The Big 3: Michel Platini, Sepp Blatter, and Jérôme Valcke under the microscope
Throughout his presidency of FIFA, Sepp Blatter has been no stranger to scrutiny and controversy. Well before this latest scandal erupted, the Swiss businessman had been embroiled in a string of controversies, and we will take a quick look at some of them below:
- His 1998 election caused some negative publicity, but his 2002 appointment created even more suspicion as he was accused of offering the Somali Football Federation president $100,000 to vote for him in 1998.
- He rebuked the IOC (International Olympic Committee) after they announced they would be looking into corruption allegations surrounding CAF president Issa Hayatou - a long-standing ally of his.
- The awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar caused an uproar in some quarters, with the British feeling they were cheated; Blatter dismissed them as sore losers. On concerns over Qatar's ban on homosexuality, thus making it unsafe for gay fans to attend, he merely remarked that they should simply just abstain from sexual activities. Not surprisingly this infuriated both gay rights' groups, among them, retired basketball player John Amachei.
- In April of 2013 FIFA's ethics committee began an investigation into some questionable payments received by FIFA officals from notorious marketing partner International Sports and Leisure (ISL). Although Blatter emerged unscathed, but curiously, his predecessor and acting honorary president Joao Havelange opted to resign.
- Following the 2015 scandal, a press conference was called in June in which Blatter announced he would resign - yet on the 26th he seemingly backtracked on this announcement.
Blatter, who claimed will serve as president until 2016, now has been slapped with a 90 day suspension, which, naturally, he plans to appeal. His latest accusations also include a £1.3 million payment to UEFA president Michel Platini and selling a World Cup TV rights contract to Jack Warner back in 2006.
Still, despite this, he continues to proclaim his innocence, stating that "he could not monitor everyone all of the time" even though as president, many hold him "ultimately responsible".
Some other gems from his conference back in May when the scandal erupted:
"These [recent] events have cast a long shadow over football. Actions of individuals, if proven, bring shame and humiliation on football and demand action and change from us all. We cannot allow the reputation of FIFA to be dragged through the mud any longer."
Money, money, money: Has Blatter's greed and dishonesty finally caught up to him?
As Blatter continues to bleat about his innocence, it's quite ironic that another embroiled in this scandal, Michel Platini, had been one of those leading the charge for his resignation
Before Lionel Messi's historic fourth Ballon d'Or win, the former Juventus star was the record holder of the coveted prize along side with three wins alongside Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten. However, unlike the two Dutchmen, Platini's had been in succession - in 1983, 1984, and 1985 - just as Messi was the reigning title holder from 2008 to 2012. Named by Pele in the FIFA 100 - a list of the best living players - he was appointed as UEFA president in January 2007 and reigned over European football's governing body without much trouble - until now.
Hailed as a legend for both the Bianconeri and France, Platini's legacy appears to be tarnished due to a payment of £1.3 million that he claims to have been for "work" for FIFA, specifically as Blatter's special adviser during 1999 and 2002. The curious thing is, this payment was not received until 2011, raising some serious red flags. After all, if one does work for three years, ending in 2002, one would have expected him to be paid within that time frame, as opposed to nine years later.
Given that the payment arrived just months before Blatter's re-election as president, it now becomes a question of a "mere oversight" by Blatter or a reward for making sure he remained at the helm of FIFA.
Two peas in a pod: Despite Platini's public critique of Blatter, it was all for show as the two are as thick as thieves
Meanwhile, Jérôme Valcke, who has been serving as the secetary general of FIFA since 2007 has also been handed a 90-day ban and has been relieved of his duties until further notice. And like Blatter, the French-born former journalist is not a rookie when it comes to corruption charges. In 2006, a New York court decided to get involved due to Valcke's dishonesty regarding negotiating sponsor agreements with VISA. At the time, MasterCard had been a long-term partner; thus discussing deals with VISA was clearly in violation of MasterCard's rights as first negotiators.
Valcke has been shrouded in controversy dating back to 2006, yet continued to be employed by FIFA
Ironically, he was released from his marketing director position on December 16th by Blatter, only to be reinstated as the new secetary general on June 27th, where he has served until his recent suspension. His 90 day ban stems from not just the improper sale of World Cup tickets but also the contents of a letter which asked him to transfer $10 million from South African officials to CONCACAF in 2008. And the recipient of this fee? None other than Jack Warner as a bribe to secure the 2010 World Cup.
