Author Topic: FIFA clamps down on soccer cases going to civil courts (Read 4660 times)

trinbago · « **on:** May 31, 2007, 08:21:28 AM »

FIFA clamps down on soccer cases going to civil courts

By Mark Ledsom

ZURICH, May 31 (Reuters) - World soccer's governing body FIFA stepped up its efforts to keep sporting disputes out of civil courts on Thursday with the organisation's annual Congress voting overwhelmingly to tighten the relevant statutes.

FIFA's member associations approved by 198 votes to three new proposals under which the associations will undertake to punish any "leagues, members of leagues, clubs, members of clubs, players, officials and other association officials" who take their disputes to ordinary courts of law.

Outgoing FIFA vice-president David Will acknowledged that the organisation's present statutes already prohibited such actions, but said that the amended text would "toughen up and set down the regulations more precisely."

Will added that FIFA's determination had been strengthened by a ruling in its favour by the Swiss Federal Court, which in January rejected a civil claim brought against FIFA by Spanish club Rayo Vallecano.

Four other amendments recommended by FIFA's executive committee were also comfortably approved by Congress, including an obligation for national referees committees to come under the jurisdiction of their national associations and a change in the statutes bringing FIFA fully in line with the World Anti-Doping Code.

Following Thursday's vote, FIFA can now launch its own appeals to CAS over doping-related decisions made by national associations or confederations.

The Task Force set up two years ago to examine various aspects of the sport made its final report to Congress with its recommendations on agents, betting and transfer regulations expected to be approved by the executive committee at its November meeting in Durban, South Africa.

trinbago · « **Reply #1 on:** May 31, 2007, 08:23:42 AM »

Blatter gets third term as FIFA president

(Updates with quotes, Congress decisions, background)

By Mike Collett

ZURICH, May 31 (Reuters) - Sepp Blatter was given a third term as president of world soccer's governing body by acclamation after standing as the only candidate at Thursday's FIFA Congress.

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"I accept this mandate and I thank you for your continuing trust in me," he told delegates from FIFA's 208 member associations who gave him a four-year term until 2011.

Earlier the 71-year-old Swiss had told delegates world soccer was facing four evils that had to be stopped -- doping, corruption, cheating and racism.

He also said that the growing trend of football-related matters being taken to civil courts had to end with Congress passing a resolution to its statutes designed to stop disputes being settled in ordinary courts of law.

"We are strong enough ourselves to settle our own affairs," he said. [/color]
He also confirmed that there was no doubt that South Africa would host the 2010 World Cup finals and repeated his widely-held belief that video technology would not be used to settle disputes in matches.

"The World Cup is staying in Africa, there is absolutely no problem about this. It is staying in South Africa. Plan A is South Africa, Plan B is South Africa, Plan C is South Africa and Plan D is South Africa" he said to loud applause from delegates.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

He said however that football was at a crossroads and had to develop a greater social and cultural responsibility to deal with people who want to hi-jack the game and "the evils of doping, corruption, cheating and racism."

Blatter praised the Mexican FA for banning a player for life for two positive dope tests and for removing his club from its competitions.

He also congratulated the four British associations for swiftly replacing a vice-president who made disparaging remarks about African and Caribbean nations.

"Even today we have racism in football and in this context I would like to congratulate the courageous decision taken by the four British associations not to highlight a member who has recently attacked Caribbean and African nations in declarations which are totally negative and don't correspond to our concept of football," he said.
He admitted that the ongoing court case in New York regarding the Visa-MasterCard dispute over FIFA sponsorship rights was a mistake, "and it will cost us a pretty penny", but said that whatever it cost FIFA, the money would not come from funds allocated to the member nations.

FIFA's Task Force "For the Good of the Game" made its final reports to Congress with, among other things, planned changes to the rules applying to agents being introduced from next January.

Montenegro, which became a full member of UEFA in January, was admitted as FIFA's 208th member.

trinbago · « **Reply #2 on:** May 31, 2007, 08:28:00 AM »

Scotsman replaced as FIFA vice president candidate
By ERICA BULMAN, AP Sports Writer
May 30, 2007

AP - May 30, 12:40 pm EDT

ZURICH, Switzerland (AP) -- Scottish Football Association president John McBeth was replaced Wednesday as Britain's candidate for a FIFA vice president position after making remarks critical of soccer officials.

