'Fifa corruption claims: Jack Warner promises 'avalanche' of secrets' diff viewer (29/30)

This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on June 03, 2015 08:48 (UTC). It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2015/jun/03/sepp-blatter-reports-fifa-president-us-corruption-probe-live

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Version 29	Version 30
Fifa corruption claims: Jack Warner promises 'avalanche' of secrets	Fifa corruption claims: Jack Warner promises 'avalanche' of secrets
2016-01-13 18:31:59 UTC	2016-01-19 11:45:20 UTC (6 days later)
6.04am BST	6.04am BST
06:04	06:04
Closing summary	Closing summary
I’m winding up this live blog now but do nip over here to join me on the new one.	I’m winding up this live blog now but do nip over here to join me on the new one.
Here’s a round-up of what we’ve learned over the last few hours:	Here’s a round-up of what we’ve learned over the last few hours:
I have kept quiet, fear that this day might come. I will do so no more.	I have kept quiet, fear that this day might come. I will do so no more.
There can be no reversal of the course of action which I have now embarked upon.	There can be no reversal of the course of action which I have now embarked upon.
Blatter knows why he fell. And if anyone else knows, I do.	Blatter knows why he fell. And if anyone else knows, I do.
I and others on the Fifa executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup.	I and others on the Fifa executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup.
Thank you for reading and do join us on the latest live blog over here.	Thank you for reading and do join us on the latest live blog over here.
Updated	Updated
at 7.35am BST	at 7.35am BST
5.32am BST	5.32am BST
05:32	05:32
Jack Warner: in quotes	Jack Warner: in quotes
Here are some of the most startling lines from Jack Warner’s address to Trinidad and Tobago TV viewers.	Here are some of the most startling lines from Jack Warner’s address to Trinidad and Tobago TV viewers.
(It’s worth bearing in mind that Warner has not produced any evidence to back his claims, promising only that “all” documents would be released at some unspecified point. Plus he thinks The Onion is a real news site.)	(It’s worth bearing in mind that Warner has not produced any evidence to back his claims, promising only that “all” documents would be released at some unspecified point. Plus he thinks The Onion is a real news site.)
I have kept quiet, fear that this day might come. I will do so no more.	I have kept quiet, fear that this day might come. I will do so no more.
I have told the truth in my statements.	I have told the truth in my statements.
I apologise to the people of Trinidad and Tobago for not disclosing my knowledge of these matters before.	I apologise to the people of Trinidad and Tobago for not disclosing my knowledge of these matters before.
There can be no reversal of the course of action which I have now embarked upon.	There can be no reversal of the course of action which I have now embarked upon.
And in his later speech to a meeting of supporters:	And in his later speech to a meeting of supporters:
Blatter knows why he fell. And if anyone else knows, I do.	Blatter knows why he fell. And if anyone else knows, I do.
5.30am BST	5.30am BST
05:30	05:30
Shalailah Medhora	Shalailah Medhora
My colleague Shalailah Medora was at the Nick Xenophon press conference and sends these lines on a potential Senate inquiry:	My colleague Shalailah Medora was at the Nick Xenophon press conference and sends these lines on a potential Senate inquiry:
Independent senator Nick Xenophon said that a Senate inquiry into Australia’s failed bid to host the 2022 Fifa World Cup is “almost inevitable”.	Independent senator Nick Xenophon said that a Senate inquiry into Australia’s failed bid to host the 2022 Fifa World Cup is “almost inevitable”.
Labor, the Greens and crossbench parties support the inquiry, and Xenophon is writing to sports minister Sussan Ley to try to garner government support for the probe.	Labor, the Greens and crossbench parties support the inquiry, and Xenophon is writing to sports minister Sussan Ley to try to garner government support for the probe.
But it’s unlikely that the government will acquiesce, with Ley issuing a statement in the past few days saying that questions on the bid are a matter for the FFA (Football Federation Australia), and that there will be an “opportunity for questions to be asked about taxpayer expenditure at Senate estimates”.	But it’s unlikely that the government will acquiesce, with Ley issuing a statement in the past few days saying that questions on the bid are a matter for the FFA (Football Federation Australia), and that there will be an “opportunity for questions to be asked about taxpayer expenditure at Senate estimates”.
5.10am BST	5.10am BST
05:10	05:10
A reminder of the background behind the current controversy around Australia’s World Cup bid.	A reminder of the background behind the current controversy around Australia’s World Cup bid.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) made a $500,000 donation to the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) for a stadium redevelopment during the bidding process for the 2022 tournament.	Football Federation Australia (FFA) made a $500,000 donation to the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) for a stadium redevelopment during the bidding process for the 2022 tournament.
In an open letter posted on Wednesday, FFA chairman Frank Lowy said the donation to Concacaf was a “compromise,” with Australia initially asked to donate $4m to the organisation. Warner’s “reputation as a ‘colourful character” was well known at the time, Lowy wrote.	In an open letter posted on Wednesday, FFA chairman Frank Lowy said the donation to Concacaf was a “compromise,” with Australia initially asked to donate $4m to the organisation. Warner’s “reputation as a ‘colourful character” was well known at the time, Lowy wrote.
The FFA deposited the donation directly into the Concacaf bank account and not Warner’s personal account, he said.	The FFA deposited the donation directly into the Concacaf bank account and not Warner’s personal account, he said.
“When Concacaf contacted us to say they were conducting an inquiry into its accounts, we provided information about our donation.”	“When Concacaf contacted us to say they were conducting an inquiry into its accounts, we provided information about our donation.”
“That inquiry – conducted by two former judges and a senior accountant – found that Jack Warner had committed fraud and misappropriated the funds – in other words he had stolen the money from Concacaf …	“That inquiry – conducted by two former judges and a senior accountant – found that Jack Warner had committed fraud and misappropriated the funds – in other words he had stolen the money from Concacaf …
“We asked Concacaf to give our money back because it wasn’t used for the purpose we intended, and were advised by Fifa to wait until the inquiries were complete.”	“We asked Concacaf to give our money back because it wasn’t used for the purpose we intended, and were advised by Fifa to wait until the inquiries were complete.”
Those inquiries are still ongoing, Lowy said.	Those inquiries are still ongoing, Lowy said.
4.59am BST	4.59am BST
04:59	04:59
Here we go: Senator Xenophon wants the Senate to investigate allegations around Australia’s World Cup bid, potentially alongside a judicial inquiry:	Here we go: Senator Xenophon wants the Senate to investigate allegations around Australia’s World Cup bid, potentially alongside a judicial inquiry:
.@Nick_Xenophon says Sen. is approp place for inquiry into #FIFA allegations, but wouldn't object to parallel judicial probe	.@Nick_Xenophon says Sen. is approp place for inquiry into #FIFA allegations, but wouldn't object to parallel judicial probe
Updated	Updated
at 5.01am BST	at 5.01am BST
4.57am BST	4.57am BST
04:57	04:57
It looks as if Xenophon has been honing his jibes, but presumably there will be more to this press conference eventually:	It looks as if Xenophon has been honing his jibes, but presumably there will be more to this press conference eventually:
Xenophon: "What a great name - Chuck Blazer. Well, I think Chuck's revelations are pretty chunderous. That was a terrible line, I'm sorry."	Xenophon: "What a great name - Chuck Blazer. Well, I think Chuck's revelations are pretty chunderous. That was a terrible line, I'm sorry."
4.52am BST	4.52am BST
04:52	04:52
Australian independent senator Nick Xenophon – who was been leading the anti-Fifa charge in Australia after claiming the country had been “treated like a mug” over its failed bid to host the 2022 World Cup – is holding a press conference in Canberra now:	Australian independent senator Nick Xenophon – who was been leading the anti-Fifa charge in Australia after claiming the country had been “treated like a mug” over its failed bid to host the 2022 World Cup – is holding a press conference in Canberra now:
Xenophon: "I think Sepp Blatter is to scandals to what cockroaches are to nuclear blasts."	Xenophon: "I think Sepp Blatter is to scandals to what cockroaches are to nuclear blasts."
4.23am BST	4.23am BST
04:23	04:23
Paul Farrell	Paul Farrell
Here’s my colleague Paul Farrell’s take on the … intriguing Jack Warner TV broadcast:	Here’s my colleague Paul Farrell’s take on the … intriguing Jack Warner TV broadcast:
Former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner has made an extraordinary TV appearance in which he says he fears for his life and claims he will prove a link between soccer’s governing body and the national elections in his native Trinidad and Tobago.	Former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner has made an extraordinary TV appearance in which he says he fears for his life and claims he will prove a link between soccer’s governing body and the national elections in his native Trinidad and Tobago.
Warner is the subject of an Interpol Red Notice, and was arrested and held in jail overnight in Trinidad last Wednesday, but was later released on bail.	Warner is the subject of an Interpol Red Notice, and was arrested and held in jail overnight in Trinidad last Wednesday, but was later released on bail.
He initially denied any wrongdoing, and said at the time he was “afforded no due process”.	He initially denied any wrongdoing, and said at the time he was “afforded no due process”.
In a televised broadcast in Trinidad on Wednesday night, Warner claimed he had documentation that could prove a link between key Fifa officials and the 2010 Trinidad election.	In a televised broadcast in Trinidad on Wednesday night, Warner claimed he had documentation that could prove a link between key Fifa officials and the 2010 Trinidad election.
“I will no longer keep secrets for them,” he said.	“I will no longer keep secrets for them,” he said.
Warner makes allegations that the documents “also deal with my knowledge of transactions at Fifa, including – but not limited to – its president, Mr Sepp Blatter”.	Warner makes allegations that the documents “also deal with my knowledge of transactions at Fifa, including – but not limited to – its president, Mr Sepp Blatter”.
Blatter has not yet responded to Warner’s allegations	Blatter has not yet responded to Warner’s allegations
Warner also apologised for not disclosing his knowledge of the alleged links previously.	Warner also apologised for not disclosing his knowledge of the alleged links previously.
“Not even death will stop the avalanche that is coming” he said.	“Not even death will stop the avalanche that is coming” he said.
“The die is cast. There can be no turning back. Let the chips fall where they fall.”	“The die is cast. There can be no turning back. Let the chips fall where they fall.”
Warner is yet to produce any documentation to support his allegations.	Warner is yet to produce any documentation to support his allegations.
Related: Fifa crisis: Jack Warner says he fears for life and will reveal 'avalanche' of secrets	Related: Fifa crisis: Jack Warner says he fears for life and will reveal 'avalanche' of secrets
4.14am BST	4.14am BST
04:14	04:14
Prakash Ramadhar, a politician in Trinidad and Tobago who leads the Congress of the People (COP) – Jack Warner, remember, is also an MP, for his own Independent Liberal party – has hit back at claims by Warner that he has evidence linking Fifa and elections in T&T in 2010:	Prakash Ramadhar, a politician in Trinidad and Tobago who leads the Congress of the People (COP) – Jack Warner, remember, is also an MP, for his own Independent Liberal party – has hit back at claims by Warner that he has evidence linking Fifa and elections in T&T in 2010:
For too long we, the people of Trinidad and Tobago, have endured the self-serving mind games meted out by Mr Austin “Jack” Warner.	For too long we, the people of Trinidad and Tobago, have endured the self-serving mind games meted out by Mr Austin “Jack” Warner.
We, the COP, will not be quiet while Mr Warner attempts to hold the democracy of our precious country to ransom. The country is entitled to and deserves truth and facts.	We, the COP, will not be quiet while Mr Warner attempts to hold the democracy of our precious country to ransom. The country is entitled to and deserves truth and facts.
Mr Warner, if you have evidence, you must bring it NOW! It is unacceptable for you to once again say “not tonight”.	Mr Warner, if you have evidence, you must bring it NOW! It is unacceptable for you to once again say “not tonight”.
Any delay in producing facts to prove your allegations will demonstrate that you are promoting your own self interest and not the interest of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. We deserve better.	Any delay in producing facts to prove your allegations will demonstrate that you are promoting your own self interest and not the interest of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. We deserve better.
I’ve sourced the quotes from Trinidad and Tobago’s C News here.	I’ve sourced the quotes from Trinidad and Tobago’s C News here.
4.06am BST	4.06am BST
04:06	04:06
Australia would like another run at hosting the 2022 World Cup, it seems.	Australia would like another run at hosting the 2022 World Cup, it seems.
Victoria’s sports minister, John Eren, has said if Qatar should be stripped of hosting the 2022 World Cup amid the scandal and the dramatic resignation of Fifa president Sepp Blatter, Melbourne was ready to step up.	Victoria’s sports minister, John Eren, has said if Qatar should be stripped of hosting the 2022 World Cup amid the scandal and the dramatic resignation of Fifa president Sepp Blatter, Melbourne was ready to step up.
Eren said:	Eren said:
We are certainly ready. Forget about seven years’ preparation, we could host the World Cup here tomorrow.	We are certainly ready. Forget about seven years’ preparation, we could host the World Cup here tomorrow.
All we need to do is dig up the [AFL] goal posts and we’re ready to go. We’ve already paid our dues, we’ve already put in a bid.	All we need to do is dig up the [AFL] goal posts and we’re ready to go. We’ve already paid our dues, we’ve already put in a bid.
All we’re saying is, now it’s a level playing field.	All we’re saying is, now it’s a level playing field.
Eren did concede that some work would be needed to ready infrastructure and transport systems.	Eren did concede that some work would be needed to ready infrastructure and transport systems.
Potential venues would include the MCG, Etihad Stadium, AAMI Park and Geelong’s Simonds stadium.	Potential venues would include the MCG, Etihad Stadium, AAMI Park and Geelong’s Simonds stadium.
3.42am BST	3.42am BST
03:42	03:42
A reminder of the charges that Jack Warner is facing, according to the red notice (wanted person alert) issued by Interpol on Wednesday:	A reminder of the charges that Jack Warner is facing, according to the red notice (wanted person alert) issued by Interpol on Wednesday:
Warner denies wrongdoing.	Warner denies wrongdoing.
Updated	Updated
at 4.31am BST	at 4.31am BST
3.31am BST	3.31am BST
03:31	03:31
The controversy over Australia’s failed bid to host the 2022 World Cup – which was awarded to Qatar – continues. My colleague Melissa Davey has this report; here are the key lines:	The controversy over Australia’s failed bid to host the 2022 World Cup – which was awarded to Qatar – continues. My colleague Melissa Davey has this report; here are the key lines:
Australia’s federal police have made inquiries to the Department of Health and Sport regarding payments linked to the country’s 2022 Fifa World Cup bid, as they determine whether Australian laws against international corruption have been breached.	Australia’s federal police have made inquiries to the Department of Health and Sport regarding payments linked to the country’s 2022 Fifa World Cup bid, as they determine whether Australian laws against international corruption have been breached.
