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| Version 39 | Version 40 |
|---|---|
| Fifa payment to FAI over Henry handball was 'loan to build stadium' – as it happened | Fifa payment to FAI over Henry handball was 'loan to build stadium' – as it happened |
| (5 months later) | |
| 6.16am BST | 6.16am BST |
| 06:16 | 06:16 |
| Claire Phipps | Claire Phipps |
| It’s that time of the day when I draw the curtain on this live blog and direct you over in this direction to the new one. | It’s that time of the day when I draw the curtain on this live blog and direct you over in this direction to the new one. |
| Before you go, a summary: | Before you go, a summary: |
| I’m absolutely astounded. I have never heard anything as ridiculous in my life. | I’m absolutely astounded. I have never heard anything as ridiculous in my life. |
| If a payment of $5m has been paid because of a handball and threatened legal action, then I hope a full investigation will be carried out into this and any other such arbitrary payments. | If a payment of $5m has been paid because of a handball and threatened legal action, then I hope a full investigation will be carried out into this and any other such arbitrary payments. |
| With all due respect, you and your colleagues were saying the exact same thing. | With all due respect, you and your colleagues were saying the exact same thing. |
| So you need to maybe look in the mirror a bit and maybe not put people on the pedestal so that you can whack the hell out of them after. | So you need to maybe look in the mirror a bit and maybe not put people on the pedestal so that you can whack the hell out of them after. |
| Working hard on reforms after meeting Audit & Compliance Committee Independent Chairman Scala http://t.co/PQzpewvQz6 pic.twitter.com/FDPQeyFFNT | Working hard on reforms after meeting Audit & Compliance Committee Independent Chairman Scala http://t.co/PQzpewvQz6 pic.twitter.com/FDPQeyFFNT |
| Thanks for reading – do come over to the new live blog, where you’ll see this summary again PLUS plenty of new stuff. | Thanks for reading – do come over to the new live blog, where you’ll see this summary again PLUS plenty of new stuff. |
| 5.55am BST | 5.55am BST |
| 05:55 | 05:55 |
| Here’s a round-up of latest Guardian reads on Fifa, the fallout and … the film: | Here’s a round-up of latest Guardian reads on Fifa, the fallout and … the film: |
| 5.28am BST | 5.28am BST |
| 05:28 | 05:28 |
| For those wondering what will follow the admission by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) that it was paid €5m (£3.67m) by Fifa to drop legal action over a controversial handball that prevented the country reaching the World Cup finals in 2010 … the answer is a press conference at 11am BST today (8pm AEST, 6am ET) by notoriously reticent assistant manager of the Ireland team, Roy Keane. | For those wondering what will follow the admission by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) that it was paid €5m (£3.67m) by Fifa to drop legal action over a controversial handball that prevented the country reaching the World Cup finals in 2010 … the answer is a press conference at 11am BST today (8pm AEST, 6am ET) by notoriously reticent assistant manager of the Ireland team, Roy Keane. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.29am BST | at 5.29am BST |
| 4.59am BST | 4.59am BST |
| 04:59 | 04:59 |
| Other sports governing bodies will be seeking to put a bit of distance between how they run their affairs and the revelations coming out of the Fifa scandal. | Other sports governing bodies will be seeking to put a bit of distance between how they run their affairs and the revelations coming out of the Fifa scandal. |
| As the opening game of the National Basketball Association finals draws to a close in the US (have a look over here for the result and how it unfolded), NBA commissioner Adam Silver said all sports federations will need to revisit how they do business. | As the opening game of the National Basketball Association finals draws to a close in the US (have a look over here for the result and how it unfolded), NBA commissioner Adam Silver said all sports federations will need to revisit how they do business. |
| Reuters reports: | Reuters reports: |
| The corruption allegations swirling around Fifa over the last week could ultimately prompt changes at other governing bodies, but Silver was confident the International Basketball Federation, or Fiba, was transparent. | The corruption allegations swirling around Fifa over the last week could ultimately prompt changes at other governing bodies, but Silver was confident the International Basketball Federation, or Fiba, was transparent. |
