Septic Bladder

[atlas2 4,329]

Only 17 countries voted with The FA yesterday to suspend the vote for president...(the only candidate being Blatter)..... and one of them, Vietnam, had pressed the 'wrong' button.

 

Of the home nations only Scotland (with much to lose), stood by England's stand ..........Wales, Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic all supporting Blatter. While England's hands are not spotless in this.........they seemed content enough to turn a blind eye to the bidding corruption while the destiny of the 2018 WC was still on offer. They now, at least, seem in tune with most observers outside the FIFA 'family' who believe FIFA needs a clean up to regain its reputation.

 

All that this stance achieved from the assembly was general condemnation and claims of sour grapes.

 

I only hope the press really get their teeth into this.

Edited June 2, 2011 by atlas2

[nidnoyham 30]

I've been on about this caper since Dec' last year mate.

 

FIFA is just another level of politics that basically runs itself. A crooked top man will get votes from other crooks, knowing he will sanction their backhanders, free trips, high expenses......

 

If Blatter was serious about cleaning up FIFA's act, he would have promoted the American whistle blower, not allowed him to be sacked. The rot continues.

 

Perhaps e- mails to sponsors, Emirates Visa from enough disgruntled customers ??

 

Our Government minister for sport has already said it is no business of the government to get involved. The government stopping freebies, jollies,backhanders....... ? He does have a point !

[nidnoyham 30]

The FA, will have to get used to being the Millwall of FIFA.

 

What is it the Millwall fans sing ? " No one likes us - we don't care ! "

[Funky 87]

I think the English FA came out of this with real dignity, how can you have an election with only one person standing?

 

Personally I despise Blatter and that prick Platini.

 

Football is now worth billions of pounds and the reluctance to bring in goal line technology is bizzare when most other sports

embrace it.

 

As for the World Cup bid England managed to convince one other country that they where worth a vote, how can that be when we boast

the best infrastructure with all the Stadia in place?

 

Blatter seems determined to take new continenets but Qatar you have got to be kidding.

 

Fifa are corrupt to the core , and Blatter has everyone in his pocket.

Edited June 14, 2011 by Funky

[atlas2 4,329]

I think the English FA came out of this with real dignity, how can you have an election with only one person standing?

 

Personally I despise Blatter and that prick Platini.

 

Football is now worth billions of pounds and the reluctance to bring in goal line technology is bizzare when most other sports

embrace it.

 

As for the World Cup bid England managed to convince one other country that they where worth a vote, how can that be when we boast

the best infrastructure with all the Stadia in place?

 

Blatter seems determined to take new continenets but Qatar you have got to be kidding.

 

Fifa are corrupt to the core , and Blatter has everyone in his pocket.

 

 

Agree...........And he's still there bluff, lording it up and looking set for a gracious retirement at a time of his choosing. FIFA is such a corrupt bunch of thugs that it makes the UN look like 'The Warmington-On-Sea jam making committee'.

 

Come on 'Panorama'

[joekicker 53]

Agree...........And he's still there bluff, lording it up and looking set for a gracious retirement at a time of his choosing. FIFA is such a corrupt bunch of thugs that it makes the UN look like 'The Warmington-On-Sea jam making committee'.

 

Quite right of course, but it takes two to make a corrupt deal. Blatter and the FA of England, for example, that is one corrupt couple, doing their deals and stealing (heh) off with their profits. The FA somehow looked noble by opposing Blatter's re-election? Pshaw!

 

Sorry, but the FA complaining about corruption is like a highway construction company in Thailand complaining about government corruption, or that Scottish guy in Phuket complaining about corruption, or some BM complaining he "had to pay off the police or the corrupt baxtards would have arrested me". Sorry. Cry me an overflowing river! You get in bed with these people, don't complain when they bite you during the blow job!

 

.

[nidnoyham 30]

Quite right of course, but it takes two to make a corrupt deal. Blatter and the FA of England, for example, that is one corrupt couple, doing their deals and stealing (heh) off with their profits. The FA somehow looked noble by opposing Blatter's re-election? Pshaw!

 

Sorry, but the FA complaining about corruption is like a highway construction company in Thailand complaining about government corruption, or that Scottish guy in Phuket complaining about corruption, or some BM complaining he "had to pay off the police or the corrupt baxtards would have arrested me". Sorry. Cry me an overflowing river! You get in bed with these people, don't complain when they bite you during the blow job!