The department provides funding to Football Federation Australia (FFA), which made a $500,000 donation to the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), for a stadium redevelopment during the bidding process for the tournament.	The department provides funding to Football Federation Australia (FFA), which made a $500,000 donation to the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), for a stadium redevelopment during the bidding process for the tournament.
That money was allegedly pocketed by former Concacaf president, Jack Warner, who is on Interpol’s wanted persons list for charges including racketeering, conspiracy and corruption. Warner was among 14 Fifa officials and other corporate executives charged by the US justice department last week as part of a corruption investigation.	That money was allegedly pocketed by former Concacaf president, Jack Warner, who is on Interpol’s wanted persons list for charges including racketeering, conspiracy and corruption. Warner was among 14 Fifa officials and other corporate executives charged by the US justice department last week as part of a corruption investigation.
The FFA has said the $500,000 donation did not come from taxpayer money, but the Australian federal police (AFP) confirmed it had made inquiries to the Department of Health and Sport.	The FFA has said the $500,000 donation did not come from taxpayer money, but the Australian federal police (AFP) confirmed it had made inquiries to the Department of Health and Sport.
While an AFP spokesman said it was to soon to say an investigation was under way, he confirmed police were “looking into it”.	While an AFP spokesman said it was to soon to say an investigation was under way, he confirmed police were “looking into it”.
Related: Fifa crisis: police investigate Australia's $500,000 donation during failed World Cup bid	Related: Fifa crisis: police investigate Australia's $500,000 donation during failed World Cup bid
3.15am BST	3.15am BST
03:15	03:15
Away from Jack Warner for a moment, and Reuters reports that the Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) headquarters have been raided as part of the Fifa investigation:	Away from Jack Warner for a moment, and Reuters reports that the Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) headquarters have been raided as part of the Fifa investigation:
Military intelligence raided the headquarters of the FVF on Wednesday as part of a corruption investigation following the arrest of its former president Rafael Esquivel in Switzerland.	Military intelligence raided the headquarters of the FVF on Wednesday as part of a corruption investigation following the arrest of its former president Rafael Esquivel in Switzerland.
Esquivel was detained in Zurich last week along with six other officials of world governing body Fifa accused of receiving millions of dollars in bribes.	Esquivel was detained in Zurich last week along with six other officials of world governing body Fifa accused of receiving millions of dollars in bribes.
Venezuela’s public prosecutor’s office said in a statement that military intelligence agents had gone into the FVF office in Caracas “as part of the investigation into alleged irregularities” by Esquivel.	Venezuela’s public prosecutor’s office said in a statement that military intelligence agents had gone into the FVF office in Caracas “as part of the investigation into alleged irregularities” by Esquivel.
It gave no further details and there was no immediate from the Venezuelan federation.	It gave no further details and there was no immediate from the Venezuelan federation.
Esquivel, 68, who ran the federation since 1988, and the other detainees in Zurich could face extradition proceedings to the United States.	Esquivel, 68, who ran the federation since 1988, and the other detainees in Zurich could face extradition proceedings to the United States.
As part of the investigation, authorities accused the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) of participating in a bribery scandal worth $100m related to the granting of commercial rights for various Copa America tournaments, including the one which kicks off in Chile next week.	As part of the investigation, authorities accused the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) of participating in a bribery scandal worth $100m related to the granting of commercial rights for various Copa America tournaments, including the one which kicks off in Chile next week.
3.09am BST	3.09am BST
03:09	03:09
Warner: I have kept quiet, fear that this day might come. I will do so no more.	Warner: I have kept quiet, fear that this day might come. I will do so no more.
3.06am BST	3.06am BST
03:06	03:06
Warner says: “I have told the truth in my statements.”	Warner says: “I have told the truth in my statements.”
He says he has instructed his lawyers to make contact with law enforcement authorities “both in and outside Trinidad and Tobago”.	He says he has instructed his lawyers to make contact with law enforcement authorities “both in and outside Trinidad and Tobago”.
“There can be no reversal of the course of action which I have now embarked upon.”	“There can be no reversal of the course of action which I have now embarked upon.”
3.03am BST	3.03am BST
03:03	03:03
Warner: I apologise to the people of Trinidad and Tobago for not disclosing my knowledge of these matters before.	Warner: I apologise to the people of Trinidad and Tobago for not disclosing my knowledge of these matters before.
And he paraphrases Gandhi – that throughout history, there have been tyrants:	And he paraphrases Gandhi – that throughout history, there have been tyrants:
But in the end, they all fall.	But in the end, they all fall.
3.01am BST	3.01am BST
03:01	03:01
Warner says the documents “also deal with my knowledge of certain transactions at Fifa, including – but not limited to – its president, Mr Sepp Blatter”.	Warner says the documents “also deal with my knowledge of certain transactions at Fifa, including – but not limited to – its president, Mr Sepp Blatter”.
Updated	Updated
at 7.35am BST	at 7.35am BST
2.58am BST	2.58am BST
02:58	02:58
In the broadcast, Warner says:	In the broadcast, Warner says:
Tonight I come to you as a man who has been publicly excoriated …	Tonight I come to you as a man who has been publicly excoriated …
He says he has entrusted documents to a third party, beyond his own reach, that he claims demonstrate “the link between Fifa, its funding and me”, as well as what he alleges are links between Fifa and the United National Congress, one of the parties in Trinidad and Tobago’s ruling coalition, and others relating to the T&T elections of 2010.	He says he has entrusted documents to a third party, beyond his own reach, that he claims demonstrate “the link between Fifa, its funding and me”, as well as what he alleges are links between Fifa and the United National Congress, one of the parties in Trinidad and Tobago’s ruling coalition, and others relating to the T&T elections of 2010.
Updated	Updated
at 3.23am BST	at 3.23am BST
2.45am BST	2.45am BST
02:45	02:45
You can see the video of Warner’s TV broadcast – he bought the airtime – here. Tellingly, the political address was entitled: The Gloves Are Off.	You can see the video of Warner’s TV broadcast – he bought the airtime – here. Tellingly, the political address was entitled: The Gloves Are Off.
In it he claims to have knowledge of links between Fifa and the 2010 elections in Trinidad and Tobago, and insists he did not receive a bribe from South Africa for its 2010 World Cup bid.	In it he claims to have knowledge of links between Fifa and the 2010 elections in Trinidad and Tobago, and insists he did not receive a bribe from South Africa for its 2010 World Cup bid.
2.25am BST	2.25am BST
02:25	02:25
Sepp Blatter might not be feeling very comfortable if he’s hearing this (long) speech by former colleague Jack Warner.	Sepp Blatter might not be feeling very comfortable if he’s hearing this (long) speech by former colleague Jack Warner.
Warner said that when he heard Blatter was stepping down, he wrote him to urge his immediate departure from Fifa:	Warner said that when he heard Blatter was stepping down, he wrote him to urge his immediate departure from Fifa:
Blatter knows why he fell. And if anyone else knows, I do.	Blatter knows why he fell. And if anyone else knows, I do.
Updated	Updated
at 2.28am BST	at 2.28am BST
2.22am BST	2.22am BST
02:22	02:22
Associated Press has filed this report on Warner’s explosive comments:	Associated Press has filed this report on Warner’s explosive comments:
Former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner made a televised address in Trinidad on Wednesday night, saying he will prove a link between football’s governing body and his nation’s elections in 2010.	Former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner made a televised address in Trinidad on Wednesday night, saying he will prove a link between football’s governing body and his nation’s elections in 2010.
“I will no longer keep secrets for them who actively seek to destroy the country,” Warner said.	“I will no longer keep secrets for them who actively seek to destroy the country,” Warner said.
Warner also said in the address, which was a paid political advertisement, that “I reasonably actually fear for my life.”	Warner also said in the address, which was a paid political advertisement, that “I reasonably actually fear for my life.”
Half an hour after the speech aired, Warner appeared at his Independent Liberal Party’s rally held under a canopy on a residential street. At least a couple of hundred people were present when Warner spoke, many of them having not seen the televised remarks.	Half an hour after the speech aired, Warner appeared at his Independent Liberal Party’s rally held under a canopy on a residential street. At least a couple of hundred people were present when Warner spoke, many of them having not seen the televised remarks.
Warner said he has documents and checks that link Fifa officials, including embattled President Sepp Blatter, to the 2010 election in Trinidad and Tobago.	Warner said he has documents and checks that link Fifa officials, including embattled President Sepp Blatter, to the 2010 election in Trinidad and Tobago.
“I apologise for not disclosing my knowledge of these events before,” Warner said.	“I apologise for not disclosing my knowledge of these events before,” Warner said.
At his rally, a half-hour into his remarks, Warner – mopping sweat from his forehead several times – told supporters that he will not hold back in his newfound plan to expose scandal.	At his rally, a half-hour into his remarks, Warner – mopping sweat from his forehead several times – told supporters that he will not hold back in his newfound plan to expose scandal.
He said he has compiled reams of documents and is delivering them to his attorneys, for them to disseminate as they see.	He said he has compiled reams of documents and is delivering them to his attorneys, for them to disseminate as they see.
“Not even death will stop the avalanche that is coming,” Warner said as his supporters cheered in celebration.	“Not even death will stop the avalanche that is coming,” Warner said as his supporters cheered in celebration.
“The die is cast. There can be no turning back. Let the chips fall where they fall.”	“The die is cast. There can be no turning back. Let the chips fall where they fall.”
2.17am BST	2.17am BST
02:17	02:17
Warner: Blatter 'caused my demise'	Warner: Blatter 'caused my demise'
Warner doesn’t sound too warm about his former boss at Fifa:	Warner doesn’t sound too warm about his former boss at Fifa:
Warner to Sepp Blatter: You can't say you're resigning and stay on. He caused my demise. I didn't cause his. #Marabella	Warner to Sepp Blatter: You can't say you're resigning and stay on. He caused my demise. I didn't cause his. #Marabella
2.17am BST	2.17am BST
02:17	02:17
Warner: I did not receive a bribe from South Africa	Warner: I did not receive a bribe from South Africa
Warner is still addressing supporters.	Warner is still addressing supporters.
He denies receiving any bribe from the South African FA in its World Cup bid:	He denies receiving any bribe from the South African FA in its World Cup bid:
Warner: Half the things you hear is not true, South Africa did not give me any bribe #FIFA	Warner: Half the things you hear is not true, South Africa did not give me any bribe #FIFA
Warner: Not even the fear for my life will stop the avalanche that is coming	Warner: Not even the fear for my life will stop the avalanche that is coming
The Arabic world pay as much money as anybody else for #FIFA rights says #Warner	The Arabic world pay as much money as anybody else for #FIFA rights says #Warner
(It’s unclear whether he is talking about legitimate or other means here.)	(It’s unclear whether he is talking about legitimate or other means here.)
2.08am BST	2.08am BST
02:08	02:08
Warner – who was briefly held in prison last week before being freed on bail – has called for better jail conditions, Trinidad media reports:	Warner – who was briefly held in prison last week before being freed on bail – has called for better jail conditions, Trinidad media reports:
@cnewslive says fix the jail, conditions are woeful. Crowd laughs. pic.twitter.com/3S5qugDeJw	@cnewslive says fix the jail, conditions are woeful. Crowd laughs. pic.twitter.com/3S5qugDeJw
1.59am BST	1.59am BST
01:59	01:59
Warner is now at a meeting of his Independent Liberal party:	Warner is now at a meeting of his Independent Liberal party:
@tv6tnt Jack Warner arrives in Marabella and hugs and kisses children. pic.twitter.com/OWh6G6UAjo	@tv6tnt Jack Warner arrives in Marabella and hugs and kisses children. pic.twitter.com/OWh6G6UAjo
He told the meeting that the events of the past week had changed his life.	He told the meeting that the events of the past week had changed his life.
Warner: They want to demonise me	Warner: They want to demonise me
1.40am BST	1.40am BST
01:40	01:40
Jack Warner: 'I have kept quiet. I will do so no more'	Jack Warner: 'I have kept quiet. I will do so no more'
Some extraordinary comments are coming from Jack Warner’s televised address, via tweets from Trinidad and Tobago’s TV6 channel.	Some extraordinary comments are coming from Jack Warner’s televised address, via tweets from Trinidad and Tobago’s TV6 channel.
You can read the chain of tweets below, but the key points:	You can read the chain of tweets below, but the key points:
Here are the TV6 tweets as it happened:	Here are the TV6 tweets as it happened:
Warner: I no longer keep secrets for those persons who seek to actively destroy this country's hard-earned image	Warner: I no longer keep secrets for those persons who seek to actively destroy this country's hard-earned image
Warner: I reasonably and surely fear for my life pic.twitter.com/hty9MaF19S	Warner: I reasonably and surely fear for my life pic.twitter.com/hty9MaF19S
Warner: I have compiled a series of documents, cheques etc & placed them in different hands, even beyond my own reach	Warner: I have compiled a series of documents, cheques etc & placed them in different hands, even beyond my own reach
Warner: Documents on link with FIFA funding and me, UNC/PP, Section 34, Blatter and the PM	Warner: Documents on link with FIFA funding and me, UNC/PP, Section 34, Blatter and the PM
UNC is the United National Congress, one of the parties in Trinidad and Tobago’s ruling coalition, the People’s Partnership (PP). Section 34 relates to a political row over changes to the constitution and indictable offences: you can read some background to that here.	UNC is the United National Congress, one of the parties in Trinidad and Tobago’s ruling coalition, the People’s Partnership (PP). Section 34 relates to a political row over changes to the constitution and indictable offences: you can read some background to that here.
Warner: I place my future in the hands of the people. I have told the truth in my statements	Warner: I place my future in the hands of the people. I have told the truth in my statements
Warner: My lawyers are making contact with law enforcement authorities, in & out of T&T, with regard to statements I have made	Warner: My lawyers are making contact with law enforcement authorities, in & out of T&T, with regard to statements I have made
Warner: I will release those who hold the evidence on my behalf, all of it. I have kept quiet. I will do so no more pic.twitter.com/fRZHWH3sjc	Warner: I will release those who hold the evidence on my behalf, all of it. I have kept quiet. I will do so no more pic.twitter.com/fRZHWH3sjc
Updated	Updated
at 1.55am BST	at 1.55am BST
1.27am BST	1.27am BST
01:27	01:27
Jack Warner: 'I fear for my life'	Jack Warner: 'I fear for my life'
Some details of Warner’s TV appearance – it looks to have been more sombre than his dancing efforts on the day he was released from jail.	Some details of Warner’s TV appearance – it looks to have been more sombre than his dancing efforts on the day he was released from jail.