McBeth was quoted in Scottish media last weekend as saying soccer officials in Africa and the Caribbean had lower ethical standards than those in Britain. FIFA vice president Jack Warner of Trinidad and Tobago, the head of soccer's North and Central American and Caribbean governing body, said the remarks were racist. McBeth also was quoted describing FIFA president Sepp Blatter as a "tricky customer."
Geoff Thompson, chairman of England's Football Association, was nominated instead for the FIFA post.

"It's the best thing that ever happened to football," Warner said. "He is an embarrassment to the sport. I am very happy over the fact that this situation has been corrected."

McBeth faces an investigation by FIFA's ethics panel for the reported comments. He was absent from the opening of FIFA's 57th Congress on Wednesday.

The four British associations held an extraordinary meeting to select Thompson, who is due to be elected at FIFA's Congress on Thursday and will serve for four years.

Warner and his son were accused of reselling thousands of tickets at inflated prices for last year's World Cup. FIFA's disciplinary committee cleared Warner and his son was ordered to pay FIFA $1 million for SOS Children's Villages.
Associated Press Writer Sheila Norman-Culp contributed to this report.

Peong · « **Reply #3 on:** May 31, 2007, 08:52:50 AM »

These fellas REAL slick.

Time to make another world football federation.

ttcom · « **Reply #4 on:** May 31, 2007, 08:57:04 AM »

Earlier the 71-year-old Swiss had told delegates world soccer was facing four evils that had to be stopped -- doping, corruption, cheating and racism.

Well Mr Fifa president, Jack fit three out of four evils. What are you going to do about it?

superoli · « **Reply #5 on:** May 31, 2007, 09:02:41 AM »

FIFA really believe they above the law !
wasnt Jack the prick the same man who said something about no white man could come in his country to question him ?

grskywalker · « **Reply #6 on:** May 31, 2007, 09:20:28 AM »

MORE IMPORTANTLY

What does this ruling mean to our players and their impasse with TTFF

Coop's · « **Reply #7 on:** May 31, 2007, 09:33:15 AM »

Jack wins again,he must be sitting in his office having a good laugh,anybody want to protest,what will all those players who waiting to go to court,waiting on their money going to do now,are they going to stand up for their rights or play again,in the end who suffers,you see the reason why Jack/TTFF was being patient because they know this was coming,all those players are left out in the cold,they still will not get any money and they will have to beg the TTFF to play,Camps done say if they want to play they have to sit down and discuss it with him/TTFF.

I have seen this happen too many times,if you know or understand FIFA laws you will realize you can't win these people,wiping T&T out of world Football does not affect FIFA and Jack does not need T&T Football to survive,he knows that T&T needs him more than he needs us,what he is telling us most times is either we take it or leave it.

Mr Fix-it · « **Reply #8 on:** May 31, 2007, 09:33:20 AM »

Quote from: grskywalker on May 31, 2007, 09:20:28 AM

MORE IMPORTANTLY

What does this ruling mean to our players and their impasse with TTFF

IT means dat dey screwed and doh boder with TNT ball because dey go really be blacklisted

Brownsugar · « **Reply #9 on:** May 31, 2007, 09:49:27 AM »

WOW....is ah good thing mih eh eat mih lunch yet cuz all now it would be all over my keyboard....

well yes, dem men good yes...

Coop's ah hear what yuh saying eh....but dese Lords goh fall sooner or later.....dey goh hang dey self wid dey own rope....

WestCoast · « **Reply #10 on:** May 31, 2007, 10:01:02 AM »

Quote from: Coop's on May 31, 2007, 09:33:15 AM

I have seen this happen too many times,if you know or understand FIFA laws you will realize you can't win these people,wiping T&T out of world Football does not affect FIFA and Jack does not need T&T Football to survive,he knows that T&T needs him more than he needs us,what he is telling us most times is either we "TICKET or leave it".

well Coops most underhanded organisations EVENTUALLY meet their match.
Ask Rosa Parks, or Mahatma Gandhi, or Olaudah Equiano, or Lord Shaftesbury, or...............(allya could enter a name you know here)

royal · « **Reply #11 on:** May 31, 2007, 10:08:39 AM »

So much for going to court.Dem fellas now have to sit down and develop a new strategy because dat ruling not only affect dem playing for their country but more importantly club too and dat dey cyar jeopardize.

kounty · « **Reply #12 on:** May 31, 2007, 11:45:39 AM »

well I learn today just how big Jack is.

grskywalker · « **Reply #13 on:** May 31, 2007, 01:31:59 PM »

I have come to the following conclusions about FIFA

Blatter and Jack are Sith Lords who represent the GALACTIC EMPIRE that is FIFA whose agenda is total World domination.