 

.

 

Can't resist it can you joe ? Any excuse to have a go at the English. Any form any subject any time, or is it my imagination ?

[joekicker 53]

Can't resist it can you joe ? Any excuse to have a go at the English. Any form any subject any time, or is it my imagination ?

 

I can't resist staying on topic, you mean? The lily-white FA was the subject. But it's not.

 

There are way worse than the English when it comes to Fifa corruption. There is FAT for example, the Football Association of Thailand for starters. Worawi Makudi, now the FAT president (or something) was once beaten up by North Koreans back when he was an international referee, for taking their bribe but then failing to fix the match for them! At the Asian Games! He is in bed with Blather, named by the FA of England as a crook -- and slithered out of it. But you know what? "Not guilty" is NOT the same as innocent, Mr Worawi. And you aren't innocent.

 

Open your eyes, little one, and open your mind. ANYONE who does business with Fifa, from Coca Cola to the underprivileged boys' clubs who take their soccer ball giveaways, is helping Fifa and suborning corruption. That most certainly includes the FA of England.

 

Or tell me why not. Address the Kottam topic and NOT the poster for once.

 

.

[nidnoyham 30]

I can't resist staying on topic, you mean? The lily-white FA was the subject. But it's not.

 

There are way worse than the English when it comes to Fifa corruption. There is FAT for example, the Football Association of Thailand for starters. Worawi Makudi, now the FAT president (or something) was once beaten up by North Koreans back when he was an international referee, for taking their bribe but then failing to fix the match for them! At the Asian Games! He is in bed with Blather, named by the FA of England as a crook -- and slithered out of it. But you know what? "Not guilty" is NOT the same as innocent, Mr Worawi. And you aren't innocent.

 

Open your eyes, little one, and open your mind. ANYONE who does business with Fifa, from Coca Cola to the underprivileged boys' clubs who take their soccer ball giveaways, is helping Fifa and suborning corruption. That most certainly includes the FA of England.

 

Or tell me why not. Address the Kottam topic and NOT the poster for once.

 

.

 

 

My opinion of the Fa is as low as anyone's. However they did at least make a stand, while the majority just meekly went along with Blatter. I do give them credit for that.

 

They also brought pressure to bear on the crooked FIFA system, the outcome of which is still to be seen- but it will. You have to give credit where it's due.

 

I still maintain you are Anglophobic and I don't think I am alone. If I was not English, it probably would not have come to my attention, but I am if nothing else, observant.

 

To criticize a race once or twice is par for the course, but with you it's at every opportunity you can. If you dissed Indians or Pakistanis on the same scale, it would get the liberals on here shouting Racist. For all I know, you are English yourself, you seem to be somewhat coy about your country of origin.

 

It is becoming tedious joe.

Edited June 15, 2011 by nidnoyham

[joekicker 53]

It is becoming tedious joe.

 

THAT is a true statement, little one. Why not give it up? There's no one even holds your coat.

 

.

[atlas2 4,329]

Joe....

 

We are all free of course to give our valued or worthless opinions, select our standpoint, fight our corner and discuss the issues in any way we choose.

 

Threads which you enter.... and 'introduce' into an anti-English sentiment or, align yourself with anti-English sentiment do seem to come along too regularly not to be noticed.

 

It may be you are right 'in every case' to do so. You are certainly right in your claim above....that the hands of the FA are 'not spotless in this'. Indeed 'that' is a direct quote from 'my' opening post. It is therefore something I and others have already asserted. I'm not suggesting it's wrong that you choose reiterate this argument...........Just questioning why you feel the 'need' to.

 

I agree with Nidnoy in this............... you may think, 'Well you would agree atlas, you're English too'. But being English is not 'why' I agree with him.

 

By the same token I can't see that being less coy and secretive about 'your' nationality would weaken the power of your arguments on the board.

 

Unless you have reason to think that it would. .... Level the playing field. If you are not an American what are you?

 

Up to you naturally.......

Edited June 16, 2011 by atlas2

[joekicker 53]

Threads which you enter.... and 'introduce' into an anti-English sentiment or, align yourself with anti-English sentiment do seem to come along too regularly not to be noticed.