Jack Warner on TV6 NOW: He says he put a lot of resources into the PP... pic.twitter.com/GNmHbKTN6B	Jack Warner on TV6 NOW: He says he put a lot of resources into the PP... pic.twitter.com/GNmHbKTN6B
Warner formed his own political party, the Independent Liberal Party (ILP), in 2013, and is the MP for Chaguanas West (a position he previously held for a different party).	Warner formed his own political party, the Independent Liberal Party (ILP), in 2013, and is the MP for Chaguanas West (a position he previously held for a different party).
Warner: "I fear for my life..." He explains that he has kept copies to cheques and other documents relating to section 34.	Warner: "I fear for my life..." He explains that he has kept copies to cheques and other documents relating to section 34.
(I have to confess I’m not sure what the section 34 part relates to – I don’t have access to Trinidadian TV and am relying on reports. More when I have it.)	(I have to confess I’m not sure what the section 34 part relates to – I don’t have access to Trinidadian TV and am relying on reports. More when I have it.)
Edit: here’s more as promised. Section 34 relates to a political row over changes to the constitution and indictable offences: you can read some background to that here.	Edit: here’s more as promised. Section 34 relates to a political row over changes to the constitution and indictable offences: you can read some background to that here.
Updated	Updated
at 1.55am BST	at 1.55am BST
1.20am BST	1.20am BST
01:20	01:20
Jack Warner, the former Fifa vice-president among those indicted and arrested last week, is due to make a televised address on Trinidadian TV.	Jack Warner, the former Fifa vice-president among those indicted and arrested last week, is due to make a televised address on Trinidadian TV.
A reporter on the scene says the media are still waiting for Warner to put in an appearance at a meeting of his Independent Liberal party:	A reporter on the scene says the media are still waiting for Warner to put in an appearance at a meeting of his Independent Liberal party:
@cnewslive media in full force waiting for jack Warner. Marabella. jw not here yet. pic.twitter.com/Ey1M5WQip2	@cnewslive media in full force waiting for jack Warner. Marabella. jw not here yet. pic.twitter.com/Ey1M5WQip2
Updated	Updated
at 1.22am BST	at 1.22am BST
1.04am BST	1.04am BST
01:04	01:04
As Chuck Blazer’s 2013 court testimony is unsealed, here’s a round-up of some key quotes and admissions:	As Chuck Blazer’s 2013 court testimony is unsealed, here’s a round-up of some key quotes and admissions:
I and others on the Fifa executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup …	I and others on the Fifa executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup …
I agreed with other persons in or around 1992 to facilitate the acceptance of a bribe in conjunction with the selection of the host nation for the 1998 World Cup …	I agreed with other persons in or around 1992 to facilitate the acceptance of a bribe in conjunction with the selection of the host nation for the 1998 World Cup …
I and others agreed that I or a co-conspirator would commit at least two acts of racketeering activity …	I and others agreed that I or a co-conspirator would commit at least two acts of racketeering activity …
Beginning in, or around, 2004 and continuing to 2011, I and others on the Fifa executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup …	Beginning in, or around, 2004 and continuing to 2011, I and others on the Fifa executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup …
In and around 1993 and continuing through the early 2000s I and others agreed to accept bribes and kickbacks in conjunction with the broadcast and other rights to the 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2003 Gold Cups …	In and around 1993 and continuing through the early 2000s I and others agreed to accept bribes and kickbacks in conjunction with the broadcast and other rights to the 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2003 Gold Cups …
I knew my actions were wrong at the time.	I knew my actions were wrong at the time.
Updated	Updated
at 1.13am BST	at 1.13am BST
12.31am BST	12.31am BST
00:31	00:31
Claire Phipps	Claire Phipps
Hello from Sydney where we’re taking over the Fifa live blog and will continue to bring you updates.	Hello from Sydney where we’re taking over the Fifa live blog and will continue to bring you updates.
Just a bit of local news first. The Australian federal police has put out a statement saying it would be considering investigating the country’s bid for the 2022 World Cup.	Just a bit of local news first. The Australian federal police has put out a statement saying it would be considering investigating the country’s bid for the 2022 World Cup.
Here is Australian Associated Press’s quick take on that:	Here is Australian Associated Press’s quick take on that:
Federal police are considering whether to launch an investigation into corruption claims surrounding Australia’s bid for the 2022 World Cup.	Federal police are considering whether to launch an investigation into corruption claims surrounding Australia’s bid for the 2022 World Cup.
The AFP has confirmed it has been asked to provide advice after being contacted by former football executive and whistleblower Bonita Mersiades and independent senator Nick Xenophon.	The AFP has confirmed it has been asked to provide advice after being contacted by former football executive and whistleblower Bonita Mersiades and independent senator Nick Xenophon.
“The AFP will assess the letters and provide advice in due course,” it said in a statement on Thursday.	“The AFP will assess the letters and provide advice in due course,” it said in a statement on Thursday.
Updated	Updated
at 5.00am BST	at 5.00am BST
12.04am BST	12.04am BST
00:04	00:04
I will sign off from New York now and hand over to my colleagues in Australia. A summary of events so far:	I will sign off from New York now and hand over to my colleagues in Australia. A summary of events so far:
Fifa whistleblower Chuck Blazer says he agreed to take bribes over hosting rights for the 1998 and 2010 World Cups.	Fifa whistleblower Chuck Blazer says he agreed to take bribes over hosting rights for the 1998 and 2010 World Cups.
Sources say the FBI investigation into Fifa has widened to take in how the tournaments in 2018 and 2022 were awarded. The official told Reuters that the review of the awards to host the tournament would be part of a probe that is looking beyond corruption allegations.	Sources say the FBI investigation into Fifa has widened to take in how the tournaments in 2018 and 2022 were awarded. The official told Reuters that the review of the awards to host the tournament would be part of a probe that is looking beyond corruption allegations.
Qatar said there was no way it would be stripped of the right to host the World Cup despite the corruption scandal surrounding FIFA, dismissing a “bashing campaign” of criticism of its 2022 bid as anti-Arab prejudice.	Qatar said there was no way it would be stripped of the right to host the World Cup despite the corruption scandal surrounding FIFA, dismissing a “bashing campaign” of criticism of its 2022 bid as anti-Arab prejudice.
11.56pm BST	11.56pm BST
23:56	23:56
Before Uefa’s Michel Platini gets too excited about taking over from Blatter:	Before Uefa’s Michel Platini gets too excited about taking over from Blatter:
@Tim_Vickery @MartinLipton @MrElmi_19 No candidate put forward by UEFA will be elected president of FIFA.	@Tim_Vickery @MartinLipton @MrElmi_19 No candidate put forward by UEFA will be elected president of FIFA.
11.47pm BST	11.47pm BST
23:47	23:47
Jack Warner, another figure at the heart of the Fifa scandal, has announced he will be addressing the nation (by which I assume he means Trinidad). When it comes to Warner this could mean anything: from allegations that every single World Cup in history has been rigged to a note on what he had for dinner. I’m thinking it probably won’t be about his dinner though. That statement in full:	Jack Warner, another figure at the heart of the Fifa scandal, has announced he will be addressing the nation (by which I assume he means Trinidad). When it comes to Warner this could mean anything: from allegations that every single World Cup in history has been rigged to a note on what he had for dinner. I’m thinking it probably won’t be about his dinner though. That statement in full:
Please be advised that ‪#‎JackWarner‬ will deliver an address to the nation at 8pm tonight on the following television stations: TV6, Synergy, IBN and WINTV.	Please be advised that ‪#‎JackWarner‬ will deliver an address to the nation at 8pm tonight on the following television stations: TV6, Synergy, IBN and WINTV.
8pm Trinidad time is 8pm ET (US); 1am (UK) and 10am AEST (Australia).	8pm Trinidad time is 8pm ET (US); 1am (UK) and 10am AEST (Australia).
Updated	Updated
at 11.47pm BST	at 11.47pm BST
11.29pm BST	11.29pm BST
23:29	23:29
It should also be noted that the judge in Blazer’s case used strong language to refer to Fifa. This from the Guardian’s report on today’s events:	It should also be noted that the judge in Blazer’s case used strong language to refer to Fifa. This from the Guardian’s report on today’s events:
The judge in the case, Raymond Dearie, referred to Fifa as a Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization, the same terminology used in cases of organised crime, and only allowed the hearing to proceed after the Brooklyn courtroom had been locked.	The judge in the case, Raymond Dearie, referred to Fifa as a Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization, the same terminology used in cases of organised crime, and only allowed the hearing to proceed after the Brooklyn courtroom had been locked.
11.02pm BST	11.02pm BST
23:02	23:02
David Smith has filed more on the reaction in South Africa, where Fikile Mbalula, the sports minister, was speaking before Blazer’s allegations that bribes had been agreed upon for the 2010 World Cup:	David Smith has filed more on the reaction in South Africa, where Fikile Mbalula, the sports minister, was speaking before Blazer’s allegations that bribes had been agreed upon for the 2010 World Cup:
Mbalula made a plea to the South African media on Wednesday that may well backfire: “Don’t be the first to chase us about bribes when we did not bribe … There is sovereignty and patriotism. We cannot be the first on the march to attack our own country. I know it sounds patronising but it is not. I must say don’t attack your own country. I’m saying state the facts and follow what needs to be followed.”	Mbalula made a plea to the South African media on Wednesday that may well backfire: “Don’t be the first to chase us about bribes when we did not bribe … There is sovereignty and patriotism. We cannot be the first on the march to attack our own country. I know it sounds patronising but it is not. I must say don’t attack your own country. I’m saying state the facts and follow what needs to be followed.”
Updated	Updated
at 11.21pm BST	at 11.21pm BST
10.45pm BST	10.45pm BST
22:45	22:45
Our chief sport correspondent, Owen Gibson, has written on how the issues surrounding Fifa have been obscured by international politics and resentment.	Our chief sport correspondent, Owen Gibson, has written on how the issues surrounding Fifa have been obscured by international politics and resentment.
Dispense with the tactics board, send for the Risk-style war room. If battle lines were not already drawn jaggedly between football’s superpowers (and its many minnows who share equal voting rights) after the damning US indictment of 18 football executives on 47 corruption charges, they certainly are now.	Dispense with the tactics board, send for the Risk-style war room. If battle lines were not already drawn jaggedly between football’s superpowers (and its many minnows who share equal voting rights) after the damning US indictment of 18 football executives on 47 corruption charges, they certainly are now.
It is a once-in-a-generation tussle for power and control of world football that will play out over the coming months and could decide whether Fifa is reformed from top to bottom or ends up an even more compromised version of the dysfunctional beast ridden by Sepp Blatter for the past 17 years.	It is a once-in-a-generation tussle for power and control of world football that will play out over the coming months and could decide whether Fifa is reformed from top to bottom or ends up an even more compromised version of the dysfunctional beast ridden by Sepp Blatter for the past 17 years.
As the FBI continued judiciously leaking details of its investigation, it casually lobbed a new grenade that will have caused apoplexy from Doha to Durban to St Petersburg, where they are already planning next month’s preliminary draw for the qualifying phase of the 2018 World Cup.	As the FBI continued judiciously leaking details of its investigation, it casually lobbed a new grenade that will have caused apoplexy from Doha to Durban to St Petersburg, where they are already planning next month’s preliminary draw for the qualifying phase of the 2018 World Cup.
You can read the full article here.	You can read the full article here.
10.26pm BST	10.26pm BST
22:26	22:26
This story from 2011 doesn’t reflect too well on Blazer now. Some choice quotes:	This story from 2011 doesn’t reflect too well on Blazer now. Some choice quotes:
Mohamed bin Hammam’s chief accuser, the Fifa executive-committee member Chuck Blazer, has welcomed the lifetime ban handed to the Qatari as a deterrent to anyone tempted to bribe another football official.	Mohamed bin Hammam’s chief accuser, the Fifa executive-committee member Chuck Blazer, has welcomed the lifetime ban handed to the Qatari as a deterrent to anyone tempted to bribe another football official.
Blazer, the general secretary of Concacaf, informed Fifa head office of the corruption scandal that had engulfed the meeting of the Caribbean Football Union on 10-11 May.	Blazer, the general secretary of Concacaf, informed Fifa head office of the corruption scandal that had engulfed the meeting of the Caribbean Football Union on 10-11 May.
“I learned through some members that cash was being offered to members of our confederation for their votes and to me that’s about as bad a situation as I can imagine,” Blazer said of the extraordinary congress at which $1m (£613,000) cash changed hands in brown envelopes, leading to Bin Hammam’s ban.	“I learned through some members that cash was being offered to members of our confederation for their votes and to me that’s about as bad a situation as I can imagine,” Blazer said of the extraordinary congress at which $1m (£613,000) cash changed hands in brown envelopes, leading to Bin Hammam’s ban.
“I believe vote-buying is unacceptable and I felt that had to be said widely and clearly, and I am very glad the ethics committee has confirmed that, regarding bribery, we have zero tolerance.	“I believe vote-buying is unacceptable and I felt that had to be said widely and clearly, and I am very glad the ethics committee has confirmed that, regarding bribery, we have zero tolerance.
10.15pm BST	10.15pm BST
22:15	22:15
PA’s Martyn Ziegler says it was Morocco who offered bribes for the rights to host the 1998 World Cup.	PA’s Martyn Ziegler says it was Morocco who offered bribes for the rights to host the 1998 World Cup.
This shows it was Morocco who bribed Blazer for 1998 World Cup: http://t.co/gsjc4gPP6v	This shows it was Morocco who bribed Blazer for 1998 World Cup: http://t.co/gsjc4gPP6v
It is alleged Blazer and others were offered $1m to influence the vote.	It is alleged Blazer and others were offered $1m to influence the vote.
10.10pm BST	10.10pm BST
22:10	22:10
David Beckham, who was a major part of England’s failed bid to host the 2018 World Cup, has weighed into the Fifa debate calling the allegations despicable. “Some of the things that we now know happened were despicable, unacceptable and awful for the game that we love so much,” Beckham told Sky Sports News. “Football is not owned by a few individuals at the top, it belongs to the millions of people around the world who love this sport. It is time for Fifa to change and we should all welcome it.”	David Beckham, who was a major part of England’s failed bid to host the 2018 World Cup, has weighed into the Fifa debate calling the allegations despicable. “Some of the things that we now know happened were despicable, unacceptable and awful for the game that we love so much,” Beckham told Sky Sports News. “Football is not owned by a few individuals at the top, it belongs to the millions of people around the world who love this sport. It is time for Fifa to change and we should all welcome it.”
