This is getting really deep into FIFA politics, but we mustall remember, contrary to the great Bill Shankly (people think football is a matter of life and death. They're wrong. It's more important than that.), football is only a game. In the end it cannot ignore employment law or human rights issues.
I don't know if the government can order an investigation, but I'm damn sure that any other business would be investigated if it was in the public interest, particularly if there was evidence of financial wrongdoings or fraud. Obviously, I'm not suggesting that is the case with the world cup dispute.
However, it would be interesting, for instance, to see how travel and hotel expenses were paid to the TTFF employees and advisors. As I understand it, the players were told these expenses were deducted from the players pool before it was divided up. So was that the case for the TTFF advisers? I doubt it, as it wouldn't be acceptable to do a job of work abroad and pay the cost of getting there yourself.
I wonder if any of the other 31 nations at the finals paid for their own expenses, including food and training facilities.
Can you imagine the conversation.
"Stevie G, its Sven. I'm selecting you to play for England in the World Cup. You will be paid a total of £50,000. However, we have to make some deductions. First class air fare £20,000. 5 star hotel, £16,000. Food £2,000 Bar bill £80,000. Oh dear. It appears, Stevie G, that you owe us £68,000. Still, thats a lot less than Rio, JT and Frank"
Now you know why Michael Owen went home early-he couldn't afford to stay!!
Poll