but more than anything it gives me the impetus to work hard and improve in the future.

In Spain many people used to be divided on the respective playing styles of Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. Now a lot of the talk is about ‘Cholismo’ (Simeone’s playing style – a take on his nickname: El Cholo)
We have a clearly identifiable playing style, that’s true. I’ve always said that the teams that best espoused those ideals have been Estudiantes de La Plata, where I coached for a year and a half, and this Atletico side. That said, I wouldn’t go so far as to talk about ‘Cholismo’, even if my teams do play in a particular way.

And it is not just one-dimensional direct football either…
No, they’re just clichés trotted out whenever a team can’t find a way past us. That’s not our problem!

A lot is written about "El Cholo’s warriors" and their selflessness. Do you think that in emphasising this aspect of your play, the media are underestimating the team’s other qualities?
The great thing about football is that it’s so open to interpretation: there’s no definitive right and wrong, and in a sense everyone is right. There are myriad ways of playing but, as I’ve said before, I base things on the qualities of the players I have, empowering individuals for the betterment of the team. In all the finals we’ve competed in, we’ve used our top players, but we don’t believe that you can win with talent alone. Talent has to be accompanied by effort as well, and that’s shared around when you work as a team.

You’ve always maintained that sacrifice is non-negotiable, so what things are negotiable?
The human aspects. So long as people are upfront about things, I’m willing to discuss anything. I always say, ‘When we’re both on the same page, then we go for it. If you’re in one place and I’m in another, then no. I don’t like that scenario.

Do you regret any decisions you took in 2014?
Regret, no. With any possibly erroneous decision, you can always look back and think you could’ve done something differently – but always with the benefit of hindsight.

How do you think Real Madrid fans see you?
I imagine they’ve got mixed feelings. On the one hand I’m sure they don’t like me but, on the other, I get shown a lot of respect when I’m out on the street. I get a lot of people coming up to me saying 'I’m a Real Madrid fan, but I’d honestly like to congratulate you. I like the way your guys work and how much of a team they are'. I think that recently Atletico have shown something that people need in their everyday lives: energy. They’ve also demonstrated that, over and above the difficulties you face and using the tools at your disposal, you can compete, you can fight and you can find solutions where none appeared to be. We know that nowadays it’s hard to get a job and find stability, but these lads – through their hard work and persistence – have managed to show people that you do have the chance to say, 'Stop, we can do this. It’s not all about having money and using money to get things done'. Even if you don’t have so much, you can still go places.

Could you see yourself becoming the Sir Alex Ferguson of Atletico Madrid, in terms of longevity?
I always say that my approach is to think that I might get sacked tomorrow. For me, it’s the best way of making sure I live for the moment, because in football what matters, aside from what you’ve already achieved and which nobody can take away from you, is what’s coming next. I see Atletico Madrid as a club that’s growing very strongly and which has greater financial clout thanks to the success we’ve had. Players want to join us and we’ve got a team with a very good average age, lads like [Raul] Jimenez, Koke and [Diego] Godin who’ve got years ahead of them to keep improving and form the foundations of a side that we can keep on strengthening. 

Are you ever able to take your foot off the pedal?
I’m not a fan of “switching off” because I know that when I find myself in that situation then I end up losing. Of course, every so often it happens, but I try and fight against it because it’s not a feeling I’m comfortable with.

But you do get the chance to do things like going to the cinema and reading books, right?
Yes, I lead a normal life like any other man on the street, but I also see myself as shouldering major responsibility. The game’s my life and I’m so passionate about it. When you see your life so intertwined with football it can make things very difficult. You might go and watch a film and start imagining footballers running across the screen, you know? It’s not easy [to switch off].