9.54pm BST	9.54pm BST
21:54	21:54
Chuck Blazer, it appears, was nothing if not consistent when it came to taking bribes. He also reeled off an impressive list of Gold Cups (the Concacaf equivalent of the European Championships or Africa Cup of Nations) in his testimony. This just through:	Chuck Blazer, it appears, was nothing if not consistent when it came to taking bribes. He also reeled off an impressive list of Gold Cups (the Concacaf equivalent of the European Championships or Africa Cup of Nations) in his testimony. This just through:
In and around 1993 and continuing through the early 2000s I and others agreed to accept bribes and kickbacks in conjunction with the broadcast and other rights to the 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2003 Gold Cups.	In and around 1993 and continuing through the early 2000s I and others agreed to accept bribes and kickbacks in conjunction with the broadcast and other rights to the 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2003 Gold Cups.
The US was host or co-host of all those tournaments. So, if as some allege, this whole investigation is a US plot to make its enemies look bad, it’s a pretty shoddy plot.	The US was host or co-host of all those tournaments. So, if as some allege, this whole investigation is a US plot to make its enemies look bad, it’s a pretty shoddy plot.
9.41pm BST	9.41pm BST
21:41	21:41
For those who want to know more about the inner workings of Chuck Blazer’s mind, you’d do well to read his amazing blog (which I am assured is genuine). A highlight below from his meeting with Vladimir Putin:	For those who want to know more about the inner workings of Chuck Blazer’s mind, you’d do well to read his amazing blog (which I am assured is genuine). A highlight below from his meeting with Vladimir Putin:
A firm handshake and a personable smile set the tone for what turned out to be a very special experience. He guided me to sit on a leather couch in the near right corner of the room. At right angles to that couch was another matching one where he took up his position so that we flanked the corner of a large wood bordered coffee table. On my couch, sitting near enough to be part of the conversation was the translator; while on Mr Putin’s was Vitaly Mutko. The conversation began in a normal enough way, each of us thanking the other for making time for the visit. Genial welcomes continued until at one moment, he looked at me with a very serious gaze and said, without cracking a smile, “You know, you look like Karl Marx!”	A firm handshake and a personable smile set the tone for what turned out to be a very special experience. He guided me to sit on a leather couch in the near right corner of the room. At right angles to that couch was another matching one where he took up his position so that we flanked the corner of a large wood bordered coffee table. On my couch, sitting near enough to be part of the conversation was the translator; while on Mr Putin’s was Vitaly Mutko. The conversation began in a normal enough way, each of us thanking the other for making time for the visit. Genial welcomes continued until at one moment, he looked at me with a very serious gaze and said, without cracking a smile, “You know, you look like Karl Marx!”
Updated	Updated
at 9.41pm BST	at 9.41pm BST
9.35pm BST	9.35pm BST
21:35	21:35
Here’s a nice Twitter heatmap of the Blatter resignation news exploding around the world:	Here’s a nice Twitter heatmap of the Blatter resignation news exploding around the world:
Blatter resignation - heat map tracks the Twitter response http://t.co/x6z6zIpXz4	Blatter resignation - heat map tracks the Twitter response http://t.co/x6z6zIpXz4
9.23pm BST	9.23pm BST
21:23	21:23
Here’s the Guardian’s first take on the Blazer testimony. A full story will follow:	Here’s the Guardian’s first take on the Blazer testimony. A full story will follow:
Fifa whistleblower Chuck Blazer has said the executive committee took bribes over the 1998 and 2010 World Cups.	Fifa whistleblower Chuck Blazer has said the executive committee took bribes over the 1998 and 2010 World Cups.
Details of Blazer’s plea bargain was published on Wednesday by the United States Department of Justice, with the former general secretary of Concacaf also admitting to two counts of racketeering.	Details of Blazer’s plea bargain was published on Wednesday by the United States Department of Justice, with the former general secretary of Concacaf also admitting to two counts of racketeering.
“I and others on the Fifa executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South	“I and others on the Fifa executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South
Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup,” read his testimony.	Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup,” read his testimony.
“I agreed with other persons in or around 1992 to facilitate the acceptance of a bribe in conjunction with the selection of the host nation for the 1998 World Cup.”	“I agreed with other persons in or around 1992 to facilitate the acceptance of a bribe in conjunction with the selection of the host nation for the 1998 World Cup.”
9.18pm BST	9.18pm BST
21:18	21:18
Apart from allegations of rampant corruption, the Blazer testimony also contains jokes:	Apart from allegations of rampant corruption, the Blazer testimony also contains jokes:
Favourite extract. Judge: "I don't know how you pronounce it, 'FIFA'" State attorney: "FIFA, Your Honour". #Blazer pic.twitter.com/xEmLm5YXLS	Favourite extract. Judge: "I don't know how you pronounce it, 'FIFA'" State attorney: "FIFA, Your Honour". #Blazer pic.twitter.com/xEmLm5YXLS
9.15pm BST	9.15pm BST
21:15	21:15
Publicity shy London mayor Boris Johnson says his city is ready to step in and host the World Cup. Brazil v Argentina at Brentford, anyone?	Publicity shy London mayor Boris Johnson says his city is ready to step in and host the World Cup. Brazil v Argentina at Brentford, anyone?
9.11pm BST	9.11pm BST
21:11	21:11
Incidentally, Morocco lost out to France in the bid to host the 1998 World Cup. South Africa beat bids from Morocco and Egypt in 2010. Morocco actually lost out on bids for 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2010	Incidentally, Morocco lost out to France in the bid to host the 1998 World Cup. South Africa beat bids from Morocco and Egypt in 2010. Morocco actually lost out on bids for 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2010
Updated	Updated
at 10.12pm BST	at 10.12pm BST
9.01pm BST	9.01pm BST
21:01	21:01
And Blazer claims that the 1998 World Cup, in France, was involved too:	And Blazer claims that the 1998 World Cup, in France, was involved too:
I agreed with other persons in or around 1992 to facilitate the acceptance of a bribe in conjunction with the selection of the host nation for the 1998 World Cup	I agreed with other persons in or around 1992 to facilitate the acceptance of a bribe in conjunction with the selection of the host nation for the 1998 World Cup
8.42pm BST	8.42pm BST
20:42	20:42
Chuck Blazer says he agreed to bribes over the 1998 and 2010 World Cups	Chuck Blazer says he agreed to bribes over the 1998 and 2010 World Cups
Here’s more from Chuck Blazer, it’s from testimony published by the United States Department of Justice:	Here’s more from Chuck Blazer, it’s from testimony published by the United States Department of Justice:
I and others on the Fifa executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup	I and others on the Fifa executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup
Updated	Updated
at 9.36pm BST	at 9.36pm BST
8.40pm BST	8.40pm BST
20:40	20:40
Big news breaking at the moment. Chuck Blazer, the man who kicked off the events of the last week or so, alleges he and others on the Fifa executive committee say they took bribes over the right to award the 2010 World Cup to South Africa.	Big news breaking at the moment. Chuck Blazer, the man who kicked off the events of the last week or so, alleges he and others on the Fifa executive committee say they took bribes over the right to award the 2010 World Cup to South Africa.
BREAKING: FIFA whistle blower Chuck Blazer says he and others on FIFA executive committee (1/2) #SSNHQ	BREAKING: FIFA whistle blower Chuck Blazer says he and others on FIFA executive committee (1/2) #SSNHQ
BREAKING: (2/2) agreed to accept bribes over award of 2010 World Cup to South Afirca. #SSNHQ	BREAKING: (2/2) agreed to accept bribes over award of 2010 World Cup to South Afirca. #SSNHQ
Updated	Updated
at 8.40pm BST	at 8.40pm BST
8.25pm BST	8.25pm BST
20:25	20:25
We’ve got a press round-up of reaction to Sepp Blatter’s resignation from around the world. It’s fair to say that it’s been a mixed reaction:	We’ve got a press round-up of reaction to Sepp Blatter’s resignation from around the world. It’s fair to say that it’s been a mixed reaction:
Africa Blatter’s departure is a machination of western governments United States I guess we could say for the moment, Hallelujah Russia The Americans ... forced Blatter out. They forced him out Asia Fifa under Blatter was no longer an arrogant Euro-centric club Spain Blatter a victim of ‘Anglo-Saxon interests’	Africa Blatter’s departure is a machination of western governments United States I guess we could say for the moment, Hallelujah Russia The Americans ... forced Blatter out. They forced him out Asia Fifa under Blatter was no longer an arrogant Euro-centric club Spain Blatter a victim of ‘Anglo-Saxon interests’
For the full rundown of the reaction from Honduras to Indonesia and (almost) everywhere in between, you can click here.	For the full rundown of the reaction from Honduras to Indonesia and (almost) everywhere in between, you can click here.
8.08pm BST	8.08pm BST
20:08	20:08
Current players have been fairly quiet on the Fifa controversy but former players? They’ve been very entertaining indeed. Ronaldo (Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldo rather than Portuguese genius Ronaldo) has called on Marco Polo Del Nero, the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, to quit. Del Nero, is being held in a Swiss on charges related to the current scandal.	Current players have been fairly quiet on the Fifa controversy but former players? They’ve been very entertaining indeed. Ronaldo (Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldo rather than Portuguese genius Ronaldo) has called on Marco Polo Del Nero, the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, to quit. Del Nero, is being held in a Swiss on charges related to the current scandal.
“It’s evident the kind of relationship he [Del Nero] had with Marin,” Ronaldo said on Wednesday. “Therefore, it would be a good moment for him to resign.”	“It’s evident the kind of relationship he [Del Nero] had with Marin,” Ronaldo said on Wednesday. “Therefore, it would be a good moment for him to resign.”
7.54pm BST	7.54pm BST
19:54	19:54
Fifa’s auditors, KPMG, have come under criticism for failing to keep a proper eye on affairs at football’s governing body. This is from MarketWatch:	Fifa’s auditors, KPMG, have come under criticism for failing to keep a proper eye on affairs at football’s governing body. This is from MarketWatch:
Robert Appleton, a former assistant United States attorney, a special investigations counsel with Paul Volcker’s UN Iraqi Oil for Food Commission Investigation and the former chief of the United Nations Anti-Corruption Task Force, said KPMG absolutely should have caught, and called out, alleged illegal activities.	Robert Appleton, a former assistant United States attorney, a special investigations counsel with Paul Volcker’s UN Iraqi Oil for Food Commission Investigation and the former chief of the United Nations Anti-Corruption Task Force, said KPMG absolutely should have caught, and called out, alleged illegal activities.
“There were sufficient red flags of improper and highly suspicious payments, as well as money transfers to and from officials and others, including other highly questionable activities coupled with a history of similar issues, that should have been identified and that should have caused the auditors to highlight and report on them internally, and recommend further investigation. This is especially the case in light of the recent history of this organization, where recent investigations already had found bribery and corruption activity,” Appleton said.	“There were sufficient red flags of improper and highly suspicious payments, as well as money transfers to and from officials and others, including other highly questionable activities coupled with a history of similar issues, that should have been identified and that should have caused the auditors to highlight and report on them internally, and recommend further investigation. This is especially the case in light of the recent history of this organization, where recent investigations already had found bribery and corruption activity,” Appleton said.
It doesn’t look like Swiss lawmakers are going to crack down on corruption anyway. AP reports that a bill that could help wrongdoing in bodies such as Fifa has been turned down:	It doesn’t look like Swiss lawmakers are going to crack down on corruption anyway. AP reports that a bill that could help wrongdoing in bodies such as Fifa has been turned down:
Swiss lawmakers have voted to weaken a bill meant to increase scrutiny of sports bodies such as Fifa.	Swiss lawmakers have voted to weaken a bill meant to increase scrutiny of sports bodies such as Fifa.
The proposed law, known as ‘Lex Fifa’ but in the works long before soccer’s governing body was hit by twin graft probes last week, is meant to make it easier for prosecutors to investigate corruption allegations at private organizations.	The proposed law, known as ‘Lex Fifa’ but in the works long before soccer’s governing body was hit by twin graft probes last week, is meant to make it easier for prosecutors to investigate corruption allegations at private organizations.
But Switzerland’s upper house narrowly voted Wednesday to approve an amendment requiring the organization itself to ask for the probe, except in cases where the public interest is at stake.	But Switzerland’s upper house narrowly voted Wednesday to approve an amendment requiring the organization itself to ask for the probe, except in cases where the public interest is at stake.
Critics say this amendment is a hurdle for prosecutors seeking to bring a case, and hope it will be overturned by the lower chamber this fall.	Critics say this amendment is a hurdle for prosecutors seeking to bring a case, and hope it will be overturned by the lower chamber this fall.
7.43pm BST	7.43pm BST
19:43	19:43
The Guardian’s Middle East editor, Ian Black, is in Doha at the moment and reports back on the mood in Qatar. Here’s an extract from his report:	The Guardian’s Middle East editor, Ian Black, is in Doha at the moment and reports back on the mood in Qatar. Here’s an extract from his report:
Doha’s stunning skyline also makes plain why the stakes are so high. Cranes and building sites are strewn across a city that is building at least eight new stadiums, new roads and flyovers as well as $35bn metro and rail system. In all Qatar plans to spend $200bn on infrastructure in the period up to 2030.	Doha’s stunning skyline also makes plain why the stakes are so high. Cranes and building sites are strewn across a city that is building at least eight new stadiums, new roads and flyovers as well as $35bn metro and rail system. In all Qatar plans to spend $200bn on infrastructure in the period up to 2030.
In the lobby of Biddas Towers, an air-conditioned refuge from the furnace-like heat outside, is a reminder of why it matters so much. In a glass case that might house a precious ancient relic is a lavishly-bound book open at an interview with Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the previous emir, who stepped down in favour of his son Tamim two years ago. “Hosting the 2022 Fifa World Cup will obviously further enhance our country’s standing and reputation globally, raising the awareness of Qatar and providing a positive focus for the region as a whole.”	In the lobby of Biddas Towers, an air-conditioned refuge from the furnace-like heat outside, is a reminder of why it matters so much. In a glass case that might house a precious ancient relic is a lavishly-bound book open at an interview with Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the previous emir, who stepped down in favour of his son Tamim two years ago. “Hosting the 2022 Fifa World Cup will obviously further enhance our country’s standing and reputation globally, raising the awareness of Qatar and providing a positive focus for the region as a whole.”