 

Okay, I was wrong, you're going to hold his coat.

 

So tell me, why is it "anti-English" to note that the England FA works with Fifa on corrupt deals and profits to the tune of millions of pounds by helping Fifa push its corrupt deals?

 

What does this have to do with being anti-English, my following what YOU (rightly) claim is YOUR decision to bring English corruption into the thread? Why is my contribution anti-English and your's in not, for example?

 

I agree with Nidnoy in this............... you may think, 'Well you would agree atlas, you're English too'. But being English is not 'why' I agree with him.

 

How about this? I'll tell you what I think and you get out of my brain? Deal? You are a HORRIBLE mind reader. Stop setting me up for YOUR ridiculous conclusions about what you claim that I think. I don't think it. I don't even care about it. Your nationality is less than a piffle to me. I don't even care WHY you want to hold the little one's coat, only what you write about it. Which so far in this part of the thread is nothing.

 

By the same token I can't see that being less coy and secretive about 'your' nationality would weaken the power of your arguments on the board.

 

I didn't mention your nationality. I didn't mention the little one at all in any manner, let alone his nationality. I mentioned the Fifa corruption and two (so far) of the national bodies that enable, encourage and profit from corruption. YOU take it personally, that is YOUR problem, I have nothing to do with that (frankly, stupid) problem. You have the right to be offended, I don't care.

 

What did you do with your false claim that I care about your nationality? Answer: You carried out another lie, more false xrap claiming to know what *I* think. Here's a scoop: I don't care what's your nationality. The subject isn't you. It's corruption in international and national football/soccer. That exists no matter what your nationality is, mine is or anyone else's. Don't assign me your convenient pigeon-hole, if for no other reasons than - number one you are flatly, horribly wrong and number two, lest this become a flame exchange. SO FAR, I've said word zero about you.

 

How about this? I'll write down here what I think. You tell everyone what you think. I'll agree or disagree with your opinion, without reference to your mother's moustache. How about that?

 

So here's my main question to you: Why do you, just like the guy whose coat you're holding, REFUSE to address the subject, which is the corruption of Fifa and how at least two other countries mentioned (so far, England and Thailand) go along with that corruption and profit from it? And as a follow-on, do you agree with, deny or have some other opinion about the claim that Fifa AND national bodies are corrupt by necessity, since one person/group can't be corrupt all alone?

 

.

[nidnoyham 30]

Okay, I was wrong, you're going to hold his coat.

 

So tell me, why is it "anti-English" to note that the England FA works with Fifa on corrupt deals and profits to the tune of millions of pounds by helping Fifa push its corrupt deals?

 

What does this have to do with being anti-English, my following what YOU (rightly) claim is YOUR decision to bring English corruption into the thread? Why is my contribution anti-English and your's in not, for example?

 

 

 

How about this? I'll tell you what I think and you get out of my brain? Deal? You are a HORRIBLE mind reader. Stop setting me up for YOUR ridiculous conclusions about what you claim that I think. I don't think it. I don't even care about it. Your nationality is less than a piffle to me. I don't even care WHY you want to hold the little one's coat, only what you write about it. Which so far in this part of the thread is nothing.

 

 

 

I didn't mention your nationality. I didn't mention the little one at all in any manner, let alone his nationality. I mentioned the Fifa corruption and two (so far) of the national bodies that enable, encourage and profit from corruption. YOU take it personally, that is YOUR problem, I have nothing to do with that (frankly, stupid) problem. You have the right to be offended, I don't care.

 

What did you do with your false claim that I care about your nationality? Answer: You carried out another lie, more false xrap claiming to know what *I* think. Here's a scoop: I don't care what's your nationality. The subject isn't you. It's corruption in international and national football/soccer. That exists no matter what your nationality is, mine is or anyone else's. Don't assign me your convenient pigeon-hole, if for no other reasons than - number one you are flatly, horribly wrong and number two, lest this become a flame exchange. SO FAR, I've said word zero about you.

 

How about this? I'll write down here what I think. You tell everyone what you think. I'll agree or disagree with your opinion, without reference to your mother's moustache. How about that?