Hand on heart, were you offered the Argentina job after the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™?
No, but I know it’ll happen one day. I’ve always said in the national team you have room for what I call the son, father and grandfather types. In coaching terms, I think it’s a place for a grandfather – someone more serene and composed who can see things in a different way. I still feel I need to be on the pitch, doing training and being with players day-in, day-out. The national team cannot give you that. Is it something I’d like to do one day? Absolutely! I spent 12 or 14 years with the team – it was a privileged time and very much part of my life. Hopefully it will come to pass at the perfect time for both parties.

And coaching Lionel Messi wouldn’t be a bad thing…
Messi is a matchwinner who needs a team [built around him] to be even more effective. We were very close at the last World Cup and hopefully Gerardo [Martino], who already knows him from his time at Barcelona, can assemble a team that gets the best out of him. Above all, hopefully he can encourage his players to be a team. That’s the best thing you can do for Messi.

One hypothetical question please. You’re offered the best contract imaginable and unlimited funds, but on condition that you coach either Real Madrid or the Brazil national team. Which would you choose?
Ah, you guys are bad! (laughs) I think I’d have to pass on that and say goodbye to the money!

Lastly, if there was a Ballon d’Or awarded for one aspect of life, what would Diego Simeone win it for?
For being a straightforward guy. With me, what you see is what you get.
 

link: http://www.fifa.com/ballon-dor/news/y=2015/m=1/news=simeone-with-me-what-you-see-is-what-you-get-2508884.html?intcmp=fifacom_hp_module_news_top

Offline Flex

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #42 on: April 14, 2015, 01:58:36 AM »
Figo to tempt CONCACAF voters with cash boost plan
T&T Express Reports.


FIFA presidential hopeful Luis Figo will travel to the Caribbean this week hoping to tempt voters in the CONCACAF region with a plan to distribute more funds, US$2.5 billion (£1.7 billion) over four years, to national associations.

CONCACAF hold their congress on Thursday in the Bahamas and the former Portugal international will be working the corridors as he looks to win support ahead of next month’s vote for the FIFA presidency.

“One of the key aspects I want to talk about is my suggestion to distribute 50 percent of FIFA’s revenues – $2.5 billion – directly to the member associations for solidarity over four years,” Figo told Reuters in an email.

“This means eight million dollars per member association over four years, two million dollars per member association per year when presently they only receive $375,000 per year,” he added.

Incumbent Sepp Blatter is widely viewed as the favourite to win a fifth term at the helm of football’s governing body and has traditionally enjoyed strong support in the CONCACAF region, which covers North and Central America and the Caribbean.

But with the United States Soccer Federation having nominated Jordanian Prince Ali in the election, CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb has stated that his confederation will not push their members to vote as a block.

Figo was at a CONCACAF event in Philadelphia in March where he met with Webb and some of the key players in the region.

Now the former Real Madrid and Barcelona winger hopes he can cut into Blatter’s support, which has been particularly strong amongst the smaller Caribbean nations that make up the majority of CONCACAF federations.

For nearly 30 years, CONCACAF was controlled by Blatter ally, Trinidadian Jack Warner who stood down in 2011 in the midst of bribery allegations.

Despite Warner’s influence at FIFA, the region contains many countries without basic football infrastructure and facilities. Figo clearly sees that as an issue he can exploit.

“I will also allocate another $300 million to be distributed to the member associations in highest need, ear-marked for the construction of specific football infrastructure projects,” he said.

“This means an additional two million dollars for 150 federation over four years. From what I’ve been hearing and analysing, some of this investment will be done in the CONCACAF region given the needs that several federation have there.”

Figo says he also intends to dip into FIFA’s $1.5 billion reserves for development projects focused on schools.

“I also intend to use 1 billion dollars of FIFA’s 1.5 billion reserves that are in the bank to create different development projects.

“One million dollars per member association for the “Schools for Football” project, another million per federation for the “Boys and Girls for Football” project once the target of a ten percent increase in registered boys and girls is reached, plus a bonus of two million to each of the ten member associations with the highest growth rate in four years,” said Figo.