Related: Qatar's World Cup officials put on brave face for post-Blatter era	Related: Qatar's World Cup officials put on brave face for post-Blatter era
7.33pm BST	7.33pm BST
19:33	19:33
Interesting stuff here, Blatter never actually used the word “resign” in his press conference. Will he come back for a second act as an honorary president or some such?	Interesting stuff here, Blatter never actually used the word “resign” in his press conference. Will he come back for a second act as an honorary president or some such?
How FIFA’s Sepp Blatter may have outmaneuvered everyone http://t.co/218t3D4UM4 pic.twitter.com/EgDgEb12Fw	How FIFA’s Sepp Blatter may have outmaneuvered everyone http://t.co/218t3D4UM4 pic.twitter.com/EgDgEb12Fw
7.25pm BST	7.25pm BST
19:25	19:25
Qatar’s World Cup organisers have said the recent events won’t affect preparation for the 2018 World Cup, which they are due to host.	Qatar’s World Cup organisers have said the recent events won’t affect preparation for the 2018 World Cup, which they are due to host.
“The recent events at FIFA will not impact on our preparations for the 2022 Fifa World Cup. With five stadiums currently under construction we are ahead of schedule to deliver on our promises,” read a statement from Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy. “Qatar has faced criticism from the moment we won the right to bring this tournament to the Middle East for the first time. We remain committed to using the World Cup as a platform to break down prejudice and misconceptions, while leaving a lasting legacy for our country and the rest of the region.”	“The recent events at FIFA will not impact on our preparations for the 2022 Fifa World Cup. With five stadiums currently under construction we are ahead of schedule to deliver on our promises,” read a statement from Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy. “Qatar has faced criticism from the moment we won the right to bring this tournament to the Middle East for the first time. We remain committed to using the World Cup as a platform to break down prejudice and misconceptions, while leaving a lasting legacy for our country and the rest of the region.”
7.10pm BST	7.10pm BST
19:10	19:10
I’m going to pass over to my colleague Tom Lutz, but here’s where we are now:	I’m going to pass over to my colleague Tom Lutz, but here’s where we are now:
Thanks for reading. Over to Tom.	Thanks for reading. Over to Tom.
6.59pm BST	6.59pm BST
18:59	18:59
Brazilian star Zico wants to stand for Fifa president.	Brazilian star Zico wants to stand for Fifa president.
Zico tells BBC he plans to stand as a candidate in the #FIFA Presidential election. "I believe that now the race is open to everybody."	Zico tells BBC he plans to stand as a candidate in the #FIFA Presidential election. "I believe that now the race is open to everybody."
Here’s the little man starring for Brazil against Poland in their 1986 World Cup second-round clash. Zico scored 48 goals in 71 games for the seleçaõ – the fourth highest of all time – and won four Brazilian titles with Flamengo before finding success as a coach with Japan.	Here’s the little man starring for Brazil against Poland in their 1986 World Cup second-round clash. Zico scored 48 goals in 71 games for the seleçaõ – the fourth highest of all time – and won four Brazilian titles with Flamengo before finding success as a coach with Japan.
6.51pm BST	6.51pm BST
18:51	18:51
Still no word on when the FBI is releasing Chuck Blazer’s testimony. So we wait.	Still no word on when the FBI is releasing Chuck Blazer’s testimony. So we wait.
6.47pm BST	6.47pm BST
18:47	18:47
‘Why African soccer officials see Fifa probe as imperialist’ – here’s an interesting take from Time on the investigation into soccer’s world governing body.	‘Why African soccer officials see Fifa probe as imperialist’ – here’s an interesting take from Time on the investigation into soccer’s world governing body.
Why African soccer officials see the FIFA probe as ‘imperialist’ http://t.co/dMc43dxJNo	Why African soccer officials see the FIFA probe as ‘imperialist’ http://t.co/dMc43dxJNo
6.28pm BST	6.28pm BST
18:28	18:28
Will the next Fifa president be Luis Figo? David Gill? Michel Platini? Whoever fancies filling Sepp Blatter’s shoes might have to align themselves with an ex-Kuwaiti army officer with shoulder-length curls who moves with two bodyguards: Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah.	Will the next Fifa president be Luis Figo? David Gill? Michel Platini? Whoever fancies filling Sepp Blatter’s shoes might have to align themselves with an ex-Kuwaiti army officer with shoulder-length curls who moves with two bodyguards: Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah.
The Guardian’s Owen Gibson has profiled the 51-year-old administrator:	The Guardian’s Owen Gibson has profiled the 51-year-old administrator:
Such is his growing reputation as a sporting powerbroker that as soon as he was levered on to the Fifa executive committee by the now outgoing president, Sepp Blatter, in April, he was being talked about as his potential successor.	Such is his growing reputation as a sporting powerbroker that as soon as he was levered on to the Fifa executive committee by the now outgoing president, Sepp Blatter, in April, he was being talked about as his potential successor.
Related: Fifa powerbroker Sheikh Ahmad may hold key to Sepp Blatter’s successor	Related: Fifa powerbroker Sheikh Ahmad may hold key to Sepp Blatter’s successor
6.03pm BST	6.03pm BST
18:03	18:03
This is fascinating, from the BBC: Sepp Blatter received a 10-minute standing ovation from about 400 staff at Fifa headquarters in Zurich earlier today.	This is fascinating, from the BBC: Sepp Blatter received a 10-minute standing ovation from about 400 staff at Fifa headquarters in Zurich earlier today.
Reportedly close to tears, he urged his “fantastic team” to “stay strong.”	Reportedly close to tears, he urged his “fantastic team” to “stay strong.”
Blatter reportedly addressed staff in the same hall in which he announced he was resigning a day earlier. He emphasised the reform work that Fifa now needed to undertake.	Blatter reportedly addressed staff in the same hall in which he announced he was resigning a day earlier. He emphasised the reform work that Fifa now needed to undertake.
More here.	More here.
Updated	Updated
at 6.04pm BST	at 6.04pm BST
5.52pm BST	5.52pm BST
17:52	17:52
We’ve just published a news story on the widening of the investigation, as reported earlier. James Riach’s story is here:	We’ve just published a news story on the widening of the investigation, as reported earlier. James Riach’s story is here:
Related: FBI investigating Fifa’s awarding of 2018 and 2022 World Cups – report	Related: FBI investigating Fifa’s awarding of 2018 and 2022 World Cups – report
5.50pm BST	5.50pm BST
17:50	17:50
The news of the widening investigation could put the future of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup host nations into serious doubt, but earlier Russia appeared relaxed about its prospects of being stripped of the 2018 tournament.	The news of the widening investigation could put the future of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup host nations into serious doubt, but earlier Russia appeared relaxed about its prospects of being stripped of the 2018 tournament.
Per Reuters:	Per Reuters:
Russia dismissed concern on Wednesday that it might lose the right to host the 2018 World Cup finals or face a boycott by other nations after Sepp Blatter’s resignation as Fifa president.	Russia dismissed concern on Wednesday that it might lose the right to host the 2018 World Cup finals or face a boycott by other nations after Sepp Blatter’s resignation as Fifa president.
Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Moscow was surprised by Blatter’s move, but was pressing ahead with its preparations for 2018.	Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Moscow was surprised by Blatter’s move, but was pressing ahead with its preparations for 2018.
A US law enforcement official told Reuters that an FBI corruption investigation into FIFA would also cover how it had awarded the 2018 tournament to Russia and the 2022 event to Qatar. Swiss authorities have also launched an inquiry into the votes.	A US law enforcement official told Reuters that an FBI corruption investigation into FIFA would also cover how it had awarded the 2018 tournament to Russia and the 2022 event to Qatar. Swiss authorities have also launched an inquiry into the votes.
Earlier, Peskov portrayed things as business as usual for Moscow following Blatter’s announcement on Tuesday. “We have no information on what the reason was for this resignation,” he told reporters. “Cooperation with Fifa is going on and, most importantly, Russia is continuing preparations for the 2018 World Cup.”	Earlier, Peskov portrayed things as business as usual for Moscow following Blatter’s announcement on Tuesday. “We have no information on what the reason was for this resignation,” he told reporters. “Cooperation with Fifa is going on and, most importantly, Russia is continuing preparations for the 2018 World Cup.”
Sports minister Vitaly Mutko said in televised comments: “There is no threat at all.”	Sports minister Vitaly Mutko said in televised comments: “There is no threat at all.”
5.39pm BST	5.39pm BST
17:39	17:39
Valcke: 'I'm beyond reproach. I certainly don't feel guilty'	Valcke: 'I'm beyond reproach. I certainly don't feel guilty'
We’re waiting for more information on the news that the US investigation is widening. In the meantime, Fifa secretary general Jérôme Valcke has insisted he can remain in his post.	We’re waiting for more information on the news that the US investigation is widening. In the meantime, Fifa secretary general Jérôme Valcke has insisted he can remain in his post.
Valcke said on Wednesday he was not guilty of any corrupt practice in a $10 million bank transaction under investigation by US authorities and saw no reason to stand down.	Valcke said on Wednesday he was not guilty of any corrupt practice in a $10 million bank transaction under investigation by US authorities and saw no reason to stand down.
“I have no reason to say that I shouldn’t remain secretary general regarding what’s happened in the last days, because I have no responsibility,” he told France Info radio.	“I have no reason to say that I shouldn’t remain secretary general regarding what’s happened in the last days, because I have no responsibility,” he told France Info radio.
“I’m beyond reproach and I certainly don’t feel guilty. So I don’t even have to justify that I’m innocent,” he added.	“I’m beyond reproach and I certainly don’t feel guilty. So I don’t even have to justify that I’m innocent,” he added.
Updated	Updated
at 6.05pm BST	at 6.05pm BST
5.28pm BST	5.28pm BST
17:28	17:28
Reuters reports that the investigation has widened to the awards of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup – and on social media, a plot thickens:	Reuters reports that the investigation has widened to the awards of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup – and on social media, a plot thickens:
Reuters reporting that #FBI investigation into #FIFA now extends to awarding of 2018 and 2022 world cups. #plotthickens	Reuters reporting that #FBI investigation into #FIFA now extends to awarding of 2018 and 2022 world cups. #plotthickens
Reuters: US investigation into #FIFA will now include #Russia2018 and #Qatar2022 World Cup bids. The plot thickens...	Reuters: US investigation into #FIFA will now include #Russia2018 and #Qatar2022 World Cup bids. The plot thickens...
Plot thickens"@TransferSources: BREAKING: FBI have confirmed they're investigating the awarding of the World Cup to Russia2018&Qatar2022"	Plot thickens"@TransferSources: BREAKING: FBI have confirmed they're investigating the awarding of the World Cup to Russia2018&Qatar2022"
5.11pm BST	5.11pm BST
17:11	17:11
Official says FBI probe includes scrutiny of 2018 and 2022 World Cup host awards – Reuters	Official says FBI probe includes scrutiny of 2018 and 2022 World Cup host awards – Reuters
Here’s a news break from Reuters:	Here’s a news break from Reuters:
The FBI’s investigation of soccer governing body FIFA includes scrutiny of how the organization awarded the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 competition to Qatar, a US law enforcement official said.	The FBI’s investigation of soccer governing body FIFA includes scrutiny of how the organization awarded the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 competition to Qatar, a US law enforcement official said.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the review of the awards to host the tournament would be part of a probe that is looking beyond the allegations in an indictment announced a week ago of officials of world soccer’s governing body.	The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the review of the awards to host the tournament would be part of a probe that is looking beyond the allegations in an indictment announced a week ago of officials of world soccer’s governing body.
Swiss prosecutors said then that they were investigating the 2018 and 2022 bids.	Swiss prosecutors said then that they were investigating the 2018 and 2022 bids.
Updated	Updated
at 5.14pm BST	at 5.14pm BST
5.07pm BST	5.07pm BST
17:07	17:07
Couple more lines from al-Attiyah here:	Couple more lines from al-Attiyah here:
“It is very difficult for some to digest that an Arab Islamic country has this tournament, as if this right can’t be for an Arab state,” he told Reuters in an interview in Paris.	“It is very difficult for some to digest that an Arab Islamic country has this tournament, as if this right can’t be for an Arab state,” he told Reuters in an interview in Paris.
“I believe it is because of prejudice and racism that we have this bashing campaign against Qatar,” he added.	“I believe it is because of prejudice and racism that we have this bashing campaign against Qatar,” he added.
4.50pm BST	4.50pm BST
16:50	16:50
Greg Dyke, the chairman of the English FA, won’t be pleased to hear this: Khalid bin Mohammad al-Attiyah, the Qatari foreign minister, has told Reuters there is “no way” Qatar will be stripped of the 2022 World Cup. Al-Attiyah said Qatar is honest and confident it has done nothing wrong, and says the “bashing campaign” against Qatar is based on “prejudice and racism”.	Greg Dyke, the chairman of the English FA, won’t be pleased to hear this: Khalid bin Mohammad al-Attiyah, the Qatari foreign minister, has told Reuters there is “no way” Qatar will be stripped of the 2022 World Cup. Al-Attiyah said Qatar is honest and confident it has done nothing wrong, and says the “bashing campaign” against Qatar is based on “prejudice and racism”.
Dyke has continually insisted the bidding process for 2022 should be reopened. Here’s my colleague Barney Ronay on why Dyke should keep shtum:	Dyke has continually insisted the bidding process for 2022 should be reopened. Here’s my colleague Barney Ronay on why Dyke should keep shtum:
Related: Greg Dyke must put plug in Qatar talk if Fifa revamp is to unite the world \| Barney Ronay	Related: Greg Dyke must put plug in Qatar talk if Fifa revamp is to unite the world \| Barney Ronay
4.30pm BST	4.30pm BST
16:30	16:30
More on Blazer timings:	More on Blazer timings:
Problem with this unsealed #Blazer testimony: it could be released at anytime, there's no time-frame so we wait and see... #FIFA #sabcnews	Problem with this unsealed #Blazer testimony: it could be released at anytime, there's no time-frame so we wait and see... #FIFA #sabcnews
4.25pm BST	4.25pm BST
16:25	16:25
The world players’ union has called for Fifa to release all documents relevant to Sepp Blatter’s resignation, urging full accountability and accusing the world governing body of “failing to protect the basic rights” of individuals.	The world players’ union has called for Fifa to release all documents relevant to Sepp Blatter’s resignation, urging full accountability and accusing the world governing body of “failing to protect the basic rights” of individuals.