Before moving on to more of the FIFA crisis, here's an interesting look into Platini's rapid and shocking downfall from footballing grace:
So, who's the hypocrite now? Chung Mong-joon gets hit with long-term ban
Meanwhile, FIFA ex-vice president Chung Mong-joon has been slapped with his own ban - but instead of months, it's years. The Korean billionaire, who is the scion of the Hyundai business conglomerate, ranted earlier this month regarding Blatter:
"Mr Blatter, in short, is a hypocrite and a liar. Whenever I speak to football leaders, most of them agree that Mr Blatter is corrupt,”
“Fifa is in total meltdown and his dynasty is coming to an end, yet still few dare to speak up against him."
Well, now it's Chung who finds himself under the microscope and is currently fighting to overturn a six-year ban handed down by FIFA due to some allegations of impropriety concerning the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, which were awarded to Russia and Qatar surrounded in controversy.
Chung had aspirations of ending the Blatter-rule at FIFA earlier this year
Chung played a huge role in getting the 2002 World Cup awarded to Japan and Korea, making it the first event to be featured in Asia. His troubles all stem from an apparent massive fund - to the tune of over $700 million - that was purported to be used to finance football developments all around the world. However, during that same time, Korea were still in the running for the 2022 World Cup, and FIFA thus determined this not only a conflict of interest, but a violation of their organization's rules.
Then there was the accusation of setting up a vote trading deal that was sealed in front of British Prime Minister David Cameroon, but an investigation by FIFA turned up nothing.
According to Chung, the fund raising matter had been investigated and closed back in 2010 and was - ironically - re-opened this past August when he announced that he planned to challenge Blatter for the presidency, hence his accusations that FIFA is acting as a "hit man" for the Swiss football executive. Interestingly, the Korean businessman has been accused of questionable financial dealings in the past: in 2010, when Korea were bidding for the 2022 event, he made donations to Haiti and Pakistan, that he claimed were simply charitable donations and not an attempt to buy their vote for Korea's World Cup 2022 bid.
Chung could be facing an additional ban due to "defamatory" comments he made about FIFA so his troubles could be far from over. And this brings us to even more disgraced FIFA officials from around the world.
The shamed: Who has been banned, suspended, or outright jailed?
Once the FBI and the US Department of Justice get involved in anything, one knows it's pretty serious. Some, like Russia's Vladimir Putin, have insinuated that the Americans' involvement stems from anger and disappointment at losing on the 2018 World Cup. As one is well aware, the Russians and the USA have had a long-standing tense and uncomfortable relationship and Putin was quoted as noting back in May:
"We know the pressure that was exerted on Blatter with the aim of banning the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and I have no doubt about [that this is] a clear attempt [by the Americans] to prevent the re-election of Mr Blatter."
So far, in addition to Chung Moon-joon, Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini, and Jérôme Valcke, a slew of individuals and two corporations have been indicted. Of this group, nine are high-ranking FIFA officials who are currently on trial, and here are some of the disgraced parties:
Jeffrey Webb: Former CONCACAF and Cayman Islands Football Association President; ex-FIFA vice president
The 51-year-old Webb was one of several officials arrested in Switzerland this past May. Although he was bailed out of prison after his arrest, he has been banned from all football events by FIFA and dismissed by CONCACAF from his presidential position. He, like many of his colleagues is currently awaiting trial in which he could likely see jail time.
Jack Warner: Former FIFA vice president and executive committee member, CONCACAF president, CFU president and Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) special adviser
72-year-old Warner, who has been involved in football since the early 1980's was charged with money laundering, wire fraud, and racketeering. As a result, he has been banned from all football-related dealings - both nationally in his native Trinidad and Tobago and internationally - and faces extradition to the USA after being indicted by US prosecutors.
He's currently out on bail, but it appears corruption runs in the Warner family. His two sons Daryan and Daryll Warner were also arrested and charged for scalping World Cup tickets during the 2006 and 2010 editions in a multi-million dollar scam. Both brothers are currently on trial after pleading guilty and could be sentenced to up to 20 years; however their cooperation with the FBI - against their own father - could see them serve a lighter sentence.
Nicolás Leoz: Former FIFA executive committee member and president of South American confederation CONMEBOL
Meanwhile, 86-year-old Nicolás Leoz, the former president of CONMEBOL has been placed under house arrest after charges of corruption, including money laundering and racketeering. Like his disgraced colleagues, he, too has been banned from football-related activities by FIFA and is another prosecutors have demanded to be shipped to the USA to stand trial.