“These are only a few investment measures I suggest. These are easily done with a more efficient and effective way to invest revenues generated by the World Cup,” he said.

The head of the Dutch football association, Michael van Praag, is also standing in the election which will be held in Zurich on May 29 at the FIFA congress.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline asylumseeker

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #43 on: April 14, 2015, 05:08:06 AM »
Figo was also in Paraguay recently lobbying CONMEBOL. CONMEBOL intends to vote as a bloc. One of the interests is in preserving their WC "half spot".

I have to say, he is not a "soft" candidate in terms of substance. However, the political environment of these elections stymies substance. Thus, he can't leverage that more than "so".
« Last Edit: April 14, 2015, 05:10:30 AM by asylumseeker »

Offline Deeks

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #44 on: April 14, 2015, 05:31:42 AM »
I doubt many people like Blatter. But the status quo may hold out for 4 more yours of his regime. Most votes are going to more pragmatic. After the Russian WC, I think most of the Blatter people may be out by then. The Qatar WC is a set unless ISIS invade the Gulf states. So most people may swallow their pride and vote Blatter. After Qatar WC there maybe big changes in the federation.

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #45 on: April 17, 2015, 05:55:13 AM »


Warner's long gone but CONCACAF's pro-Blatter politics remain

NASSAU, Bahamas  |  By Simon Evans


(Reuters) - On the surface, CONCACAF's congress on Thursday looked very different to the last time the regional confederation had gathered before a FIFA presidential election.

Back in 2011, with Trinidadian Jack Warner still at the helm of the governing body for soccer in North and Central America and the Caribbean, CONCACAF's deliberations were held in a chain hotel in downtown Miami and were closed to the media.

On Thursday, football officials from the 41 member nations gathered in the up-market Vegas style, Atlantis resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, with media invited in.

There was a giant video screen that displayed professionally produced updates on CONCACAF's activities and youthful CONCACAF staffers in branded uniform buzzed around, assisting the proceedings.

But while the new CONCACAF, led by the personable Jeffrey Webb, looks very different to the rather shabby organization led by Warner, the politics of the organization proved to be remarkably similar.

The formalities had barely been dealt with before the first of 10 federation representatives began their eulogies to FIFA president Sepp Blatter, whose organization has faced numerous allegations of corruption in the past four years.

It was a familiar scene to anyone who had witnessed CONCACAF representatives at FIFA congresses under Warner.

Throughout Blatter's reign, the region has been a rock-solid stronghold for the FIFA president, with the Caribbean nations in particular loyal supporters.

It was the very same process of a FIFA election that led to Warner's downfall four years ago when he organized a private meeting between the Qatari challenger to Blatter, Mohammed Bin Hammam, in Port of Spain and evidence emerged of brown envelopes stuffed with $40,000 being handed out to Caribbean officials.

Many of those in the room were the same faces that voted as a block under Warner's strong man rule and a good number of them had been implicated in the cash-for-votes scandal.

Sat on the podium was CONCACAF's Jamaican vice-president Captain Horace Burrell who was suspended for three months from all football-related activities by FIFA following their investigation into the Port of Spain meeting.

The most remarkably sycophantic speech in support of Blatter came from Osiris Guzman of the Dominican Republic, who was banned from the sport for 30 days and fined by FIFA. It was Guzman who spoke of Blatter in the same terms as historical figures such as Moses, Jesus Christ and Nelson Mandela.

The current president of the Caribbean Football Union Gordon Derrick, who the day before had held his own mini-congress, had also been reprimanded and fined in the same 2011 case.

Four years ago, according to Warner, Blatter offered CONCACAF delegates an extra one million in FIFA funding.

This time Blatter offered their region an extra place in the World Cup.


OTHER CANDIDATES

As speaker after speaker hailed Blatter, the three other candidates for the FIFA presidency, all sat in the hall and listened -- they could do little else.