They have wielded the Dark Side to influence the weak minded and have bent the rules to suit their evil plans.

To quote from Yoda; "Always two there is, no more, no less, "

The question is who is the master and who is the apprentice!

weary1969 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 31, 2007, 01:40:48 PM »

It just got more harder for those guys

Source · « **Reply #15 on:** May 31, 2007, 03:33:27 PM »

In this world money talks. What the government of T&T needs to do is say unless the best players represent us we are not giving the TTFF any money. Let's see what Jack would do. If it's Jack or the TTFF team let them foot the bill.

Bourbon · « **Reply #16 on:** May 31, 2007, 04:00:31 PM »

So....we could hire assasins?

Socapro · « **Reply #17 on:** May 31, 2007, 11:05:34 PM »

Quote from: trinbago on May 31, 2007, 08:21:28 AM

FIFA clamps down on soccer cases going to civil courts

By Mark Ledsom

ZURICH, May 31 (Reuters) - World soccer's governing body FIFA stepped up its efforts to keep sporting disputes out of civil courts on Thursday with the organisation's annual Congress voting overwhelmingly to tighten the relevant statutes.

FIFA's member associations approved by 198 votes to three new proposals under which the associations will undertake to punish any "leagues, members of leagues, clubs, members of clubs, players, officials and other association officials" who take their disputes to ordinary courts of law.

Outgoing FIFA vice-president David Will acknowledged that the organisation's present statutes already prohibited such actions, but said that the amended text would "toughen up and set down the regulations more precisely."

Will added that FIFA's determination had been strengthened by a ruling in its favour by the Swiss Federal Court, which in January rejected a civil claim brought against FIFA by Spanish club Rayo Vallecano.

Four other amendments recommended by FIFA's executive committee were also comfortably approved by Congress, including an obligation for national referees committees to come under the jurisdiction of their national associations and a change in the statutes bringing FIFA fully in line with the World Anti-Doping Code.

Following Thursday's vote, FIFA can now launch its own appeals to CAS over doping-related decisions made by national associations or confederations.

The Task Force set up two years ago to examine various aspects of the sport made its final report to Congress with its recommendations on agents, betting and transfer regulations expected to be approved by the executive committee at its November meeting in Durban, South Africa.

Ah see it, ah read it but ah still cyar believe it!!

Is FIFA now above the law?!!!!!!

kentsoulman · « **Reply #18 on:** June 01, 2007, 03:43:25 AM »

This changes nothing. They can't make it retrospective. The Legal action is already underway, so the intention to take TTFF to court has already been registered. Its a bit like Warner shooting somebody, then changing the law afterwards. Can't happen.

With regard to Warners racist claim against McBeth, this could be Jacks undoing. If the players win a court case against TTFF, unquestionably there wil be a fraud investigation. If a case is proven, so is McBeths corruption statement, which becomes a fact in law. Therefore, the claim is factual and therefore cannot be racist. McBeth can then claim lible and loss of earnings/reputation damages against Warner, CONCACAF and FIFA.

Finally, is it actually possible to be rcist against an entire continent? I mean, surely there are Africans of all colours and creeds (as there are in the Caribbean).

The FIFA mafia strike again!

palos · « **Reply #19 on:** June 01, 2007, 03:45:30 AM »

Quote from: Socapro on May 31, 2007, 11:05:34 PM

Is FIFA now above the law?!!!!!!

Don't be naive.

They've always been.

WestCoast · « **Reply #20 on:** June 01, 2007, 04:04:35 AM »

Quote from: grskywalker on May 31, 2007, 01:31:59 PM

The question is who is the master and who is the apprentice!

my opinion is that Jackula is the master and Blatter is de .......

apparently, it is Jackula that had the balance of power to get Blatter elected.

royal · « **Reply #21 on:** June 01, 2007, 07:31:16 AM »

McBeth is a loss to game - Brown

Craig Brown has defended former boss John McBeth after the outgoing Scottish Football Association president was forced to give up a role within Fifa.
McBeth had his nomination withdrawn by the British associations after he claimed African and Caribbean nations were tainted by corruption and greed.