More from my colleague James Riach here:	More from my colleague James Riach here:
Related: Sepp Blatter and Fifa must come clean, says players’ union Fifpro	Related: Sepp Blatter and Fifa must come clean, says players’ union Fifpro
For context, Fifpro is the worldwide organisation for players in 58 national associations – about 65,000 professional footballers.	For context, Fifpro is the worldwide organisation for players in 58 national associations – about 65,000 professional footballers.
4.17pm BST	4.17pm BST
16:17	16:17
And here’s a great comment piece from Penny Venetis on why Fifa’s sexist policies should go with Blatter. As Penny says:	And here’s a great comment piece from Penny Venetis on why Fifa’s sexist policies should go with Blatter. As Penny says:
Viewers planning to tune into the women’s World Cup, which starts on Saturday in Vancouver, should note another blight on the organization: gender discrimination extreme enough to violate the law in almost every country where Fifa tournaments are played pervades the organization.	Viewers planning to tune into the women’s World Cup, which starts on Saturday in Vancouver, should note another blight on the organization: gender discrimination extreme enough to violate the law in almost every country where Fifa tournaments are played pervades the organization.
Related: Sepp Blatter is leaving. Fifa's sexist policies should go with him \| Penny M Venetis	Related: Sepp Blatter is leaving. Fifa's sexist policies should go with him \| Penny M Venetis
4.14pm BST	4.14pm BST
16:14	16:14
Thanks David – Tim here in New York. As David mentioned, we’re expecting Chuck Blazer’s testimony to be unsealed today – although we’re not sure when, exactly. It might come later in the week. Blazer, an American former Fifa executive nicknamed “Mr 10%”, reportedly helped investigators after being approached by authorities over large unpaid tax bills.	Thanks David – Tim here in New York. As David mentioned, we’re expecting Chuck Blazer’s testimony to be unsealed today – although we’re not sure when, exactly. It might come later in the week. Blazer, an American former Fifa executive nicknamed “Mr 10%”, reportedly helped investigators after being approached by authorities over large unpaid tax bills.
Read this great exposé from last year by BuzzFeed’s Ken Bensinger on Chuck Blazer: “the man who built – and bilked – American soccer.”	Read this great exposé from last year by BuzzFeed’s Ken Bensinger on Chuck Blazer: “the man who built – and bilked – American soccer.”
4.01pm BST	4.01pm BST
16:01	16:01
I’m handing over our live coverage to Tim Hill in New York now before the expected release of Chuck Blazer’s testimony. In the meantime, here’s today’s Fiver, via @NickMiller79	I’m handing over our live coverage to Tim Hill in New York now before the expected release of Chuck Blazer’s testimony. In the meantime, here’s today’s Fiver, via @NickMiller79
“So, no more Sepp. Or, at least, in theory there’s no more Sepp. For The Fiver is left with the nagging sensation that this isn’t really the end, that this is all a ruse and not only will he never leave, but he’ll never die either, destined to be in the job for eternity. After all, it’s not like we don’t have recent, painful evidence of a comedic yet hated figure confirming he would be stepping down, only to alarm but in no way surprise everyone by turning up a few days later. A Farageian resurrection could be on the cards.”	“So, no more Sepp. Or, at least, in theory there’s no more Sepp. For The Fiver is left with the nagging sensation that this isn’t really the end, that this is all a ruse and not only will he never leave, but he’ll never die either, destined to be in the job for eternity. After all, it’s not like we don’t have recent, painful evidence of a comedic yet hated figure confirming he would be stepping down, only to alarm but in no way surprise everyone by turning up a few days later. A Farageian resurrection could be on the cards.”
3.23pm BST	3.23pm BST
15:23	15:23
The Washington Post have profiled and spoken to journalist Andrew Jennings, whose work informed the FBI’s investigation.	The Washington Post have profiled and spoken to journalist Andrew Jennings, whose work informed the FBI’s investigation.
“I know that they are criminal scum, and I’ve known it for years,” he said. “And that is a thoughtful summation. That is not an insult. That is not throwing about wild words. These scum have stolen the people’s sport. They’ve stolen it, the cynical thieving bastards. So, yes, it’s nice to see the fear on their faces.”	“I know that they are criminal scum, and I’ve known it for years,” he said. “And that is a thoughtful summation. That is not an insult. That is not throwing about wild words. These scum have stolen the people’s sport. They’ve stolen it, the cynical thieving bastards. So, yes, it’s nice to see the fear on their faces.”
2.55pm BST	2.55pm BST
14:55	14:55
Here’s Fifa democracy in action: the Jordanian FA says it is studying Fifa rules to see whether they might allow for the possibility of Prince Ali bin al-Hussein replacing Blatter without the need for an election. Salah Sabra told Associated Press there was no Fifa statute prescribing a new election in the event of the resignation of the president, adding: “Blatter has resigned and not resigned. It seems he is giving himself another year. He might change his mind.”	Here’s Fifa democracy in action: the Jordanian FA says it is studying Fifa rules to see whether they might allow for the possibility of Prince Ali bin al-Hussein replacing Blatter without the need for an election. Salah Sabra told Associated Press there was no Fifa statute prescribing a new election in the event of the resignation of the president, adding: “Blatter has resigned and not resigned. It seems he is giving himself another year. He might change his mind.”
Also breaking from AP:	Also breaking from AP:
“Hordes of journalists outside Fifa headquarters are sunbathing or taking shade from the baking sun in Zurich, waiting for more news a day after Sepp Blatter announced he will resign. About 100 journalists, including TV crews, have set up camp outside the complex on a tree-lined avenue. One group even had a pizza delivered to them.	“Hordes of journalists outside Fifa headquarters are sunbathing or taking shade from the baking sun in Zurich, waiting for more news a day after Sepp Blatter announced he will resign. About 100 journalists, including TV crews, have set up camp outside the complex on a tree-lined avenue. One group even had a pizza delivered to them.
“Reporters were restricted to asking a group of schoolchildren who had been training inside on Wednesday whether they had seen Blatter. The children just giggled.”	“Reporters were restricted to asking a group of schoolchildren who had been training inside on Wednesday whether they had seen Blatter. The children just giggled.”
Updated	Updated
at 3.51pm BST	at 3.51pm BST
2.43pm BST	2.43pm BST
14:43	14:43
Look out for Guardian live blog fan @Nigel_Farage below the line. The European Union has promised to support “fundamental change” at Fifa. “We owe it to the millions of fans in Europe and beyond,” says Tibor Navracsics, commissioner for sport. “We respect sports federations’ right to run themselves, but after so many missed opportunities and the complete loss of trust in Fifa, I believe we should support fundamental change and ensure that solid solutions are put in place. I am now beginning to reflect on how the European Commission, and action at EU level more broadly, can play a role in this.”	Look out for Guardian live blog fan @Nigel_Farage below the line. The European Union has promised to support “fundamental change” at Fifa. “We owe it to the millions of fans in Europe and beyond,” says Tibor Navracsics, commissioner for sport. “We respect sports federations’ right to run themselves, but after so many missed opportunities and the complete loss of trust in Fifa, I believe we should support fundamental change and ensure that solid solutions are put in place. I am now beginning to reflect on how the European Commission, and action at EU level more broadly, can play a role in this.”
Updated	Updated
at 2.43pm BST	at 2.43pm BST
2.03pm BST	2.03pm BST
14:03	14:03
Summary	Summary
The day’s main developments so far:	The day’s main developments so far:
• South Africa’s FA have denied bribing Fifa officials to secure the 2010 World Cup. They say the $10m payment was “not a bribe, but a duly allocated payment for an approved programme”. Minister of sport Fikile Mbalula said: “When we organised the World Cup we were dealing with people, not gangsters. The fact that later they turn into gangsters is not our problem. We can not check everybody with sniffer dogs.”	• South Africa’s FA have denied bribing Fifa officials to secure the 2010 World Cup. They say the $10m payment was “not a bribe, but a duly allocated payment for an approved programme”. Minister of sport Fikile Mbalula said: “When we organised the World Cup we were dealing with people, not gangsters. The fact that later they turn into gangsters is not our problem. We can not check everybody with sniffer dogs.”
• Interpol have issued red notices – international wanted persons alerts – for the former Fifa executives Jack Warner and Nicolás Leoz, as well as four sports marketing executives for charges including racketeering, conspiracy and corruption.	• Interpol have issued red notices – international wanted persons alerts – for the former Fifa executives Jack Warner and Nicolás Leoz, as well as four sports marketing executives for charges including racketeering, conspiracy and corruption.
• Sepp Blatter is under active investigation by the FBI, according to sources in the US. Reuters quoted “a person who spoke on condition of anonymity” saying Blatter “is being investigated by US prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation”. Blatter, who reportedly received a 10-minute ovation from staff when he addressed them earlier, denies wrongdoing.	• Sepp Blatter is under active investigation by the FBI, according to sources in the US. Reuters quoted “a person who spoke on condition of anonymity” saying Blatter “is being investigated by US prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation”. Blatter, who reportedly received a 10-minute ovation from staff when he addressed them earlier, denies wrongdoing.
• Sponsors whose money sustained Blatter as Fifa built their cash reserves from $350m in 2005 to $1.5bn last year have hailed a brave new era. McDonald’s pointed out: “The allegations of corruption and questionable ethics within Fifa have overshadowed the game.”	• Sponsors whose money sustained Blatter as Fifa built their cash reserves from $350m in 2005 to $1.5bn last year have hailed a brave new era. McDonald’s pointed out: “The allegations of corruption and questionable ethics within Fifa have overshadowed the game.”
• Plus: how the world’s media reacted to Blatter’s exit plan; Marina Hyde’s view - “One thing on which we might all agree on is how astonishingly quickly empires can fall when they do. By way of a consolation sop to Blatter’s vanity, let’s stick the outgoing Fifa president on a par with the Ming Dynasty, which ruled for 276 years and collapsed in barely a decade”; and David Squires on the end of the mountain goat’s reign:	• Plus: how the world’s media reacted to Blatter’s exit plan; Marina Hyde’s view - “One thing on which we might all agree on is how astonishingly quickly empires can fall when they do. By way of a consolation sop to Blatter’s vanity, let’s stick the outgoing Fifa president on a par with the Ming Dynasty, which ruled for 276 years and collapsed in barely a decade”; and David Squires on the end of the mountain goat’s reign:
Cartoon: @squires_david on … Sepp Blatter resigning http://t.co/JPA85Sli2P pic.twitter.com/mB2I8m0K7f	Cartoon: @squires_david on … Sepp Blatter resigning http://t.co/JPA85Sli2P pic.twitter.com/mB2I8m0K7f
Updated	Updated
at 2.05pm BST	at 2.05pm BST
1.43pm BST	1.43pm BST
13:43	13:43
And an explanation...	And an explanation...
Police explain they are here for an expected pro Palestinian protest at Fifa hq. Strange moment. pic.twitter.com/vjOVmEVvzU	Police explain they are here for an expected pro Palestinian protest at Fifa hq. Strange moment. pic.twitter.com/vjOVmEVvzU
1.40pm BST	1.40pm BST
13:40	13:40
Police arrive at Fifa's HQ	Police arrive at Fifa's HQ
More developments in Zurich:	More developments in Zurich:
Police have turned up at Fifa hq. Fifa's head of security tells me "they're not here for [media] or Mr Blatter." pic.twitter.com/Qgxd1tSlM4	Police have turned up at Fifa hq. Fifa's head of security tells me "they're not here for [media] or Mr Blatter." pic.twitter.com/Qgxd1tSlM4
Am outside FIFA HQ. Police arrive and massive media scrum. No idea why they're here but maximum speculation. pic.twitter.com/ltSy5GnD8t	Am outside FIFA HQ. Police arrive and massive media scrum. No idea why they're here but maximum speculation. pic.twitter.com/ltSy5GnD8t
Updated	Updated
at 1.42pm BST	at 1.42pm BST
~~1.36pm BST~~
~~13:36~~
~~Here’s the Zurich latest from the BBC’s Richard Conway. 10 minutes!~~
~~I'm told Sepp Blatter received a 10 minute standing ovation from approximately 400 Fifa staff when he addressed them earlier today.~~
~~Blatter is said to have been close to tears throughout the 10 minute applause. Staff gathered in the main auditorium to listen to his speech~~
~~1.30pm BST~~
~~13:30~~
Why are the British press always so negative about Fifa and Qatar 2022? Racism. Blatter knew it, and he wasn’t afraid to say so. But Greg Dyke says those remarks were “unacceptable ... [Blatter] has slagged off the British media week after week, month after month, and now they have finally been proved to be right. I think, and especially speaking as an old media man myself, that it has been a triumph for British journalism.”
~~Meanwhile, the odds are in.~~
~~Odds to be next FIFA president: Prince Ali Al-Hussein (roughly even), Sepp Blatter (100/1), Vladimir Putin (500/1). http://t.co/VuDVZdMzUk~~
~~1.14pm BST~~
~~13:14~~
Reaction to the week’s events includes this from the president of the French Football Federation, Noël Le Graët, who voted for Blatter at the presidential election, but has “no regrets”. “I don’t regret [voting for Blatter], I’ve always assumed my responsibilities. I think Blatter led Fifa without cheating and I still think that. There’s a lot of mud-slinging.”
He also told RMC: “There were two candidates: Prince Ali and Sepp Blatter, I preferred Blatter. I didn’t think Prince Ali had enough experience. At the time I voted, Fifa was not corrupt up to the top. There were certainly lapses at global level, but to imagine that Fifa, from its headquarters, could arrange cheating, I didn’t believe that last week.” Will he resign? “I don’t see why I should.”
~~12.56pm BST~~
~~12:56~~
“Keep on asking the difficult questions”, says Moemi, as the press conference winds up. Mbalula demands there cannot be a “kangaroo court” and says the whole corruption story seems a bit far-fetched. “We are looking forward to the next Hollywood movie about how South Africa paid a part in this alleged bribery.”
He concludes with two messages for the media. One for the international press: “We thank you, the media, from across the globe for your interest. It’s not a small issue, it’s a very important one.” And then another one for the domestic reporters:
I appeal to South Africa’s media. Don’t be the first to chase us about bribes when we did not bribe. You can ask us difficult questions, but [remember] sovereignty and patriotism. Do not be the first to attack, maim, vandalise your own country. I’m not asking you to do the wrong things, just state the facts. We have a country to defend, and a nation to build.”
