Since we’re in that space between end-of-season and movement during the Summer window, I thought I’d post a few thoughts on the recent events in world footy.
In the Blatter Escapes FIFA Corruption Arrests thread, Colin brought up the possible repercussions of any RICO convictions; particularly any legal conclusion that FIFA is an ongoing criminal enterprise. Seems a ways down the road, though. On the other hand, "The longest journey begins with the first step." Seems the first step's been taken. And before I go further, my only “expertise” in law is that the answer to the age-old legal question, “What do you call 50,000 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean?”, is correct.
Thus, a few points:
The US and Zurich have a long-running, contentious, legal battle regarding US tax cheats. The US contends, and have, that hundreds of individuals or business entities are hiding monies over there. Swiss banking history being what it is, the US is met with stiff resistance (Although, the Swiss have turned over info on some accounts). On the other hand, the recent arrests at FIFA HQ indicate that the legal relationship in other areas is working quite well. Can we look forward to FIFA moving future board meetings to Moscow?
Next, the RICO statutes were passed to close the law’s loophole Mafia bosses always walked through; perfectly legal. That the fellow killing whoever was targeted, likely never even got a nod hello from a Mafia chieftain, never mind a direct order to commit murder. So, how could the boss be indicted? That was RICO’s origin. The government wanted the bosses and got them. But the sentencing guidelines were such (20 years +), that everyone arrested in the conspiracy began cutting deals, (i.e. informing) and do to this day. That's the importance of indictments under RICO. The indicted are terrified of the sentencing guidelines.
With that, the unsealing of indictments brings to light that 6-7 individuals have already cut deals and are awaiting sentencing. It’s no stretch to conclude these folks had already given up the goods on how FIFA worked during the period covered in the indictments. Which helped lead to charges against some just arrested, which will lead to further arrests, further goods given up, further arrests, etc. The federal government has decades of experience and expertise working this way. [As an aside - it won’t touch Blatter in any way he’d worry about. His re-election doesn’t mean much. He’ll never step foot in North America and can always find a country to let him live out his dotage if arrest warrants are issued by the US. The indictments, however, render him impotent and irrelevant.]
Keep in mind, this current matter does not address the shenanigans surrounding the 2018 or 2022 World Cup awards. That’s to come once everybody spills the beans to prevent dying in prison; especially the 2022 award. Boycott 2018? Fine by me. Fuck Putin and his fellow gangsters; (speaking of criminal conspiracies). Would like to see it happen. But ... every country went to his Olympics. However, 2022? That hash hasn’t been settled. Just on human rights violations alone, that award needs to be rescinded. Hopefully, the fear of prison time leads to a first-hand, insider expose of exactly how Qatar managed to be awarded a World Cup and provides a genuine impetus for re-bidding.
Anyhoo, these indictments are a good first swing of the wrecking ball at the world-wide criminal conspiracy that is FIFA. My feeling, though, is that the power still lies in what the FA and UEFA do. The countries within generate the most interest and, for sure, spending clout. Yes, the US is right up there in spending clout. Mexico too, even Canada. But as footy powers? Nope. The power is in Europe. Should make for an interesting next couple years in the business of the world game.
If you’ve come this far, appreciate your taking the time. Here's a link from the US Dep't of Justice, listing who, what, where, when and why in the indictments. I know most folks don't read this sort of thing. But, surprisingly, it's neither too long, nor the bland, dry read one might expect. It lines everything out and is direct and to the point:
http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/nine-fifa-officials-and-five-corporate-executives-indicted-racketeering-conspiracy-and
1 Posted 01/06/2015 at 08:55:21
When the story first broke and the rags were bandying figures of $100M around, they were plucking at numbers. The amount is far higher, and as the link shows, it’s been going on for 2½ decades, at least.
Blatter was smart. Generally speaking, Europe and US has stronger governance and anti-corruption measures in place. But Blatter was able to assure himself of being in power till the day he dropped by guaranteeing all the "less developed" nations a seat in the 1st class carriage of the golden gravy train. Why would they vote against the opportunity to embezzle and commit graft.
For people like Blazer and Blatter (if he is taken down) thereÂ’s no punishment. TheyÂ’re approaching the end of their time - rapidly in BlazerÂ’s case if he is terminally ill. HeÂ’s had 25 years of snout in the trough.
ItÂ’ll all blow over. Like the banking scandal, the next generation of execs will just try to be a little less obvious. Learn the lessons from their predecessors.