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Jack Warner on Fifa corruption: 'I have kept quiet. I will do so no more' – live Jack Warner on Fifa corruption: 'I have kept quiet. I will do so no more' – live
(35 minutes later)
Claire Phipps
I’m handing over the live blog now to my colleague David Hills, who will steer you through the next few hours of … whatever comes next.
Thanks for reading and your comments: stick around.
Richard Caborn, a former UK sports minister and ambassador for England’s 2018 World Cup bid is being interviewed on the BBC’s Today programme.
He says the full Michael Garcia report into alleged corruption needs to be published before the election for Blatter’s replacement.
Caborn says his view is that the contents of that report would be “more explosive” than the claims that have emerged from Chuck Blazer and Jack Warner in the last few hours.
He says if the 2018 or 2022 World Cup bids were reopened, many countries – including Australia and the US – would stand ready to host it. England would be in the frame, he adds. But he says it’s more important to see who’s going to be the next Fifa president.
As Jack Warner seemingly prepares to turn on his old boss, Sepp Blatter …
Warner to Sepp Blatter: You can't say you're resigning and stay on. He caused my demise. I didn't cause his. #Marabella
the Guardian’s Owen Gibson has this reminder of rather closer times:
Let's not forget the links between Jack Warner and Blatter - not least TV rights for $1: http://t.co/DAtYi4qom9
An interesting note from the unsealing of the court transcripts from Chuck Blazer’s 2013 testimony.
The judge in the case, Raymond Dearie, referred to Fifa as a “racketeering influenced corrupt organisation”, the same terminology used in cases of organised crime, and only allowed the hearing to proceed after the Brooklyn courtroom had been locked.
The transcript also show that Dearie was initially stumped by the Fifa acronym, telling the court: “I don’t know how you pronounce it.”
Writing in the Telegraph today, Emma Barnett says the Blatter regime is one of the reasons why many women feel excluded from football:
Mr Blatter is the man who unrepentantly advised professional female players to don ‘tighter shorts’ to make their game more enticing to male viewers. And the same guy who thinks it normal to hire dancing female models to accompany him on stage at official Fifa presentations.
He is also the man who has presided over an organisation where only three women have made it onto Fifa’s 27-strong executive committee, albeit at lowlier positions than their male colleagues.
And yet, the tide is turning, as more fans seek out the women’s game – without the promise of hot pants. Hurrah! The women’s World Cup, in particular, is uncorrupted by huge sums of cash and perversely high expectations.
So when the players kick off this Saturday, it’s a chance for football as a whole to turn over a new leaf. That’s the hope I am focusing on.
The former Fifa chief may be the self-styled ‘godfather of women’s football’ (yes, he did actually say that), but the support the female game is currently enjoying has happened in spite of him, not because of him.
In case you missed it, former England captain David Beckham has joined the chorus of condemnation for Fifa.In case you missed it, former England captain David Beckham has joined the chorus of condemnation for Fifa.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder, who was a major figure in England’s failed bid to host the 2018 World Cup, issued a statement calling for major change at Fifa:The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder, who was a major figure in England’s failed bid to host the 2018 World Cup, issued a statement calling for major change at Fifa:
Some of the things that we now know happened were despicable, unacceptable and awful for the game that we love so much.Some of the things that we now know happened were despicable, unacceptable and awful for the game that we love so much.
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.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.It is time for Fifa to change and we should all welcome it.
Not the headline-grabbing quotes, certainly, but a couple of other Warner gems from his TV address and subsequent speech to supporters of his Independent Liberal party.Not the headline-grabbing quotes, certainly, but a couple of other Warner gems from his TV address and subsequent speech to supporters of his Independent Liberal party.
He called himself a “lone, isolated soldier”.He called himself a “lone, isolated soldier”.
Having been briefly held in prison last week before being freed on bail, he called for better jail conditions, saying they were “woeful”.Having been briefly held in prison last week before being freed on bail, he called for better jail conditions, saying they were “woeful”.
And he paraphrased Gandhi – that throughout history, there have been tyrants:And he paraphrased Gandhi – that throughout history, there have been tyrants:
But in the end, they all fall.But in the end, they all fall.
A reminder of the charges that Jack Warner is facing, according to thered notice (wanted person alert) issued by Interpol on Wednesday:A reminder of the charges that Jack Warner is facing, according to thered notice (wanted person alert) issued by Interpol on Wednesday:
Warner denies wrongdoing.Warner denies wrongdoing.
It’s unclear exactly what Warner is threatening to expose with his claim that he will be quiet no more.It’s unclear exactly what Warner is threatening to expose with his claim that he will be quiet no more.
He says he has compiled documents and cheques, 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 compiled documents and cheques, 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.
Warner says the documents “also deal with my knowledge of certain transactions at Fifa, including – but not limited to – its president, Mr Sepp Blatter”. Blatter has not responded to the claim.Warner says the documents “also deal with my knowledge of certain transactions at Fifa, including – but not limited to – its president, Mr Sepp Blatter”. Blatter has not responded to the claim.
Warner says he has given all these documents and cheques to a third party, “beyond my own reach”, and will give permission for this third party to release the documents.Warner says he has given all these documents and cheques to a third party, “beyond my own reach”, and will give permission for this third party to release the documents.
He says his lawyers are talking to law enforcement officials, presumably including those in the US who are seeking his extradition.He says his lawyers are talking to law enforcement officials, presumably including those in the US who are seeking his extradition.