~~Mbalula also offered a positive character reference for one of Fifa’s key players.~~
~~Mbalula: Jerome Valcke is married to a South African and has citizenship.~~
~~Here’s James Riach’s report on how the press conference unfolded.~~
~~Updated~~
~~at 12.57pm BST~~
~~12.35pm BST~~
~~12:35~~
~~As the questions continue in South Africa, here’s Marina Hyde’s latest brilliant take on the Fifa story.~~
“One thing on which we might all agree on is how astonishingly quickly empires can fall when they do. By way of a consolation sop to Blatter’s vanity, let’s stick the outgoing Fifa president on a par with the Ming Dynasty, which ruled for 276 years and collapsed in barely a decade.”
~~And here’s a gallery of how the world’s press reacted to Blatter’s plan to walk. Including this:~~
~~Blatter to resign: newspaper front pages from around the world http://t.co/SEZ51anQ77 pic.twitter.com/nmIpd266rH~~
~~Updated~~
~~at 12.36pm BST~~
~~12.29pm BST~~
~~12:29~~
Mbalula: “Sepp Blatter? We’d better not say anything because Fifa will speak for itself ... Like all of you, it shocked us. We can only say it’s because of the investigation, unless he’s sick. We don’t know. Sepp Blatter has been a good friend of South Africa. We will not lie about that.”
~~He adds: “We’ll leave the British and Americans to fight their battles. We’ve fought colonialism and defeated it. We still fight imperialism.”~~
~~12.22pm BST~~
~~12:22~~
~~Moemi is asked about allegations of a “briefcase of money”. “We know nothing about the briefcase.”~~
~~Moemi: "We know nothing about the briefcase. It sounds more like an issue of the movies as we see it." We will wait for the investigation.~~
~~And here’s a quote and a half.~~
~~Moemi: We do not seeing anything wrong with nominating Jack Warner at the time because there no basis to doubt he was of good standing.~~
~~Updated~~
~~at 12.24pm BST~~
~~12.16pm BST~~
~~12:16~~
Mbalula: “Let me tell you. It’s not a secret. We organised the World Cup. There’s a lot of correspondence between us and Fifa, and maybe the FBI have seized it. We don’t know. What we know is that we paid no bribes... Whatever they stumbled across they should share with us...” He says the $10m was “part and parcel of our policy to support our African brothers. We are told that money was misused - we don’t know.” He adds:
~~When we organised the World Cup we were dealing with people, not gangsters. The fact that later they turn into gangsters is not our problem. We can not check everybody with sniffer dogs.~~
~~Mbalula: "A criminal can explain bribes very well. I don't know how bribes work."~~
~~Updated~~
~~at 12.18pm BST~~
~~12.04pm BST~~
~~12:04~~
His line is that the $10m was a valid, approved contribution to the African diaspora in the Caribbean. Journalists ask why – if that is the case – the payment, and the development programme, was not publicised at the time. Alec Moemi, Director General of Sport and Recreation, says: “Many of you never saw our programmes as newsworthy, you never reported them.”
~~Updated~~
~~at 12.20pm BST~~
~~11.58am BST~~
~~11:58~~
Mbalula: “We have a responsibility to defend the legacy of the World Cup, and our country’s reputation, integrity and sovereignty. We are not opposed to the US investigation and will not stand in the way of it. [But] they must share their evidence for the allegations which have negatively impacted our reputation.” He says the tournament was secured by “hard work, and effective lobbying”.
~~11.55am BST~~
~~11:55~~
Mbalula repeats: “I unequivocally state: this payment was not a bribe”, and denies FA statements since the news broke have been contradictory. He defends the validity of the “diaspora legacy programme” and says the $10m was “not a bribe, but a duly allocated payment for an approved programme ... We cannot understand why this is alleged to have been a bribe... everything was on the record... emails, meetings, public statements.”
~~11.46am BST~~
~~11:46~~
Mbalula: “We need the United States authorities to share with us the basis of their allegations.” The $10m payment was “above board” and “does not equate to bribery”. He adds: “We refuse to be caught in a battle between the United States and Fifa ... We categorically deny that our government and country have bribed anyone to secure the 2010 World Cup.”
~~11.44am BST~~
~~11:44~~
South Africa’s minister of sport Fikile Mbalula is addressing the media. His main point so far: “South Africa have not paid any bribes to secure the 2010 World Cup.” South Africa’s FA will co-operate with the authorities, he says, and the government will address the matter through diplomatic channels.
~~11.39am BST~~
~~11:39~~
Unconvinced by Diego Maradona, Zico or Paddy Power’s David Ginola to replace Blatter? Reuters: “Chung Mong-joon, the billionaire scion of South Korea’s Hyundai conglomerate, says he will ‘carefully consider’ running for the Fifa presidency. ‘I will make my decision after meeting with international football leaders and listening to their opinions.’ He added that the manner of Blatter’s resignation was ‘disappointing and regrettable’, and that the 79-year-old Swiss should not lead the process of reform.”
~~Meanwhile, the delayed South Africa press conference is underway.~~
~~11.33am BST~~
~~11:33~~
Here’s a Moscow Times round-up of online reaction in Russia to the week’s events - including: “Poking fun at some Russian media’s inability to recognise satire, this photo clearly shows that Blatter’s resignation was brought on by John McCain’s air strikes on Fifa’s headquarters.”
Йозеф Блаттер принял решение об отставке после удара войск сенатора Маккейна по штаб-квартире ФИФА pic.twitter.com/cD55RR3D9t
~~11.21am BST~~
~~11:21~~
Some more reaction from Moscow, where the head of Russia’s Olympic Committee says he does not expect any boycott of the 2018 World Cup. Alexander Zhukov told the RIA news agency: “I think there will be no kind of boycotts. We have heard statements, including from politicians ... but I think the sporting community will never do it and won’t allow the world of sport to be split.”
~~Updated~~
~~at 11.22am BST~~
~~11.15am BST~~
~~11:15~~
South Africa’s FA president Danny Jordaan has pulled out of the delayed press conference. Jordaan has previously denied that the country bribed Fifa officials to secure the 2010 World Cup, telling South Africa’s Sunday Independent: “I haven’t paid a bribe or taken a bribe from anybody in my life. We don’t know who is mentioned there [in the US indictment]. And I don’t want to assume that I am mentioned. How could we have paid a bribe for votes four years after we had won the bid?”
Reuters report: “South African Football Association officials will no longer be appearing at a scheduled Wednesday press conference to address allegations around a possible bribe paid during the 2010 World Cup bidding process. Media invited to a mid-day conference in Johannesburg to be addressed by sports minister Fikile Mbalula and members of the 2010 World Cup local organising committee but reporters have been told only the minister will be speaking.”
~~Updated~~
~~at 11.22am BST~~
~~10.54am BST~~
~~10:54~~
Uefa have cancelled their planned meeting in Berlin this weekend – citing “fast moving events”. Elsewhere, the chairman of Football Federation Australia, Frank Lowy, has admitted his nation’s failed $46m taxpayer-funded 2022 World Cup bid was “naive” – but also “clean”. “We ran a clean bid. I know that others did not, and I have shared what I know with the authorities... But did we make mistakes? Yes. Were we naive? In some cases, yes. Would we do things differently in future? Absolutely.” Mike Hytner’s report is here.
~~Meanwhile, you can follow the South Africa FA conference here.~~
~~Updated~~
~~at 10.55am BST~~
~~10.41am BST~~
~~10:41~~
South Africa’s FA are about to hold a press conference to address allegations around the $10m payment central to the FBI’s bribery investigation. On Tuesday Jérôme Valcke, Fifa’s secretary general, emerged in reports in the New York Times as the person described in an indictment as a “high-ranking Fifa official” who in 2008 transferred the sum to Jack Warner. Valcke is not named as a defendant and has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Fifa said the $10m was authorised by the then-chairman of Fifa’s finance committee, the late Julio Grondona - before a letter addressed to Valcke from the South African FA’s former president Molefi Oliphant was posted on Twitter by the Press Association’s Martyn Ziegler, appearing to contradict Fifa’s claim.
~~Today's press conference at SAFA House to be addressed by the Sports Minister and 2010 LOC members. pic.twitter.com/J4v1U5XHYH~~
~~Updated~~
~~at 10.46am BST~~
~~10.24am BST~~
~~10:24~~
Culture secretary John Whittingdale welcomed Blatter’s exit as “belated” and “only the beginning” in fixing “a discredited and disgraced organisation” – adding to his line from Monday, backed by David Cameron, that Blatter had built “a culture of kickbacks and corruption that risk ruining football for a generation … Momentum against Blatter is building … it is up to everyone who cares about football to use whatever influence they have.”
Worth remembering, then, the government’s line in 2010 with its subtly different tone – Cameron dismissing Panorama exposé as “frustrating” and welcoming “Mr President” to Downing Street. “Mr President, you have done a huge amount for football during your whole life. The decisions you have made have been instrumental in taking the game to new heights.” He then held a 30-minute private talk with Jack Warner.
~~Updated~~
~~at 10.26am BST~~
~~10.03am BST~~
~~10:03~~
More on the Interpol news here from James Riach. “Interpol has issued international wanted persons alerts for the former Fifa executives Jack Warner and Nicolas Leoz as well as four sports marketing executives for charges including racketeering, conspiracy and corruption.” And here’s David Squires on the end of the mountain goat’s reign.
~~Cartoon: @squires_david on … Sepp Blatter resigning http://t.co/JPA85Sli2P pic.twitter.com/mB2I8m0K7f~~
~~9.43am BST~~
~~09:43~~
~~Blatter resigned - or announced his plan to resign, and he has form on that - to spend some quality time with his legacy. He’s hard at work already.~~
~~I'm told Sepp Blatter is back to work at Fifa hq today - determined to push ahead with he believes will be radical reform.~~
~~9.33am BST~~
~~09:33~~
James Riach has the latest from the relieved PR teams of the official Fifa sponsors whose money sustained Blatter as Fifa built their cash reserves from $350m in 2005 to $1.5bn last year. Visa said Blatter’s departure was “a significant first step towards rebuilding public trust”; McDonald’s said “the allegations of corruption and questionable ethics within Fifa have overshadowed the game”; Coca-Cola said Blatter’s departure was a “positive step for the good of sport, football and its fans”. Meanwhile, in video – the world reacts to Blatter “laying down my mandate”.
~~Updated~~
~~at 9.35am BST~~
~~9.16am BST~~
~~09:16~~
~~Interpol issue Red Notices for Fifa executives~~
Interpol have issued “Red Notices” for individuals wanted by US authorities. An Interpol statement read: “At the request of US authorities, Interpol Red Notices – or international wanted persons alerts – have been issued for two former FIFA officials and four corporate executives for charges including racketeering conspiracy and corruption.” They add:
The Red Notices have been issued for: Jack Warner, Trinidad & Tobago national, former Fifa vice president and executive committee member, Concacaf president, CFU president and Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) special adviser.
~~Nicolás Leoz, Paraguayan national, former Fifa executive committee member and Conmebol president.~~
~~Alejandro Burzaco, Argentine national, controlling principal of Torneos y Competencias S.A., a sports marketing business based in Argentina, and its affiliates.~~
~~Hugo Jinkis and Mariano Jinkis, Argentine nationals, controlling principals of Full Play Group S.A., a sports marketing business based in Argentina, and its affiliates.~~
~~José Margulies (also known as José Lazaro), Brazilian national, controlling principal of Valente Corp. and Somerton Ltd., broadcasting businesses.~~
“Red Notices are one of the ways in which Interpol informs its member countries that an arrest warrant has been issued for an individual by a judicial authority and seeks the location and arrest of wanted persons with a view to extradition or similar lawful action. The individuals concerned are wanted by national jurisdictions and Interpol’s role is to assist national police forces in identifying or locating those individuals with a view to their arrest and extradition. A Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant, and Interpol cannot compel any member country to arrest the subject of a Red Notice.”
~~Updated~~
~~at 9.20am BST~~
~~9.04am BST~~
~~09:04~~
Among the pro-Blatter reactions, and there are plenty, was this from Sierra Leone’s FA president Isha Johansen, explaining Africa’s stance on Radio 4’s Today. She said Blatter was someone “I looked upon as a father figure, as most of the African nations do. He’s been good for the African continent, he’s been good for African football growth … We take him as one of us, as family.”
Elsewhere, the Asian Football Confederation – who last month suspended their general secretary Alex Soosay over allegations he asked a colleague to “hide or tamper with” corruption evidence – have refused to take a position. “We take note of the information issued by Fifa ... The AFC is closely monitoring the situation, and will discuss with its Member Associations and sister confederations in order to find the best way forward for both FIFA and world football.” Soosay denies wrongdoing.
~~8.48am BST~~
~~08:48~~
Soon after Diego Maradona was tipped for Blatter’s job by Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro (“Diego Armando Maradona has been denouncing Fifa for decades, they’ve threatened him and they’ve laughed at him”), Zico stepped forward. Or at least, he’s thinking about it. The 62-year-old coach of Indian club Goa said: “Why not? My life has always been with football. I don’t have support yet, but if it’s open to anyone, I can become a candidate. Who knows?” Also looking to bring some credibility to the race: Paddy Power’s David Ginola.
~~8.27am BST~~
~~08:27~~
~~Summary~~
So, #fourmoreyears turned in to #fourmoredays. Blatter told Swiss TV on Friday: “Why would I step down? That would mean I recognise I did wrongdoing.” Yesterday he pledged to “lay down” his mandate, maybe in December, maybe March 2016, and still denies wrongdoing. Here’s today’s summary:
• FBI sources say Blatter is under active investigation - though given his proximity to those charged, that’s not a surprise. The Guardian’s Owen Gibson adds: “Question must be to what extent those charged – possibly facing jail terms of up to 20 years – are willing and able to implicate him.”
~~• Chuck Blazer’s 2013 testimony, expected to be made public today, could be key. The former Fifa executive and fancy dress fan powered the FBI investigation via his bugged keyring.~~
• Expect more focus on Qatar. Greg Dyke said yesterday: “If I was the Qatari organisers I wouldn’t sleep very well tonight.” Qatar responded: “We would urge Mr Dyke to let the legal process take its course and concentrate on delivering his promise to build an England team capable of winning the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar.”
• Qatar also issued another denial that over a thousand migrant workers have died during the construction of its World Cup sites: “Not a single worker’s life has been lost. Not one.” (The deaths have been on infrastructure projects.)