But former Scotland boss Brown said: "I don't know anyone with as much dignity.

"I was surprised by his comments Maybe they were ill-judged, but he doesn't warrant the criticism coming his way."

Brown knows 62-year-old McBeth from their time together at Clyde, with the future SFA official becoming chairman during Brown's 10 season as manager of the club.

He'd bring knowledge, presence and stature to any job in football

Former Scotland manager Craig Brown

Jack Warner, the Fifa vice-president from Trinidad and Tobago, claimed McBeth's comments were racist.

But Brown said: "There's no doubt John will be hugely upset by what has happened. Accusations of racism will hurt him."

It remains unclear whether McBeth intends to stay in football, as his run as president of the SFA also comes to an end on Friday.

"I don't know where he'll go from here," said Brown.

"He may be sickened by the entire episode. If that proves to be the case, it would be a huge loss.

"He'd bring knowledge, presence and stature to any job in football."

bbc

spideybuff · « **Reply #22 on:** June 01, 2007, 07:40:11 AM »

Quote from: grskywalker on May 31, 2007, 01:31:59 PM

I have come to the following conclusions about FIFA

Blatter and Jack are Sith Lords who represent the GALACTIC EMPIRE that is FIFA whose agenda is total World domination.

They have wielded the Dark Side to influence the weak minded and have bent the rules to suit their evil plans.

To quote from Yoda; "Always two there is, no more, no less, "

The question is who is the master and who is the apprentice

Well skywalker...I in total agreement but it not funny. Joao was the master to Sepp the apprentice, so now Jack will be the tool...until he ready to take over and stab Sepp in the back. So it always goes with men of power and ambition...

spideybuff · « **Reply #23 on:** June 01, 2007, 07:48:30 AM »

Quote from: kentsoulman on June 01, 2007, 03:43:25 AM

This changes nothing. They can't make it retrospective. The Legal action is already underway, so the intention to take TTFF to court has already been registered. Its a bit like Warner shooting somebody, then changing the law afterwards. Can't happen.

With regard to Warners racist claim against McBeth, this could be Jacks undoing. If the players win a court case against TTFF, unquestionably there wil be a fraud investigation. If a case is proven, so is McBeths corruption statement, which becomes a fact in law. Therefore, the claim is factual and therefore cannot be racist. McBeth can then claim lible and loss of earnings/reputation damages against Warner, CONCACAF and FIFA.

Finally, is it actually possible to be rcist against an entire continent? I mean, surely there are Africans of all colours and creeds (as there are in the Caribbean).

The FIFA mafia strike again!

Of course they can make it retrospective...you are going to see a new rule stating that ''any players involved in bringing action against the organising federation of their respective country cannot represent that country until the court matters are resolved or withdrawn''. Jack win...he probly didn't know that law didn't exist so when Scamps get expose he went and lobby for the law with his powerful federation of over 30 nations out of 198.

And yes you can be racist against a whole continent. He basically said all non-white nations...if he had said Asians, South Americans are corrupt, he would still have been racist. Not his fault though, cause that is where the corruption is but because of the similarities in the areas the words could be construed to be racist and nothing he say or do now could fight that, whether is true or not. Because we all know it is true...it has been proven already. The FIFA VP who had to resign because he sell tickets for the Trinidad game on the black market was from Africa and Jack has been caught a million times and charges proven and got away with a slap on his wrist. Or by letting his son take the blame...

Jack win this rounds. But he will get it in the end.

kounty · « **Reply #24 on:** June 01, 2007, 08:08:00 AM »

kent, I don't know for sure what going on in African Football (without being stereotypical - other posters on here will help you out with that if that is what you want) but I know in Trinidad and Tobago Football there is a huge amount of corruption. I guess in trying to be broad and not specifically point the finger at jack, jack hold on to his finger and shove it in his throat. I don't think he was being racist but the common observer might say - so Europe don't have corruption too? all them clubs being demoted etc? the common person in the caribbean loathes corruption just as much as or probably even more than in england...this just show us that jack is a big fella and a feeling of hopelessness is looming over us.
Now I understand what my african friends were saying when they would describe their countries being run by dictators. The feeling of hopelessness when this thing affects your whole life (not just football).

elan · « **Reply #25 on:** June 01, 2007, 04:28:40 PM »

Just remember that all unfair games are replayed.

weary1969 · « **Reply #26 on:** June 01, 2007, 07:06:30 PM »

I keep hearin bout Lawsuit. What court was it filed in? We know that Jack and dem is operatin in the kangaroo court but what lawsuit? wherewas it filed?