 

So here's my main question to you: Why do you, just like the guy whose coat you're holding, REFUSE to address the subject, which is the corruption of Fifa and how at least two other countries mentioned (so far, England and Thailand) go along with that corruption and profit from it? And as a follow-on, do you agree with, deny or have some other opinion about the claim that Fifa AND national bodies are corrupt by necessity, since one person/group can't be corrupt all alone?

 

.

 

 

Like i said before joe- Ann Frank and a drum kit.

 

Yes the FA may be corrupt, I have no time for any sports ruling bodies - F.A /M.C.C/Jockey Club/L.T.A/Wimbledon Tennis..... all a bunch of blazers and ties.

 

But the fact that this has swung from pointing out the shortcomings of FIFA to the shortcomings of the FA, comes from your chance to 'have a go' at anything English. Had it been anyone else, I would probably not have remarked about it.

 

You don't do casting for Hollywood films, do you ?

 

It is fortunate or unfortunate that it is just 'The FA' not 'The English FA' to give it that extra bite.

 

Okay the FA may be a corrupt outfit, but two wrongs don't make a right.

 

EUAFA were so impressed by the Champions League, final at Wembley, they may award it to Wembley again in 2013 to mark the FA's 150th anniversary. It will be the shortest time for a final to be played at the same venue, so the FA must have done something right, or perhaps they payed Mr Platini some money ?

[joekicker 53]

But the fact that this has swung from pointing out the shortcomings of FIFA to the shortcomings of the FA, comes from your chance to 'have a go' at anything English. Had it been anyone else, I would probably not have remarked about it.

 

Where do you reach to get such ridiculous stuff?

 

FIFA CAN NOT be corrupt by itself. It's impossible. It is impossible to discuss FIFA corruption in a vacuum. Someone, some thing, some group, some government (or many of the above) are corrupt ALSO - otherwise FIFA can't be corrupt. Again: This is just like some BM who hands over 200 baht to the policeman and then whines about the corrupt police.

 

Why you think this thread has anything to do with me, only you know. I am a (cynical, often concerned) spectator. I have absolutely no dog in the fight, never have enabled or profited from FIFA or anyone else I've named. I have nothing to do with FIFA, and wouldn't touch the Football Association of Thailand with a barge pole for fear I'd never get the xhit off my hands. So far as the corruption-enabling FA, I haven't come within 200 yards of one of its members, let alone the actual group. (Full disclosure: I was once inside a hotel where Liverpool were staying, but not in connection with Liverpool or the FA people with them.)

 

Unlike you, I am remarking on the subject of this thread, "Septic Bladder". He's a disgrace to humanity and his operation should be torn apart and rebuilt properly -- but he doesn't do it by himself by any means. He has enablers and toadies, both.

 

.

[atlas2 4,329]

Calm down Joe.... don't burst your 'bladder' over this.

 

 

I didn't mean to be 'HORRIBLE' to you and I apologise if I've upset you.

 

 

You're entitled to your privacy regarding your nationality and I just asked out of a natural,if misplaced curiosity...... Won't broach the subject again. An Englishman's word on it.

[joekicker 53]

I didn't mean to be 'HORRIBLE' to you and I apologise if I've upset you.

 

That's extremely gracious and I appreciate it. And I seriously mean that. It's quite collegial, and thanks.

 

But it's unnecessary, because I don't care if you're horrible, really I don't. It's an Internet forum. My whole point was that the thread isn't about me. I'm interested in your views if any on Fifa, corruption, the English FA and any other enablers you might want to write about. You can't read my mind, but you can read and then write about yours. If I'm the most anti-English person in the world doesn't affect the FACTS about the FA and its links with Fifa. I'm interested in what thoughts any BM including your own gracious self have about that subject. By all means, tear down every word I wrote about it, if you can.

 

.

[nidnoyham 30]

Calm down Joe.... don't burst your 'bladder' over this.

 

 

I didn't mean to be 'HORRIBLE' to you and I apologise if I've upset you.

 

 

You're entitled to your privacy regarding your nationality and I just asked out of a natural,if misplaced curiosity...... Won't broach the subject again. An Englishman's word on it.

 

Come off it atlas, apologizing to joe for having a go at the English is

like saying sorry to Adolf, for shooting down his Dorniers over London.