All three had asked for the opportunity to outline their ideas for the future of FIFA and all were been denied that chance.

"I asked President Webb three weeks ago in writing if I was allowed to address the congress and that request was turned down," said Dutch FA chief Michael van Praag.

In contrast, at UEFA's congress in March, all four candidates had been given the chance to make an address.

Prince Ali bin al-Hussein looked on in dismay as the speeches continued and it was too much for former Portugal international Luis Figo who afterwards said: "When some speak and others are silenced, democracy and football lose".

Until Thursday, Webb had been careful to present himself as impartial in the election process but he could barely contain his delight at the pro-Blatter interventions saying they had sent a "clear message".

CONCACAF then held their own internal elections but for every single post, including Webb's position as president, there was only one candidate.

There was not even a show of hands as all candidates were elected by 'acclamation'.

Not all in CONCACAF support Blatter but those delegates known to be privately in favor of change in FIFA were reluctant to talk on the record, several responding to questions about the congress with shakes of the head or laughter.

A lot has changed in CONCACAF over the last four years and their events and tournaments are certainly more professionally organized and promoted and their grassroots work is worthy.

But when it comes to their politics in FIFA not much appears to have changed since the days of Warner.


(Editing by Sudipto Ganguly)

Offline elan

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Figo Withdraws from FIFA Presidential Election
« Reply #46 on: May 21, 2015, 11:27:05 AM »
Statement by Luis Figo to The Associated Press




LISBON, Portugal (AP) -- Statement sent by Luis Figo to The Associated Press on Thursday:


Running for president of FIFA resulted from a personal decision, taken after listening to many pertinent people in the realm of international soccer.

I sought out the support needed for me to stand, I formally presented my candidacy, and the reactions in the soccer world were so overwhelming - both in public and in private - that I was reassured that I had made the right decision.

The realm of a sport which gave me everything to become what I am, and to which I now offered to give something back, is hungry for change. FIFA needs change and I feel that the change is urgent.

Guided by that wish, by the formal support I collected, and by the incredible wave of support from soccer players, former players, coaches, referees and administrators, I imagined and presented a plan of action - my election manifesto for the FIFA presidency.

I traveled and met extraordinary people who, though they recognized the value of much that had been done, also concurred with the need for change, one that cleans up FIFA's reputation as an obscure organization that is so often viewed as a place of corruption.

But over the past few months I have not only witnessed that desire (for change), I have witnessed consecutive incidents, all over the world, that should shame anyone who desires soccer to be free, clean and democratic.

I have seen with my own eyes federation presidents who, after one day comparing FIFA leaders to the devil, then go on stage and compare those same people with Jesus Christ. Nobody told me about this. I saw it with my own eyes.


The candidates were prevented from addressing federations at congresses while one of the candidates always gave speeches on his own from the rostrum. There has not been a single public debate about each candidate's proposals.

Does anyone think it's normal that an election for one of the most relevant organizations on the planet can go ahead without a public debate? Does anyone think it's normal that one of the candidates doesn't even bother to present an election manifesto that can be voted on May 29? Shouldn't it be mandatory to present such a manifesto so that federation presidents know what they're voting for?

That would be normal, but this electoral process is anything but an election.

This (election) process is a plebiscite for the delivery of absolute power to one man - something I refuse to go along with.

That is why, after a personal reflection and sharing views with two other candidates in this process, I believe that what is going to happen on May 29 in Zurich is not a normal electoral act.

And because it is not, don't count on me.

I want it to be clear that I have deep respect for all world soccer, from Africa, where I got so much motivation, to Asia, where I have and will keep excellent relationships, through South America, where a new generation is emerging, and Central and North America, where so many who wanted to speak were silenced, and to Oceania, whose development we should all look at differently. And finally to Europe, where I felt there was space for normal and democratic debate, thanks to the endeavors of President (Michel) Platini.

I give my warmest thanks to everyone, because I want it to be clear that they are not the election committee and it is not they who want FIFA to become weaker and weaker.