E-man · « **Reply #27 on:** June 01, 2007, 10:21:15 PM »

Quote from: weary1969 on June 01, 2007, 07:06:30 PM

I keep hearin bout Lawsuit. What court was it filed in? We know that Jack and dem is operatin in the kangaroo court but what lawsuit? wherewas it filed?

I don't believe anything was filed yet. A while back Groden made a claim that they can't deal with the players because they have a court action and FIFA would thus ban them (basically admitting to the blacklist) but then the response was that nothing has been filed and that a clear reading of FIFA rules showed there was no basis to ban players.

kentsoulman · « **Reply #28 on:** June 02, 2007, 04:06:12 AM »

Quote from: spideybuff on June 01, 2007, 07:48:30 AM

Quote from: kentsoulman on June 01, 2007, 03:43:25 AM
This changes nothing. They can't make it retrospective. The Legal action is already underway, so the intention to take TTFF to court has already been registered. Its a bit like Warner shooting somebody, then changing the law afterwards. Can't happen.

With regard to Warners racist claim against McBeth, this could be Jacks undoing. If the players win a court case against TTFF, unquestionably there wil be a fraud investigation. If a case is proven, so is McBeths corruption statement, which becomes a fact in law. Therefore, the claim is factual and therefore cannot be racist. McBeth can then claim lible and loss of earnings/reputation damages against Warner, CONCACAF and FIFA.

Finally, is it actually possible to be rcist against an entire continent? I mean, surely there are Africans of all colours and creeds (as there are in the Caribbean).

The FIFA mafia strike again!
Of course they can make it retrospective...you are going to see a new rule stating that ''any players involved in bringing action against the organising federation of their respective country cannot represent that country until the court matters are resolved or withdrawn''. Jack win...he probly didn't know that law didn't exist so when Scamps get expose he went and lobby for the law with his powerful federation of over 30 nations out of 198.

And yes you can be racist against a whole continent. He basically said all non-white nations...if he had said Asians, South Americans are corrupt, he would still have been racist. Not his fault though, cause that is where the corruption is but because of the similarities in the areas the words could be construed to be racist and nothing he say or do now could fight that, whether is true or not. Because we all know it is true...it has been proven already. The FIFA VP who had to resign because he sell tickets for the Trinidad game on the black market was from Africa and Jack has been caught a million times and charges proven and got away with a slap on his wrist. Or by letting his son take the blame...

Jack win this rounds. But he will get it in the end.

Spidey, I ain't no lawyer, but if FIFA can make laws retrospective, that turns them into timelords, travelling back to the past to make things illegal! If that was the case, and FIFA so powerful, why did the Bosman ruling happen? FIFA cannot interfere with human rights laws, they can only argue that there are exeptions made for footballers. The court case is an employment law issue, the same as any plumber, miner or shop assistant. Employees are protected by government and international laws. The players can file as UK residents or even EU residents. The case can be filed in Lausanne, as FIFA are Swiss based.
The lawyer, Michael Townley is the foremost sports lawyer in the UK, if not Europe. he knows his game and his limitations. FIFA cannot now decide that this law is retrospective. If they try it will further weaken their defence and be seen as a punitive measure brought in specifically to prevent an ongoing legal dispute.

finally, this whole issue of racism sets a precedent. Warner has to be careful how he decribes a group of people now (such as the blacklisted 16) If he describes them as being greedy foreign based players, its possible that that can be classed as racism. You can be racist against your own people. Certainly, the mere use by Spalkman of the words "White man" to describe Harrison is overtly racist. There is absoloutely no reason whatsoever to mention his colour, unless it is for a defamitary reason. If a guy can be sacked by mentioning a continent, I'm damn sure Spalk can be sacked and sued for damages by stating someones ethnicity in a defamitory way. If Scottish football is now frowned upon because of McBeth, surely Warner will be publicly criticised by his countrymans comments?

weary1969 · « **Reply #29 on:** June 02, 2007, 07:31:56 AM »

Thank u Eman I know no lawsuit eh file. I sjust Jack being bad mind