 

Let me remind you of a recent quote from joeK 09 June 2011 " Not to say there a zillion un-PC cruel jokes about the Englisschers. Fair game in my books. "

 

Now, I expect and am used to this, from the Scots, Irish, Welsh and a few others and I can understand the reason behind it. I accept it as how we are in the U.K.

 

With joe, it is like watching two blokes walk down the street, both bumping into things. One has a white stick and dark glasses, the other one has neither. I would have to ask him why he keeps bumping into things if he's not blind ? I'm curious like that.

[joekicker 53]

Any thoughts on the corruption collusion between Fifa and the FA of ANY country, little thing?

 

.

[nidnoyham 30]

Any thoughts on the corruption collusion between Fifa and the FA of ANY country, little thing?

 

.

 

 

Errrrr - no !

[nidnoyham 30]

Well, the shit has hit the fan about the team GB for 2012 Olympics.

 

Despite assurances from FIFA that Scotland, Ireland and Wales, will not lose their recognition as individual FA's, they don't trust FIFA -Really ???

 

The FA has agreed in principle to a team GB with the Olympic outfit, but....

 

From all reports it's only one or two Welshmen who want to play anyway.

 

The Scottish PL starts in July and the clubs would not be happy about losing key players (as if)

 

The Sun paper,forecast a team with 9 English and 2 Welsh players- hardly worth the trouble is it ?

 

These foreigners have no idea of the competition between the 4 countries in the UK. You have to 'come from here' to appreciate it.

[nidnoyham 30]

After a second round of ticket fiasco today, it appears the only events under subscribed are weight lifting, volleyball and---- FOOTBALL !!

 

Are the Olympics audience not really interested in football ? Could it be there is enough of it about already ? People reluctant to pay a lot of money, to see something you can see all winter long ?

[bigdelta 46]

He said he served in the US military.

 

My opinion of the Fa is as low as anyone's. However they did at least make a stand, while the majority just meekly went along with Blatter. I do give them credit for that.

 

They also brought pressure to bear on the crooked FIFA system, the outcome of which is still to be seen- but it will. You have to give credit where it's due.

 

I still maintain you are Anglophobic and I don't think I am alone. If I was not English, it probably would not have come to my attention, but I am if nothing else, observant.

 

To criticize a race once or twice is par for the course, but with you it's at every opportunity you can. If you dissed Indians or Pakistanis on the same scale, it would get the liberals on here shouting Racist. For all I know, you are English yourself, you seem to be somewhat coy about your country of origin.

 

It is becoming tedious joe.

[bigdelta 46]

Soccer is year round now.UEFA's 2nd tier competition starts soon.Under 19,17 13 9 & under 3 competition going on now.US & Mexico in Gold Cup final tomorrow in LA which will have 80/20 split MEX/USA.Copa America soon.

I love soccer as much as anyone here but it's simply too much!

 

 

Zero tolerance? At FIFA, more like zero scruples...

By JOHN LEICESTER

AP Sports Columnist

 

PARIS -- When history books are written, this should go down as the week when FIFA's paper-thin last scraps of dignity and credibility withered and died.

 

Because this was the week that world football's governing body exposed itself: It professes to "zero tolerance" of corruption but, from its actions this week, "zero scruples" appears closer to the truth.

 

This May, football officials called to a meeting in the Caribbean were offered brown envelopes stuffed with $40,000 in $100 notes and told not to breathe a word. We know this because some but not all the officials later blew the whistle.

 

FIFA investigated. Its conclusions, leaked this week, were that the payments seem to have been bribes and that two of its most senior and influential executives - FIFA vice president Jack Warner and Asian football chief Mohamed bin Hammam - were allegedly neck-deep in the dirt.

 

Evidence, FIFA said, was "comprehensive, convincing and overwhelming." Bin Hammam wanted Sepp Blatter's job as FIFA president. For that, he needed football officials' votes. From FIFA's report, it appears he was ready to pay for them.

 

Warner, one of football's most powerful men, allegedly used his clout and contacts to act as bin Hammam's facilitator. FIFA's report accused him of arranging the May 10-11 meeting at a hotel on the Caribbean island of Trinidad and of condoning the payoffs.

 

If FIFA put football's interests first, Warner should have been banished as an example to others, packed off in disgrace, good riddance.