| “I’m sure that because of the investigation that’s now going on with Fifa that the other federations, not just Fiba, will all take a fresh look at how they do business, to ensure that everything is done in the best possible way with the highest standards,” Silver told reporters. | “I’m sure that because of the investigation that’s now going on with Fifa that the other federations, not just Fiba, will all take a fresh look at how they do business, to ensure that everything is done in the best possible way with the highest standards,” Silver told reporters. |
| “But we’re very confident in the way that Fiba is operating.” | “But we’re very confident in the way that Fiba is operating.” |
| Silver, who took over at the helm of the National Basketball Association in February 2014 after David Stern retired following a 30-year stint, called Fiba a “very transparent organisation” that has open board meetings and has their financials audited. | Silver, who took over at the helm of the National Basketball Association in February 2014 after David Stern retired following a 30-year stint, called Fiba a “very transparent organisation” that has open board meetings and has their financials audited. |
| “There’s been absolutely no suggestion that Fiba, our federation, as opposed to Fifa, has been tainted in any way by corruption,” said Silver. | “There’s been absolutely no suggestion that Fiba, our federation, as opposed to Fifa, has been tainted in any way by corruption,” said Silver. |
| “There’s never been a discussion in our sport of any of the sort of taint that we’re seeing right now in Fifa. I mean, we’re going to take a close look at it.” | “There’s never been a discussion in our sport of any of the sort of taint that we’re seeing right now in Fifa. I mean, we’re going to take a close look at it.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.01am BST | at 5.01am BST |
| 4.33am BST | 4.33am BST |
| 04:33 | 04:33 |
| South Korea’s Chung Mong-joon has said he will meet Uefa chief Michel Platini and other leading football figures while in Berlin for the Champions League final, as he weighs up a bid to replace Sepp Blatter as president of Fifa, Reuters reports: | South Korea’s Chung Mong-joon has said he will meet Uefa chief Michel Platini and other leading football figures while in Berlin for the Champions League final, as he weighs up a bid to replace Sepp Blatter as president of Fifa, Reuters reports: |
| Chung, the billionaire scion of South Korea’s Hyundai conglomerate, had said he would seek the opinions of international football power brokers before making any decision about a run for the sport’s top job. | Chung, the billionaire scion of South Korea’s Hyundai conglomerate, had said he would seek the opinions of international football power brokers before making any decision about a run for the sport’s top job. |
| He said on his official website on Friday he was travelling to the German capital for Saturday’s Champions League final between Barcelona and Juventus, and would also meet football officials to discuss Fifa’s future. | He said on his official website on Friday he was travelling to the German capital for Saturday’s Champions League final between Barcelona and Juventus, and would also meet football officials to discuss Fifa’s future. |
| “Chung Mong-joon is to exchange opinions on Fifa reform while meeting with soccer authorities including Michel Platini,” a statement on Chung’s website said, adding that he was leaving for Europe on Friday. | “Chung Mong-joon is to exchange opinions on Fifa reform while meeting with soccer authorities including Michel Platini,” a statement on Chung’s website said, adding that he was leaving for Europe on Friday. |
| Chung, a former Fifa vice-president, is one of Blatter’s fiercest critics and has long called for Fifa to improve transparency. | Chung, a former Fifa vice-president, is one of Blatter’s fiercest critics and has long called for Fifa to improve transparency. |
| 4.01am BST | 4.01am BST |
| 04:01 | 04:01 |
| Jack Warner, as well as being a former Fifa bigwig and a current Trinidad and Tobago MP, also has his own newspaper, Sunshine – and the latest edition is just out: | Jack Warner, as well as being a former Fifa bigwig and a current Trinidad and Tobago MP, also has his own newspaper, Sunshine – and the latest edition is just out: |
| Read this week's Sunshine - Issue #107.... Get the details of Jack Warner's financing of the PP's 2010 Election... http://t.co/VNntdAkzGr | Read this week's Sunshine - Issue #107.... Get the details of Jack Warner's financing of the PP's 2010 Election... http://t.co/VNntdAkzGr |
| As you might just have suspected, the newspaper is pretty Warner-focused (and Warner-friendly). | As you might just have suspected, the newspaper is pretty Warner-focused (and Warner-friendly). |