Warner insisted he did not take a bribe from South African football authorities to back their 2010 World Cup bid. (You can read more about that allegation against Warner here.)Warner insisted he did not take a bribe from South African football authorities to back their 2010 World Cup bid. (You can read more about that allegation against Warner here.)
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.
Australia could host the World Cup “tomorrow”, according to a state sports minister – but it would settle for hosting the 2022 tournament, which it originally bid for, should Qatar be stripped of the job.Australia could host the World Cup “tomorrow”, according to a state sports minister – but it would settle for hosting the 2022 tournament, which it originally bid for, should Qatar be stripped of the job.
Victoria’s sports minister, John Eren, said Melbourne was ready to step up:Victoria’s sports minister, John Eren, said Melbourne was ready to step up:
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.
On Wednesday, Fifa whistleblower Chuck Blazer’s 2013 court testimony was unsealed. Here’s a round-up of some key quotes and admissions:On Wednesday, Fifa whistleblower Chuck Blazer’s 2013 court testimony was 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 …
During my association with Fifa and Concacaf, among other things, I and others agreed that I or a co-conspirator would commit at least two acts of racketeering activity.During my association with Fifa and Concacaf, among other things, I and others agreed that I or a co-conspirator would commit at least two acts of racketeering activity.
I knew my actions were wrong at the time.I knew my actions were wrong at the time.
Warner’s broadcast – a political ad that he paid to air on several Trinidad TV channels on Wednesday night – was entitled The Gloves Are Off.Warner’s broadcast – a political ad that he paid to air on several Trinidad TV channels on Wednesday night – was entitled The Gloves Are Off.
The full eight-minute version is rambling, with the sound quality often quite poor.The full eight-minute version is rambling, with the sound quality often quite poor.
But my colleague Fred McConnell has put together this shorter clip with the key claims – including Warner’s assertion that he fears for his life and his statement that he has distributed documents to “different and respected hands” that will prove a link between soccer’s governing body and the 2010 national elections in his native Trinidad and Tobago.But my colleague Fred McConnell has put together this shorter clip with the key claims – including Warner’s assertion that he fears for his life and his statement that he has distributed documents to “different and respected hands” that will prove a link between soccer’s governing body and the 2010 national elections in his native Trinidad and Tobago.
Jack Warner’s comments came hot on the heels of the unveiling in the US of court testimony – sealed since 2013 – that shows former Fifa executive turned whistleblower Chuck Blazer admitting to a number of bribes and kickbacks – and implicating other members (not so far named) of the Fifa executive committee:Jack Warner’s comments came hot on the heels of the unveiling in the US of court testimony – sealed since 2013 – that shows former Fifa executive turned whistleblower Chuck Blazer admitting to a number of bribes and kickbacks – and implicating other members (not so far named) of the Fifa executive committee:
Blazer, a 70-year-old soccer chief, made the admission in testimony to a New York judge in 2013, which was made public on Wednesday.Blazer, a 70-year-old soccer chief, made the admission in testimony to a New York judge in 2013, which was made public on Wednesday.
“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,” Blazer told the judge in a secret court session in November 2013.“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,” Blazer told the judge in a secret court session in November 2013.
Blazer, whose decision to assist the FBI appears to have been a critical breakthrough for the investigation now engulfing world football’s governing body, has been assisting federal agents since.Blazer, whose decision to assist the FBI appears to have been a critical breakthrough for the investigation now engulfing world football’s governing body, has been assisting federal agents since.
Formally entering a guilty plea during the hearing at New York’s eastern district court, Blazer told the judge his involvement in the acceptance bribes in connection with the South Africa bid began “in or around 2004 and continuing through 2011”.Formally entering a guilty plea during the hearing at New York’s eastern district court, Blazer told the judge his involvement in the acceptance bribes in connection with the South Africa bid began “in or around 2004 and continuing through 2011”.
In a nod to a wider top-level conspiracy at Fifa, Blazer added: “My actions described above had common participants and results.”In a nod to a wider top-level conspiracy at Fifa, Blazer added: “My actions described above had common participants and results.”
Related: Fifa whistleblower Chuck Blazer: I took bribes over 1998 and 2010 World CupsRelated: Fifa whistleblower Chuck Blazer: I took bribes over 1998 and 2010 World Cups
Paul FarrellPaul Farrell
My colleague Paul Farrell has more on Jack Warner’s dramatic claims:My colleague Paul Farrell has more on Jack Warner’s dramatic claims:
The former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner has made an extraordinary television 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.The former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner has made an extraordinary television 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, 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, 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 allegationsBlatter has not yet responded to Warner’s allegations
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. “The die is cast. There can be no turning back. Let the chips fall where they fall.”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. “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.
He also said in the televised address, which was a paid political advertisement, that “I reasonably actually fear for my life.”He also said in the televised address, which was a paid political advertisement, that “I reasonably actually fear for my life.”
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
Welcome to our latest Fifa live blog, as the fallout from the investigation into alleged corruption at football’s highest level continues.Welcome to our latest Fifa live blog, as the fallout from the investigation into alleged corruption at football’s highest level continues.
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.
Stick with us for the latest, inevitable Fifa developments; I’ll also post updates @Claire_Phipps.Stick with us for the latest, inevitable Fifa developments; I’ll also post updates @Claire_Phipps.