For my part, I will abide by the ideas I leave written and have circulated, I am firm in my desire to take an active part in the regeneration of FIFA and I will be available for it whenever it is proven to me that we are not living under a dictatorship.

I do not fear the ballot box, but I will not go along with nor will I give my consent to a process which will end on May 29 and from which soccer will not emerge the winner.

My decision is made, I will not stand in what is being called an election for the FIFA presidency.

I offer my deepest thanks to all those who have supported me and I ask them to keep alive their desire for a regeneration which, though it may take some time, will come.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/blUSVALW_Z4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/blUSVALW_Z4</a>

Offline Mose

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Re: Figo Withdraws from FIFA Presidential Election
« Reply #47 on: May 21, 2015, 11:50:32 AM »
I don't think that was the best decision. I can understand being discouraged by what he's witnessed but backing down removes him as an option for change.
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FIFA Officials Arrested on Corruption Charges; Face Extradition to U.S.
« Reply #48 on: May 26, 2015, 10:13:58 PM »
FIFA Officials Arrested on Corruption Charges; Face Extradition to U.S.
By MATT APUZZO, MICHAEL S. SCHMIDT, WILLIAM K. RASHBAUM and SAM BORDEN
New York Times


ZURICH — Swiss authorities began an extraordinary early-morning operation here Wednesday to arrest several top soccer officials and extradite them to the United States on federal corruption charges.

As leaders of FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, gathered for their annual meeting, Swiss law enforcement officials arrived unannounced at the Baur au Lac hotel, an elegant five-star property with views of the Alps and Lake Zurich. The arrests were made at the request of the United States Justice Department, which brought charges in the Eastern District of New York, based in Brooklyn, according to law enforcement officials.

Prosecutors planned to unseal an indictment soon against more than 10 officials, not all of whom are in Zurich, three law enforcement officials said. The charges include wire fraud, racketeering and money laundering.

The arrests were a startling blow to FIFA, a multibillion-dollar organization that governs the world’s most popular sport but has been plagued by accusations of bribery for decades.

The inquiry is also a major threat to Sepp Blatter, FIFA’s longtime president who is generally recognized as the most powerful person in sports, though law enforcement officials said he was not charged. An election, seemingly pre-ordained to give him a fifth term as president, is scheduled for Friday.

The case is the most significant yet for United States Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, who took office last month. She previously served as the United States attorney in Brooklyn, where she supervised the FIFA investigation.

With more than $1.5 billion in reserves, FIFA is as much a global financial conglomerate as a sports organization. With countries around the world competing aggressively to win the bid to host the World Cup, Mr. Blatter has commanded the fealty of anyone who wanted a piece of that revenue stream. He and FIFA have weathered corruption controversies in the past, but none involved charges of federal crimes in a United States court.

United States law gives the Justice Department wide authority to bring cases against foreign nationals living abroad, an authority that prosecutors have used repeatedly in international terrorism cases. Those cases can hinge on the slightest connection to the United States, like the use of an American bank or Internet service provider.

Switzerland’s treaty with the United States is unusual in that it gives Swiss authorities the power to refuse extradition for tax crimes, but on matters of general criminal law, the Swiss have agreed to turn people over for prosecution in American courts.

The case further mars the reputation of FIFA’s leader, Mr. Blatter, who has for years acted as a de facto head of state. Politicians, star players, national soccer officials and global corporations that want their brands attached to the sport have long genuflected before him.

Critics of FIFA point to the lack of transparency regarding executive salaries and resource allocations for an organization that, by its own admission, had revenue of $5.7 billion from 2011 to 2014. Policy decisions are also often taken without debate or explanation, and a small group of officials — known as the executive committee — operates with outsize power. FIFA has for years operated with little oversight and even less transparency. Alexandra Wrage, a governance consultant who once unsuccessfully attempted to help overhaul FIFA’s methods, famously labeled the organization “byzantine and impenetrable.”