| The front cover and several pages inside deal with allegations Warner is lobbing at other T&T politicians; I’m going to be honest here and confess my limited knowledge of the ins and outs of T&T politics and leave those to one side. | The front cover and several pages inside deal with allegations Warner is lobbing at other T&T politicians; I’m going to be honest here and confess my limited knowledge of the ins and outs of T&T politics and leave those to one side. |
| But Sunshine does bravely grasp the nettle of the Fifa scandal, too: | But Sunshine does bravely grasp the nettle of the Fifa scandal, too: |
| Right-o. | Right-o. |
| There’s an interesting angle on Warner’s arrest: | There’s an interesting angle on Warner’s arrest: |
| A brave editorial decision: | A brave editorial decision: |
| And a promise of more to follow – perhaps Warner’s promised “avalanche”? | And a promise of more to follow – perhaps Warner’s promised “avalanche”? |
| 3.30am BST | 3.30am BST |
| 03:30 | 03:30 |
| An editorial in the Sydney Morning Herald says Football Federation Australia (FFA) chairman Frank Lowy should step down, as the uncertainty over a $500,000 payment made by the FFA during Australia’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup – ostensibly to develop a centre of excellence in Trinidad and Tobago – instead allegedly ended up in the personal bank account of Jack Warner. | An editorial in the Sydney Morning Herald says Football Federation Australia (FFA) chairman Frank Lowy should step down, as the uncertainty over a $500,000 payment made by the FFA during Australia’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup – ostensibly to develop a centre of excellence in Trinidad and Tobago – instead allegedly ended up in the personal bank account of Jack Warner. |
| The SMH argues: | The SMH argues: |
| There is no suggestion the shopping centre mogul has done anything illegal. He has a proud legacy to protect. | There is no suggestion the shopping centre mogul has done anything illegal. He has a proud legacy to protect. |
| But he must realise that if he stays during the inquiries, FFA will be sorely conflicted, doubts will linger and his hopes for a smooth changeover in five months’ time to his chosen successor, his youngest son Steven, will be jeopardised. | But he must realise that if he stays during the inquiries, FFA will be sorely conflicted, doubts will linger and his hopes for a smooth changeover in five months’ time to his chosen successor, his youngest son Steven, will be jeopardised. |
| (I’m not sure that the chairmanship is technically hereditary…) | (I’m not sure that the chairmanship is technically hereditary…) |
| The editorial continues: | The editorial continues: |
| A report by Fifa’s ethics committee has also accused the Australian bid team of trying to “direct funds the government had set aside for existing development projects in Africa toward initiatives in countries with ties to Fifa executive committee members with the intention to advance its bid”. | A report by Fifa’s ethics committee has also accused the Australian bid team of trying to “direct funds the government had set aside for existing development projects in Africa toward initiatives in countries with ties to Fifa executive committee members with the intention to advance its bid”. |
| It concludes that “not one cent” of Australian taxpayers’ money should be spent on football until both Fifa and the FFA have been fixed and cleared of wrongdoing. | It concludes that “not one cent” of Australian taxpayers’ money should be spent on football until both Fifa and the FFA have been fixed and cleared of wrongdoing. |
| 2.56am BST | 2.56am BST |
| 02:56 | 02:56 |
| The Asian Football Confederation – a staunch backer of Blatter (with the notable exception of Australia) – has restated its commitment to the 2022 World Cup being staged in Qatar: | The Asian Football Confederation – a staunch backer of Blatter (with the notable exception of Australia) – has restated its commitment to the 2022 World Cup being staged in Qatar: |
| The AFC reiterates its support for the 2022 Fifa World Cup to be held in Qatar. | The AFC reiterates its support for the 2022 Fifa World Cup to be held in Qatar. |
| Football is the world’s game that should set itself no geographical borders. The Gulf is a true football region, with some of the world’s most passionate football lovers, and Qatar is no exception. | Football is the world’s game that should set itself no geographical borders. The Gulf is a true football region, with some of the world’s most passionate football lovers, and Qatar is no exception. |
| Qatar 2022 will be the first time the West Asian region will have had a chance to show this passion to the world, during what will be only the second Fifa World Cup to be held in Asia. | Qatar 2022 will be the first time the West Asian region will have had a chance to show this passion to the world, during what will be only the second Fifa World Cup to be held in Asia. |