 

FIFA's report even suggested as much.

 

"Corruption affects the very core of sports and is to be considered as nothing less than life-threatening for sports and sports organizations. Thus, if there is considerable suspicion that offenses related to corruption might have been committed, immediate action is imperative," it said.

 

"FIFA has a direct and pressing interest in barring the persons concerned from sports immediately and effectively," it added. "In this regard, FIFA and the FIFA Ethics Committee adhere to a zero tolerance approach."

 

You can almost hear Warner laughing. He walked away, resigning this week from football duties and taking with him his secrets from 28 years inside the most discredited governing body in sports. Whatever knowledge Warner may have of any misdeeds within FIFA, the "football tsunami" of embarrassing revelations that he threatened to unleash, he can now keep for himself.

 

Good deal for Warner, an insult for football. Warner is not banned from football stadiums or from contacting buddies still working in the game, officials who owe him their jobs and may still do his bidding. It seems, although FIFA's press office won't outright confirm or deny this, that Warner may even still be eligible for his FIFA pension, payable for as many years as he served on the executive committee - 28.

 

The biggest scandal is that FIFA waved off Warner with kind words of thanks, saying his football work was "appreciated and acknowledged." FIFA's statement completely omitted mention of its own report, which it was sitting on, that accused him of knowing about, facilitating and condoning the alleged bribery in the Caribbean. Nor did it recall the 2006 World Cup ticket scam for which Warner's family was fined, or the other alleged financial misdeeds that critics linked him to over the years.

 

FIFA closed its ethics probe of Warner. And because Warner is no longer involved in football, FIFA said it no longer has any authority to investigate him. That may be true, but FIFA surely didn't need to go the extra mile and state, as it so obligingly did, that Warner's "presumption of innocence is maintained."

 

FIFA hasn't been so forgiving with others, like Michel Zen-Ruffinen, Blatter's former right-hand man forced out for crossing swords with his boss a decade ago. Last November, FIFA declared Zen-Ruffinen "persona non grata" after he told reporters that countries bidding for the World Cup were secretly trading votes.

 

So why was Warner accorded such a face-saving send-off? Out of fear that he might, if dealt with strictly, pull down others in FIFA, too?

 

More worrisome is why Warner and bin Hammam apparently felt safe that they wouldn't get into trouble for the alleged bribery in May and that officials offered wads of cash wouldn't double-cross them. Does that suggest that, in the past, officials simply took the money? And is this how FIFA presidential votes are won?

 

These are questions Warner no longer needs to answer.

 

How can that be zero tolerance?

 

John Leicester is an international sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at jleicester(at)ap.org or http://twitter.com/johnleicester

 

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/24/2282873/zero-tolerance-at-fifa-more-like.html#ixzz1QEQDMR72

 

 

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/24/2282873/zero-tolerance-at-fifa-more-like.html#ixzz1QEQ13UkN

 

 

After a second round of ticket fiasco today, it appears the only events under subscribed are weight lifting, volleyball and---- FOOTBALL !!

 

Are the Olympics audience not really interested in football ? Could it be there is enough of it about already ? People reluctant to pay a lot of money, to see something you can see all winter long ?

[nidnoyham 30]

Soccer is year round now.UEFA's 2nd tier competition starts soon.Under 19,17 13 9 & under 3 competition going on now.US & Mexico in Gold Cup final tomorrow in LA which will have 80/20 split MEX/USA.Copa America soon.

I love soccer as much as anyone here but it's simply too much!

 

 

Zero tolerance? At FIFA, more like zero scruples...

By JOHN LEICESTER

AP Sports Columnist

 

PARIS -- When history books are written, this should go down as the week when FIFA's paper-thin last scraps of dignity and credibility withered and died.

 

Because this was the week that world football's governing body exposed itself: It professes to "zero tolerance" of corruption but, from its actions this week, "zero scruples" appears closer to the truth.

 

This May, football officials called to a meeting in the Caribbean were offered brown envelopes stuffed with $40,000 in $100 notes and told not to breathe a word. We know this because some but not all the officials later blew the whistle.

 

FIFA investigated. Its conclusions, leaked this week, were that the payments seem to have been bribes and that two of its most senior and influential executives - FIFA vice president Jack Warner and Asian football chief Mohamed bin Hammam - were allegedly neck-deep in the dirt.