Michael S. Schmidt and Sam Borden reported from Zurich, Switzerland; Matt Apuzzo from Washington; and William K. Rashbaum from New York.

Offline Deeks

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Not only that. Who are the culprits charged?

Offline davyjenny1

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Just saw it on the news, it was just a matter time. Yes! Pandora's box soon to be open by United States Attorney General  Loretta E. Lynch. I want to see how she put her stamp on this case. Make yuh name woman, make yuh name.
« Last Edit: May 27, 2015, 12:54:49 AM by davyjenny1 »
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Offline Teflon Don

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Jack warner is in the mix, read this article.

FIFA Officials Arrested on Corruption Charges; Blatter Isn’t Among Them.
By MATT APUZZO, MICHAEL S. SCHMIDT, WILLIAM K. RASHBAUM and SAM BORDEN


Swiss authorities conducted an extraordinary early-morning operation here Wednesday to arrest several top soccer officials and extradite them to the United States on federal corruption charges.

As leaders of FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, gathered for their annual meeting, more than a dozen plain-clothed Swiss law enforcement officials arrived unannounced at the Baur au Lac hotel, an elegant five-star property with views of the Alps and Lake Zurich. They went to the front desk to get keys and proceeded upstairs to the rooms.

The arrests were carried out peacefully. One FIFA official, Eduardo Li of Costa Rica, was led by the authorities from his room to a side-door exit of the hotel. He was allowed to bring his luggage, which was adorned with FIFA logos

The charges, backed by an F.B.I. investigation, allege widespread corruption in FIFA over the past two decades, involving bids for World Cups as well as marketing and broadcast deals, according to three law enforcement officials with direct knowledge of the case.

The indictment names 14 people on charges including racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. In addition to senior soccer officials, the indictment is also expected to name sports-marketing executives from the United States and South America who are accused of paying more than $150 million in bribes and kickbacks in exchange for media deals associated with major soccer tournaments, according to one government official briefed on the matter.

The law enforcement official said the soccer officials charged are Jeffrey Webb, Eugenio Figueredo, Jack Warner, Eduardo Li, Julio Rocha, Costas Takkas, Rafael Esquivel, José Maria Marin and Nicolás Leoz.

Charges were also expected against the sports-marketing executives Alejandro Burzaco, Aaron Davidson, Hugo Jinkis and Mariano Jinkis. Authorities also charged José Margulies as an intermediary who facilitated illegal payments.

“We’re struck by just how long this went on for and how it touched nearly every part of what FIFA did,” said a law enforcement official. “It just seemed to permeate every element of the federation and was just their way of doing business. It seems like this corruption was institutionalized.”

The Justice Department, the F.B.I. and FIFA did not have any immediate comment.

The arrests were a startling blow to FIFA, a multibillion-dollar organization that governs the world’s most popular sport but has been plagued by accusations of bribery for decades.

The inquiry is also a major threat to Sepp Blatter, FIFA’s longtime president who is generally recognized as the most powerful person in sports, though he was not charged. He has for years acted as a de facto head of state. Politicians, star players, national soccer officials and global corporations that want their brands attached to the sport have long genuflected before him.

An election, seemingly pre-ordained to give Mr. Blatter a fifth term as president, is scheduled for Friday.
The case is the most significant yet for United States Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, who took office last month. She previously served as the United States attorney in Brooklyn, where she supervised the FIFA investigation. Ms. Lynch and F.B.I. Director James Comey were expected to hold a news conference on Wednesday morning in New York.

With more than $1.5 billion in reserves, FIFA is as much a global financial conglomerate as a sports organization. With countries around the world competing aggressively to win the bid to host the World Cup, Mr. Blatter has commanded the fealty of anyone who wanted a piece of that revenue stream. He and FIFA have weathered corruption controversies in the past, but none involved charges of federal crimes in United States court.