~~• And Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro has backed Diego Maradona for the job. Here are some other contenders.~~
~~Updated~~
~~at 8.28am BST~~
~~8.15am BST~~
~~08:15~~
~~Claire Phipps~~
~~I’m handing over this live blog to my colleague David Hills now – do stick with us for the latest twists and turns through the day.~~
~~8.06am BST~~
~~08:06~~
~~Global reaction~~
~~We’ve heard a lot from footballing figures in the UK, Europe and Australia about the resignation of Blatter – how about the rest of the world?~~
Kozo Tashima, Fifa executive committee member and Japan Football Association vice-president: “He says he won’t step down until the next president is elected. If there is no specific reason [for his resignation] there is no need for him to step down. I think there is an obligation to explain this.”
Alfredo Hawit, Concacaf president: “We are at an important moment for the game, a moment that we must not squander. Concacaf stands ready to assist in the process of rebuilding Fifa in a way that strengthens the game for many years to come.”
Raymond Tim Kee, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association: “I was kind of expecting that the pressures the external pressures would be sustained, and therefore Mr Blatter would soon have to retreat. Because he should.”
~~Nikita Simonyan, Russian Football Union acting president: [Michel Platini] “suits the role of president of Fifa better than anyone else … [He is] a more prepared and experienced person.”~~
Brazil’s football confederation, the CBF: “The CBF sees the announcement of the resignation of Joseph Blatter with surprise. It’s a decision that is personal and deserves our most profound understanding.”
Romario, Brazilian former footballer: “His fall will come as a tsunami to every corrupt leader in the confederations around the world … We need the corrupt ones in prison, and we need the contributions from great idols, good sports leaders and football lovers.”
~~7.52am BST~~
~~07:52~~
Frank Lowy, chairman of Football Federation Australia, has posted an open letter on Blatter’s resignation, Australia’s failed World Cup bid – and funds paid by the FFA to Fifa, which apparently ended up instead with Jack Warner.
~~Lowy writes:~~
~~The donation which has received most attention was to Concacaf – the north and central American football association.~~
This was to fund a feasibility study to develop its centre of excellence in Trinidad & Tobago. The man behind the centre was the president of Concacaf, Jack Warner, whose reputation as a ‘colourful character’ was well known …
~~The centre asked Australia to donate $4m to the project. We compromised and offered $500,000 to fund a preliminary feasibility study …~~
The chief executive of the centre, not Warner, gave us the bank account details for Concacaf. We paid the money into that account and received confirmation it was received by the bank. It was paid into a Concacaf account, not Jack Warner’s personal account.
~~When Concacaf contacted us to say they were conducting an inquiry into its accounts, we provided information about our donation.~~
That inquiry – conducted by 2 former judges and a senior accountant - found that Jack Warner had committed fraud and misappropriated the funds – in other words he had stolen the money from Concacaf …
~~We asked Concacaf to give our money back because it wasn’t used for the purpose we intended, and were advised by Fifa to wait until the inquiries were complete. Those inquiries are still ongoing.~~
~~Updated~~
~~at 7.56am BST~~
~~7.44am BST~~
~~07:44~~
~~David Conn~~
My colleague David Conn argues that Fifa’s response to allegations that its general secretary, Jérôme Valcke, was implicated in a $10m bribe demonstrates the organisation’s inability to reform itself:
The biggest bombshell in the criminal indictment of Fifa officials that US prosecutors landed on Sepp Blatter’s presidential coronation last week was the $10m bribe-for-votes allegation at its precise centre: page 82 of 164. And Fifa’s fantastically brief statement in response, finally drawn out of a no comment stance, has now only detonated further explosive questions.
These reach far beyond the individual position of the general secretary, Jérôme Valcke, the contradiction between Fifa’s apparent denial that he was involved in the $10m payment, and the 2008 South African Football Association letter which requested Valcke personally to organise it.
The allegation itself, that $10m dressed up as a grant to the Caribbean for an African “diaspora legacy programme” was paid to accounts controlled by Jack Warner to secure his and two other Fifa executive committee members’ votes for South Africa to host the 2010 World Cup, erupts into the heart of Fifa culture.
Fifa’s seven-sentence statement purporting to explain away this huge, profound allegation – already the subject of criminal proceedings and arrests – only reinforces a sense that football’s world governing body operates under Blatter a stance of oblivious disregard.
~~You can read the full article here.~~
~~7.33am BST~~
~~07:33~~
~~Hyundai Motor is the latest Fifa corporate sponsor to give the thumbs-up to Blatter’s decision to step down:~~
~~“Hyundai Motor views this announcement … to be a positive first step in creating a governance structure that ensures the highest ethical standards for the sport.~~
~~“We remain committed to supporting the fan passion of football around the world.”~~
~~Here’s what other key Fifa sponsors had to say about the departure of Blatter:~~
~~Adidas~~
The sportswear firm, which has provided the official match ball for every World Cup since 1970, said: “Today’s news marks a step in the right direction on Fifa’s path to establish and follow transparent compliance standards in everything they do.”
~~McDonald’s~~
~~“The allegations of corruption and questionable ethics within Fifa have overshadowed the game and taken away from the sport, players and fans.~~
~~“We’re hopeful that the changes being implemented within FIFA will be a big first step in positively reforming the organisation.”~~
~~Electronic Arts~~
~~EA Sports, the maker of Fifa video games, said it is “supportive of Fifa’s examination of its organisation and the important steps being taken toward reform”.~~
~~Coca-Cola~~
~~The drinks company said Blatter’s resignation is a “positive step for the good of sport, football and its fans”.~~
~~Visa~~
~~Visa – the most forceful critic among sponsors last week – reiterated that it expects Fifa to take steps to “rebuild a culture with strong ethical practices”.~~
~~7.25am BST~~
~~07:25~~
~~Also interviewed on the BBC Today programme was Buzzfeed investigations editor Heidi Blake, who worked on the Sunday Times Fifa Files exposé. She told the programme:~~
~~The documents we have in the Fifa Files … show conclusively that the World Cup ballot was corrupted in Qatar’s favour.~~
~~It’s clear that Sepp Blatter presided over a regime of endemic, widespread corruption … from the very top to the very bottom of the organisation.~~
~~I don’t think that the bidding process for the 2018 or 2022 cups was run in a safe way or a fair way … That whole process should be reopened and re-run.~~
~~7.22am BST~~
~~07:22~~
~~Jérôme Champagne, the French former Fifa deputy general who withdrew his candidacy for the Fifa presidency last time round, has been interviewed on the BBC Today programme:~~
~~We absolutely need reforms …~~
~~He is highly critical of the committee that voted in December 2010 for Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup. But quizzed on whether that process should be re-run, he said:~~
First we have a principle of innocent till proven guilty … Qatar also has to benefit from that … Let’s wait for the end of this [Swiss] investigtion [into the 2018 and 2022 bids] … if we find something, we will need to revoke.
~~But we need to see who voted for Qatar in 2010.~~
~~Champagne was also critical of some of those who have spoken out against the Fifa regime in recent days, including Uefa president Michel Platini:~~
~~People need to know that a lot of reforms have been blocked by Uefa … It is irony to hear Michel Platini saying, I don’t know what has been going on here.~~
~~7.10am BST~~
~~07:10~~
~~The Guardian’s Owen Gibson isn’t all that surprised that Blatter is now reportedly caught up in the corruption investigation:~~
~~Surely stands to reason that Blatter will be part of US investigation given his proximity down the years to those already charged. 1/2~~
~~Question must be to what extent those charged - possibly facing jail terms of up to 20 years - are willing and able to implicate him. 2/2~~
~~6.59am BST~~
~~06:59~~
~~Qatar: 'Not a single worker's life has been lost'~~
The state-run Qatar News Agency has published a denial by the Government Communication Office of claims surrounding the deaths of migrant workers working on World Cup sites. (Read the Guardian’s investigation into these deaths here and here.)
The Qatari rebuttal tackles a blog published by the Washington Post, which said 1,200 migrant workers are estimated to have died during the construction of World Cup sites, and a further 4,000 could die by 2022:
~~This is completely untrue. In fact, after almost five million work-hours on World Cup construction sites, not a single worker’s life has been lost. Not one …~~
Qatar has more than a million migrant workers. The Global Burden of Disease study, published in the Lancet in 2012, states that more than 400 deaths might be expected annually from cardiovascular disease alone among Qatar’s migrant population, even had they remained in their home countries.
It is unfortunate that any worker should die overseas, but it is wrong to distort statistics to suggest, as the Post’s article did, that all deaths in such a large population are the result of workplace conditions.
The Post’s article was accompanied by a dramatic graphic, which purports to compare the imagined fatalities in Qatar with the number of lives lost in the construction of other international sports venues, including the London Olympics, where just one worker was reported to have died.
A more accurate comparison according to the Post’s analysis would have also suggested that every migrant worker in the United Kingdom who died between 2005 and 2012 – whatever the job and whatever the cause of death – was killed in the construction of the 2012 London Olympics.
~~This is the graphic in question:~~
~~Shocking graphic from @WashingtonPost: the human cost of #FIFA corruption http://t.co/7CW4EnYPZV pic.twitter.com/sWaPPq4qNo~~
~~Qatar’s Government Communication Office says it is demanding an immediate retraction of the article.~~
~~(With apologies to readers of the older live blog – this post bears repeating.)~~
~~Updated~~
~~at 7.03am BST~~
~~6.50am BST~~
~~06:50~~
Owen Gibson, the Guardian’s chief sports correspondent, has this insightful analysis on why Blatter chose to go when he did – and what role the threat of a corruption investigation might have played in that decision:
~~US investigators have been cooperating with Swiss prosecutors for months and Blatter is sure to have been in their sights. He must have felt the noose tightening.~~
Existing in a bubble of private jets, five-star hotels and the endless, meaningless babble of Fifa – handshakes for peace, Nobel Foundation initiatives, Football for Hope and all – he clung on to power at all costs through a jaw-dropping succession of scandals revealed by dogged investigative reporters.
At times he appeared divorced from the reality of his organisation as the rest of the world sees it and the dark heart of corruption among its most senior figures, so vividly outlined last week in a Brooklyn address by the US attorney general, Loretta Lynch.
~~When he is not living the life of a head of state, Blatter has been salting away a salary never disclosed but which almost certainly totals more than US$10m (£6.5m) a year …~~
He will want to go at a time of his choosing, giving himself a final six to nine months in which to dispatch enemies, settle scores and attempt to pass the organisation on to a chosen successor. Whether the FBI will afford him that privilege remains to be seen.
Having joined in 1975 when it had just 12 employees, he created the model of kickbacks, patronage and pork barrel politics over a period in which Fifa’s revenues have soared – and turned a blind eye to the staggering greed among those afforded a piece of it.
~~Read the full article here.~~
~~6.41am BST~~
~~06:41~~
~~A quick look at today’s UK newspaper front and back pages and one senses a mood of cheerfulness …~~
~~SUN SPORT: Got Him #tomorrowspaperstoday #BBCPapers pic.twitter.com/U0RNBb3Hzp~~
~~TELEGRAPH SPORT: Good riddance #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/NBYXFbsT2e~~
~~MIRROR SPORT: A great day for football #tomorrowspaperstoday #BBCPapers pic.twitter.com/QGXvqVcOfB~~
~~And the Guardian’s main front page …~~
~~Tomorrow's Guardian front page. Downfall: Blatter walks away pic.twitter.com/iyxaBSxd7h~~
~~And sport front:~~
~~GUARDIAN SPORT: Joy, Disbelief and Anger at Blatter exit #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/Jfn6kj6G2g~~
~~6.25am BST~~
~~06:25~~
~~Mike Hytner~~
~~My colleague Mike Hytner has more on claims that Blatter himself is now part of the US corruption investigation:~~
~~Outgoing Fifa president Sepp Blatter is subject to FBI and US prosecutors’ investigations into federal corruption following a week of scandal that has rocked football, according to reports.~~
The New York Times, ABC News in the US and Reuters reported that Blatter, who announced his intention to resign from his position on Tuesday, is under investigation by US authorities as part of the same operation that led to the arrest of seven Fifa officials at a hotel in Zurich last Wednesday, and the indictment of a total of 14 worldwide.
Several law enforcement officials in the US, speaking to the New York Times on the condition of anonymity, and sources familiar to ABC News, confirmed that the 79-year-old Blatter was the latest Fifa official to fall under the US authorities’ scrutiny.
~~Officials confirmed that Sepp Blatter was a focus of a federal corruption investigation http://t.co/WZ3oSjWNJE pic.twitter.com/fklR4te7DJ~~
~~The international news agency Reuters said Blatter “is being investigated by US prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation” reporting “a person who spoke on condition of anonymity”.~~
The former Fifa vice-president, Jack Warner, current vice-presidents Jeffrey Webb and Eugenio Figueredo, and the former president of Concacaf, Nicolás Leoz, were among those arrested last week on charges of fraud, racketeering and money laundering conspiracies.
The New York Times reported that investigators were hoping that some of those already indicted would cooperate with them to bring charges against Blatter, while ABC News quoted one source as saying there is now a race to see who will turn against Blatter first in a bid to save themselves.
~~Last week, after his re-election, Blatter said: “The Americans are making investigations they have right to do so, I have no concerns, I especially have no concerns about my person.”~~
~~The FBI has not commented publicly on the claims.~~
~~Blatter is unlikely to face charges in his home country after the Swiss attorney general confirmed he is not under investigation.~~
“The OAG [Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland] has opened criminal proceedings against persons unknown on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and of money laundering,” the OAG said in a statement. “Therefore, Joseph S. Blatter is not under investigation by the OAG. His announced resignation will have no influence on the ongoing criminal proceedings.”
~~You can read the full report here.~~
~~6.05am BST~~
~~06:05~~
~~Opening summary~~
~~Claire Phipps~~
~~Hello and welcome to the new Fifa live blog: Sepp Blatter is still resigning but also still Fifa president (for several more months).~~
~~What’s new is reports that Blatter himself is now the focus of a US federal investigation into corruption in football.~~
~~Here’s a quick summary to bring you up to speed:~~
~~Not a single worker’s life has been lost. Not one.~~
~~We would urge Mr Dyke to let the legal process take its course and concentrate on delivering his promise to build an England team capable of winning the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar.~~
~~You can relive all the drama of Tuesday on our old live blog here.~~
~~Plus catch up with all the latest from the Guardian sports team:~~
~~We’ll have all the day’s developments here on the live blog; plus Twitter updates from me @Claire_Phipps.~~
~~Updated~~
~~at 6.10am BST~~

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