 

Evidence, FIFA said, was "comprehensive, convincing and overwhelming." Bin Hammam wanted Sepp Blatter's job as FIFA president. For that, he needed football officials' votes. From FIFA's report, it appears he was ready to pay for them.

 

Warner, one of football's most powerful men, allegedly used his clout and contacts to act as bin Hammam's facilitator. FIFA's report accused him of arranging the May 10-11 meeting at a hotel on the Caribbean island of Trinidad and of condoning the payoffs.

 

If FIFA put football's interests first, Warner should have been banished as an example to others, packed off in disgrace, good riddance.

 

FIFA's report even suggested as much.

 

"Corruption affects the very core of sports and is to be considered as nothing less than life-threatening for sports and sports organizations. Thus, if there is considerable suspicion that offenses related to corruption might have been committed, immediate action is imperative," it said.

 

"FIFA has a direct and pressing interest in barring the persons concerned from sports immediately and effectively," it added. "In this regard, FIFA and the FIFA Ethics Committee adhere to a zero tolerance approach."

 

You can almost hear Warner laughing. He walked away, resigning this week from football duties and taking with him his secrets from 28 years inside the most discredited governing body in sports. Whatever knowledge Warner may have of any misdeeds within FIFA, the "football tsunami" of embarrassing revelations that he threatened to unleash, he can now keep for himself.

 

Good deal for Warner, an insult for football. Warner is not banned from football stadiums or from contacting buddies still working in the game, officials who owe him their jobs and may still do his bidding. It seems, although FIFA's press office won't outright confirm or deny this, that Warner may even still be eligible for his FIFA pension, payable for as many years as he served on the executive committee - 28.

 

The biggest scandal is that FIFA waved off Warner with kind words of thanks, saying his football work was "appreciated and acknowledged." FIFA's statement completely omitted mention of its own report, which it was sitting on, that accused him of knowing about, facilitating and condoning the alleged bribery in the Caribbean. Nor did it recall the 2006 World Cup ticket scam for which Warner's family was fined, or the other alleged financial misdeeds that critics linked him to over the years.

 

FIFA closed its ethics probe of Warner. And because Warner is no longer involved in football, FIFA said it no longer has any authority to investigate him. That may be true, but FIFA surely didn't need to go the extra mile and state, as it so obligingly did, that Warner's "presumption of innocence is maintained."

 

FIFA hasn't been so forgiving with others, like Michel Zen-Ruffinen, Blatter's former right-hand man forced out for crossing swords with his boss a decade ago. Last November, FIFA declared Zen-Ruffinen "persona non grata" after he told reporters that countries bidding for the World Cup were secretly trading votes.

 

So why was Warner accorded such a face-saving send-off? Out of fear that he might, if dealt with strictly, pull down others in FIFA, too?

 

More worrisome is why Warner and bin Hammam apparently felt safe that they wouldn't get into trouble for the alleged bribery in May and that officials offered wads of cash wouldn't double-cross them. Does that suggest that, in the past, officials simply took the money? And is this how FIFA presidential votes are won?

 

These are questions Warner no longer needs to answer.

 

How can that be zero tolerance?

 

John Leicester is an international sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at jleicester(at)ap.org or http://twitter.com/johnleicester

 

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/24/2282873/zero-tolerance-at-fifa-more-like.html#ixzz1QEQDMR72

 

 

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/24/2282873/zero-tolerance-at-fifa-more-like.html#ixzz1QEQ13UkN

 

 

A nicely written article by Mr Leicester.

 

As informative as it is, at this stage things have gone so public, it verges on stating the bleeding obvious.

 

He could have mentioned the American whistle blower who was sacked, instead of being promoted for bringing all this corruption, to their attention.

 

I put FIFA alongside the Bankers of this world- untouchable by Government. Only an SAS- Seals, hit squad taking them out will bring any change to either.

[atlas2 4,329]

Only an SAS- Seals, hit squad taking them out will bring any change to either.

 

 

I disagree............The Warmington-on-Sea, Home Guard could do the job......It just needs the will to do it. But the vast majority of FIFA delegates are, it appears, either embroiled in the corruption or too craven for that to happen.