United States law gives the Justice Department wide authority to bring cases against foreign nationals living abroad, an authority that prosecutors have used repeatedly in international terrorism cases. Those cases can hinge on the slightest connection to the United States, like the use of an American bank or Internet service provider.

Switzerland’s treaty with the United States is unusual in that it gives Swiss authorities the power to refuse extradition for tax crimes, but on matters of general criminal law, the Swiss have agreed to turn people over for prosecution in American courts.

Critics of FIFA point to the lack of transparency regarding executive salaries and resource allocations for an organization that, by its own admission, had revenue of $5.7 billion from 2011 to 2014. Policy decisions are also often taken without debate or explanation, and a small group of officials — known as the executive committee — operates with outsize power. FIFA has for years functioned with little oversight and even less transparency. Alexandra Wrage, a governance consultant who once unsuccessfully attempted to help overhaul FIFA’s methods, famously labeled the organization “byzantine and impenetrable.”

Law enforcement officials said much of the inquiry involves Concacaf, one of the six regional confederations that compose FIFA. Concacaf — which stands for Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football — includes major countries like the United States and Mexico, and also tiny ones like Barbados and Montserrat.

According to the indictment, several international soccer events were tainted by bribes and kickbacks involving media and marketing rights: World Cup qualifiers in the Concacaf region; the Gold Cup; the Concacaf Champions League; the Copa América; and the Copa Libertadores. The indictment also claims that bribes and kickbacks were found in connection with the selection of the host country for the 2010 World Cup.

Concacaf was led from 1990 to 2011 by Mr. Warner, the longtime head of Trinidad & Tobago’s federation. A key powerbroker in FIFA’s governing executive committee, Mr. Warner had been dogged by accusations of corruption. He was accused of illegally profiting from the resale of tickets to the 2006 World Cup, and of withholding the bonuses of the Trinidad players who participated in that tournament.

Mr. Warner resigned his positions in FIFA, Concacaf and his national association in 2011 amid mounting evidence that he had been part of an attempt to buy the votes of Caribbean federation officials in the 2010 FIFA presidential election. A 2013 Concacaf report also found that he had received tens of millions of dollars in misappropriated funds.'

But according to the rules of FIFA at the time, Mr. Warner’s resignation led to the immediate closure of all ethics committee cases against him. “The presumption of innocence is maintained,” FIFA said in a short statement announcing his departure.



Michael S. Schmidt and Sam Borden reported from Zurich; Matt Apuzzo from Washington; and William K. Rashbaum from New York.

« Last Edit: May 27, 2015, 02:23:07 AM by Flex »

Offline asylumseeker

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #52 on: May 27, 2015, 05:31:42 AM »
One wonders whether the candidates who recently withdrew from pursuing the FIFA presidency would have made the same decision had the arrests occurred earlier.

Nonetheless, Schmidt's twitter feed makes for interesting reading:

https://mobile.twitter.com/michaelsschmidt

Offline Deeks

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #53 on: May 27, 2015, 06:07:24 AM »
I see Jack two sons are indicted defendants. Just like Chuck Blazer.

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #54 on: May 27, 2015, 06:17:09 AM »
Not seeing Chuck Blazer name?
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/blUSVALW_Z4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/blUSVALW_Z4</a>

Offline Bitter

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #55 on: May 27, 2015, 06:23:05 AM »
Meanwhile, Sunshine Newspaper’s Jack Warner has issued a statement about “certain developments in world football”. Jack writes:

It has been reported that a number of Fifa officials have been arrested in Switzerland and that at least one raid conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigators in Miami is being executed at what I presume to be Concacaf offices. My name is being reported by international media as being one of those persons sought in connection with the probe.

The people of Trinidad and Tobago will know that I quit Fifa and international football more than four years ago and that over the past several years I have recommitted my life to the work of improving the lot of every citizen of every creed and race in this nation. This is where I have let my bucket down.