| The AFC and the whole Asian football community stands with Qatar and we all look forward to hosting the World Cup, and welcoming the world. | The AFC and the whole Asian football community stands with Qatar and we all look forward to hosting the World Cup, and welcoming the world. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.07am BST | at 3.07am BST |
| 2.34am BST | 2.34am BST |
| 02:34 | 02:34 |
| Northern Ireland’s Jim Boyce, who retired as a Fifa vice-president last week, has called for an investigation into the revelation that the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) was paid €5m (£3.67m) by Fifa to drop legal action over a controversial handball by Thierry Henry that prevented the country reaching the World Cup finals in 2010. | Northern Ireland’s Jim Boyce, who retired as a Fifa vice-president last week, has called for an investigation into the revelation that the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) was paid €5m (£3.67m) by Fifa to drop legal action over a controversial handball by Thierry Henry that prevented the country reaching the World Cup finals in 2010. |
| Boyce, who served on Fifa’s executive committee from 2011 until last week, said: | Boyce, who served on Fifa’s executive committee from 2011 until last week, said: |
| I’m absolutely astounded. I have never heard anything as ridiculous in my life. | I’m absolutely astounded. I have never heard anything as ridiculous in my life. |
| If a payment of $5m has been paid because of a handball and threatened legal action, then I hope a full investigation will be carried out into this and any other such arbitrary payments. | If a payment of $5m has been paid because of a handball and threatened legal action, then I hope a full investigation will be carried out into this and any other such arbitrary payments. |
| 2.24am BST | 2.24am BST |
| 02:24 | 02:24 |
| Those involved with the women’s World Cup, kicking off in Canada on Saturday, might well be hoping that Sepp Blatter doesn’t put in an appearance – earlier, a Fifa spokesperson couldn’t confirm whether he’d show up for the 5 July final – not least because the tournament so far has been blessed with a refreshing lack of corruption claims. | Those involved with the women’s World Cup, kicking off in Canada on Saturday, might well be hoping that Sepp Blatter doesn’t put in an appearance – earlier, a Fifa spokesperson couldn’t confirm whether he’d show up for the 5 July final – not least because the tournament so far has been blessed with a refreshing lack of corruption claims. |
| Here’s today’s Google doodle, which celebrates the WWC: | Here’s today’s Google doodle, which celebrates the WWC: |
| And have a read of my colleague Anna Kessel’s guide to the tournament: | And have a read of my colleague Anna Kessel’s guide to the tournament: |
| Related: Women’s World Cup: from unofficial tournaments to record-breaking event | Anna Kessel | Related: Women’s World Cup: from unofficial tournaments to record-breaking event | Anna Kessel |
| 2.02am BST | 2.02am BST |
| 02:02 | 02:02 |
| And if these Twitter stats are anything to go by, quite a few people share the fascination with Jack Warner: | And if these Twitter stats are anything to go by, quite a few people share the fascination with Jack Warner: |
| Jack Warner's name has been mentioned 77,175 times since May 25th and almost 30,000 times today alone... pic.twitter.com/vnjtuaMc3P | Jack Warner's name has been mentioned 77,175 times since May 25th and almost 30,000 times today alone... pic.twitter.com/vnjtuaMc3P |
| 1.52am BST | 1.52am BST |
| 01:52 | 01:52 |
| Associated Press’ Tim Reynolds, in Port-of-Spain, has written this very entertaining portrait of Jack Warner, as seen through the eyes of his fellow Trinidadians. Some consider him a rock star, or Robin Hood (takes from the rich, gives to …? We’ll stop there). | Associated Press’ Tim Reynolds, in Port-of-Spain, has written this very entertaining portrait of Jack Warner, as seen through the eyes of his fellow Trinidadians. Some consider him a rock star, or Robin Hood (takes from the rich, gives to …? We’ll stop there). |
| In one moment, Jack Warner is on TV telling his countrymen he fears for his life. An hour later, he’s standing on a packed narrow street at a political rally, boasting that he fears nothing. | In one moment, Jack Warner is on TV telling his countrymen he fears for his life. An hour later, he’s standing on a packed narrow street at a political rally, boasting that he fears nothing. |
| Contradictions are a constant for Warner, who grew up with almost nothing in Trinidad and Tobago, and became a rich and powerful vice-president of Fifa. He rubbed elbows with world leaders on a regular basis before being forced out in an ethics scandal four years ago. | Contradictions are a constant for Warner, who grew up with almost nothing in Trinidad and Tobago, and became a rich and powerful vice-president of Fifa. He rubbed elbows with world leaders on a regular basis before being forced out in an ethics scandal four years ago. |