Eugenio Figueredo: FIFA executive committee member; former CONMEBOL president and Uruguayan Football Federation (AUF) president
A former football player, the 83-year-old was another caught in the net during the mass arrests in Switzerland this past May. His charges include naturalization fraud, which could see him serve 10 years and have his US citizenship revoked, and tax fraud, which he could face five years in prison for each charge. According to reports, Switzerland have approved the USA's extradition request, meaning that he will be forced to come to New York some time in the near future.
Others include:
Eduardo Li, 56: Former president of the Costa Rican football federation and served as part of the FIFA and CONCACAF executive committees. Banned for life from football activities by FIFA following his arrest during the May raid in Switzerland, he is another the USA are keen on prosecuting in New York on corruption charges.
Jose Maria Marin, 83: Like Figueredo, he is also a former footballer who served as president of Brazil's national football association as well as vice-governor and governor of his native Sao Paulo. He is another accused of being part of the $150 million in bribes and kickbacks in exchange for media deals associated with major football tournaments and is facing extradition charges to New York.
Rafael Esquivel, 68: The Venezuelan international is another involved in the massive bribery scheme and at the time of his arrest, was serving as the Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) president as well as on the CONMEBOL executive committee. In addition to having to come to the US, he, too, has been banned for life by FIFA.
Julio Rocha, 64: Served as a FIFA development officer and presidents of the Central American Football Union (UNCAF) and the Nicaraguan Football Federation. Part of the massive $150 million bribery scandal and has been arrested, detained, and awaits extradition to the US. Will no longer be allowed to participate in any football related business as per FIFA.
Costas Takkas, 58: Arrested in Switzerland during the May raid, he served as current attaché to the CONCACAF president and former Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) general secretary. Banned for life by FIFA and is awaiting extradition to New York.
Aaron Davidson, 45: Although not part of FIFA, the Texas-born lawyer has also been indicted. He was the former Chairman of the Board of Governors of the North American Soccer League and is president of Traffic Sports USA, which had a lot of illicit dealings with CONCACAF and is one of the 14 suspects indicted and awaiting trial.
Chuck Blazer, 70: Another American sports executive, he is currently on trial for wire fraud, income tax evasion, racketeering, and money laundering and has been working as a FBI informant for years in order to escape a harsher jail sentence. His cooperation with the American officials was key in the massive arrests in Switzerland this past May, but he, like many of his former colleagues has been banned for life by FIFA.
A new face to most, but familiar to Africans: Who is Issa Hayatou?
With Blatter and Platini both suspended, FIFA acted quickly to bring in an interim president to temporarily run the show as they struggle to cope with this huge blow to their reputation. Yet, although he has been involved in football since the age of 28, the now 69-year-old Issa Hayatou is largely unknown to those outside of Africa.
Hayatou has been president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) since 1988
The Cameroon-born football executive was quite active in sport during his youth, participating in both running and basketball and even became a part of his country's national squads for both sports in which he holds record times in the 400 and 800-meter events. The son of a local sultan, he grew up in a a wealthy and powerful family, in which they still wield considerable influence in the country; for instance, his brother, Sadou, served as a former Primer Minister.
Hayatou first became involved in football back in 1974 when he was named as the secretary general of the Cameroon Football Association and quickly rose through the ranks to become the chairman. In 1987, he was appointed to the CAF executive committee and a year later, became president. He has been praised by some for his huge involvement in the rise of African football on the international stage and increasing the number of berths granted to African sides from a measly two to five.
Naturally, he was influential in also making sure that Africa was further put on display during the 2010 World Cup, making South Africa the first nation on the continent to be given such a prestigious honor. In 2002, he attempted to unseat Blatter as head of FIFA, but, like many other candidates was unsuccessful. How ironic, then, that 13 years later he is in the position he has coveted for several years, but he, too has a few skeletons in his closet.
During the 1990's he was accused of accepting a 100,000 (then in French Francs) bribe from a media company called ISL, who then won the TV rights for the World Cup. Of course, Hayatou vehemently denied the allegations and claimed that all monies went to the CAF. And in May 2011, he was accused of taking another $1.5 million bribe from Qatar to ensure that the bid for the 2022 World Cup went to the Middle Eastern nation. This, too, has been aggressively refuted by the current interim FIFA president.
With all that has gone on over the past few months, has the organization we all know as FIFA now become The Federation (of) Incompetent (and) Farcical Advisers?
As things stand, yes. And it is going to take some time for FIFA to repair its bruised, battered, and wrecked image and clear out some of the rot that has tarnished an organization that governs the world's most popular sport.