I have fought fearlessly against all forms of injustice and corruption.

I have been afforded no due process and I have not even been questioned in this matter. I reiterate that I am innocent of any charges. I have walked away from the politics of world football to immerse myself in the improvement of lives in this country where I shall, God willing, die.

The actions of Fifa no longer concern me. I cannot help but note however that these cross-border coordinated actions come at a time when Fifa is assembled for elections to select a President who is universally disliked by the international community. At times such as this it is my experience that the large world powers typically take actions to affect world football. World football is an enormous international business.

“That is no longer my concern. My sole focus at this stage of my life is on the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

“I wish to advise the hundreds of thousands of persons who support the ILP that my commitment to them and to the people of Trinidad and Tobago is undaunted and can never be broken.
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Offline dreamer

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #56 on: May 27, 2015, 06:23:17 AM »
Live by the sword, die by the sword.
Lesson to all of the posters here (Coop's, ah hope yuh hearing above): Corruption does not pay.
We must believe in integrity, meritocracy.
Jackulito aka Renraw may now be preparing for the game over moves.
When the day in court finally comes, few in the audience won't support the judge when he or she says: "29 yrs in maximum security prison with no chance of bail. Take him away!"
Supportin' de Warriors right tru.

Offline Bitter

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #57 on: May 27, 2015, 06:24:57 AM »
Not seeing Chuck Blazer name?

He cut a deal?
Bitter is a supercalifragilistic tic-tac-pro

Offline Bitter

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #58 on: May 27, 2015, 06:26:54 AM »
Live by the sword, die by the sword.
Lesson to all of the posters here (Coop's, ah hope yuh hearing above): Corruption does not pay.
We must believe in integrity, meritocracy.
Jackulito aka Renraw may now be preparing for the game over moves.
When the day in court finally comes, few in the audience won't support the judge when he or she says: "29 yrs in maximum security prison with no chance of bail. Take him away!"

Right next to Ish and Steve, right?
Bitter is a supercalifragilistic tic-tac-pro

Offline grimm01

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Re: FIFA News Thread.
« Reply #59 on: May 27, 2015, 06:32:57 AM »
Not seeing Chuck Blazer name?

He cut a deal?

From the Express: http://trinidadexpress.com/20150527/news/warner-among-nine-fifa-officials-indicted

The following individuals and corporations previously pleaded guilty under seal:

 On July 15, 2013, the defendant Daryll Warner, son of defendant Jack Warner and a former FIFA development officer, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a two-count information charging him with wire fraud and the structuring of financial transactions.

 On Oct. 25, 2013, the defendant Daryan Warner waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a three-count information charging him with wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy and the structuring of financial transactions. Daryan Warner forfeited over $1.1 million around the time of his plea and has agreed to pay a second forfeiture money judgment at the time of sentencing.

 On Nov. 25, 2013, the defendant Charles Blazer, the former CONCACAF general secretary and a former FIFA executive committee member, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a 10-count information charging him with racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, income tax evasion and failure to file a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR). Blazer forfeited over $1.9 million at the time of his plea and has agreed to pay a second amount to be determined at the time of sentencing.

 On Dec. 12, 2014, the defendant José Hawilla, the owner and founder of the Traffic Group, the Brazilian sports marketing conglomerate, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a four-count information charging him with racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy and obstruction of justice. Hawilla also agreed to forfeit over $151 million, $25 million of which was paid at the time of his plea.

 On May 14, 2015, the defendants Traffic Sports USA Inc. and Traffic Sports International Inc. pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy.


Daryan and Daryll Warner face maximum terms of incarceration of 10 years for structuring financial transactions to evade currency reporting requirements. Each individual defendant also faces mandatory restitution, forfeiture and a fine. By the terms of their plea agreements, the corporate defendants face fines of $500,000 and one year of probation.

Like they turn informer...

 

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