World Cup Bid - Dodgy People

I don’t normally use this blog to talk about anything other than the games I’m reporting on, but like every other fan in the country I’ve been following the World Cup bidding process and watched the Panorama programme.


Frankly, I’m fed up with FIFA and its arrogance. The timing of the Panorama programme couldn’t have been worse (and, if by some long shot England do win, it’ll be interesting to see who FIFA’s preferred broadcaster is!) and whether we win the bid or not, FIFA needs to be swept clean.

Their own rules state that members should not accept bribes or payments for favours, but – if Panorama, The Sunday Times, and other news outlets are to be believed – this is happening on a regular basis. Are these people fit to be running the people’s game? And, no, I don’t just mean the English people, I mean the people of the world.

Some FIFA members represent countries where poverty is widespread and yet they are accused of pocketing hundreds of thousands of dollars to feather their own goalmouth. This alleged activity isn’t just criminal, it’s morally corrupt.

It may well be time for the national associations to take a long hard look at the structure of the game and especially its governing body.

In the 1990s the English game changed complexion completely with the introduction of the Premier League – maybe it’s time the international game was looked at with each national federation getting a vote when it comes to decisions like where the World Cup is to be held.

Yes, I know that is more than 200 countries, but it’s a global game and so why not? With the Internet available to every national federation, they wouldn't all even have to travel to an ivory tower in Zurich or wherever.

An executive committee could be set up to deal with day-to-day issues, but these members could be rotated every 18 months or so.

The Chair and vice-Chair of the new body could be elected for a limited period of time while a CEO and board of directors could be appointed to assist with the – their ‘shareholders’ being the national groups and also the fans.

Whether you think that my suggestions are complete rubbish or not, surely something needs to be done about FIFA?

Maybe it will be a blessing in disguise if we don’t get the World Cup because you can be sure that it will then be open-season on FIFA as far as the British media is concerned.