| Now, his empire seems on the verge of crumbling. | Now, his empire seems on the verge of crumbling. |
| Indicted last week by the US on charges of racketeering, wire fraud and money-laundering, Warner scoffs at the accusations, insisting he’s done nothing wrong. | Indicted last week by the US on charges of racketeering, wire fraud and money-laundering, Warner scoffs at the accusations, insisting he’s done nothing wrong. |
| In Trinidad, they’ve heard it all before, though many residents say if Warner amassed riches without taking it from them, they’re fine with the arrangement. | In Trinidad, they’ve heard it all before, though many residents say if Warner amassed riches without taking it from them, they’re fine with the arrangement. |
| “He is our Robin Hood,” said Eraj Sagewan, a taxi driver in the capital of Port-of- Spain. | “He is our Robin Hood,” said Eraj Sagewan, a taxi driver in the capital of Port-of- Spain. |
| That’s how many in Trinidad see the 72-year-old Warner, now a member of parliament. If he stole from the rich and gave to the poor, then they see no harm done. | That’s how many in Trinidad see the 72-year-old Warner, now a member of parliament. If he stole from the rich and gave to the poor, then they see no harm done. |
| He is simultaneously a villain and a hero, known for getting what he wants, but also for personally arranging whatever help – doctors, food, anything – his constituents need. | He is simultaneously a villain and a hero, known for getting what he wants, but also for personally arranging whatever help – doctors, food, anything – his constituents need. |
| “If he didn’t live so long, he would have died a hero,” said Sunity Maharaj, a journalist who has long followed Warner. “He would have been the story of the little boy who grew up to be Fifa vice-president.” | “If he didn’t live so long, he would have died a hero,” said Sunity Maharaj, a journalist who has long followed Warner. “He would have been the story of the little boy who grew up to be Fifa vice-president.” |
| Warner doesn’t hide his hubris and says the world’s perception of him is nowhere near the reality. | Warner doesn’t hide his hubris and says the world’s perception of him is nowhere near the reality. |
| “Everybody knows Jack Warner is bad news. Jack Warner has Ebola,” he says to an ovation bolstered by piped-in cheers from an elaborate sound system. | “Everybody knows Jack Warner is bad news. Jack Warner has Ebola,” he says to an ovation bolstered by piped-in cheers from an elaborate sound system. |
| The rally starts late, with about 50 people. The neighborhood’s barking dogs are louder than the crowd. Locals set up tables to sell crackers and snow cones. | The rally starts late, with about 50 people. The neighborhood’s barking dogs are louder than the crowd. Locals set up tables to sell crackers and snow cones. |
| After an hour or so, Warner arrives, wearing the lime green colours of his Independent Liberal party. The street is jammed, with the crowd having grown fivefold, and police help with traffic and crowd control. The dogs can’t be heard any more. | After an hour or so, Warner arrives, wearing the lime green colours of his Independent Liberal party. The street is jammed, with the crowd having grown fivefold, and police help with traffic and crowd control. The dogs can’t be heard any more. |
| “I do this for you!” Warner proclaims. | “I do this for you!” Warner proclaims. |
| Said Ria Bisnath, an observer: “If this was America, you would call Jack Warner a rock star.” | Said Ria Bisnath, an observer: “If this was America, you would call Jack Warner a rock star.” |
| His future is uncertain, something Warner acknowledges. The charges that revolve around allegations of bribery are the most serious he has faced, although he insists they are trumped up. | His future is uncertain, something Warner acknowledges. The charges that revolve around allegations of bribery are the most serious he has faced, although he insists they are trumped up. |
| Warner maintains the Americans are still upset that Fifa – which he left in disgrace in 2011 after being implicated in an earlier bribery scandal –awarded the 2022 World Cup to Qatar and not the U.S. | Warner maintains the Americans are still upset that Fifa – which he left in disgrace in 2011 after being implicated in an earlier bribery scandal –awarded the 2022 World Cup to Qatar and not the U.S. |
| “Nobody, no contractor, alive or dead, can say he gave me a kickback,” Warner said. “Everything I have now, I had before politics. But there are some guys in politics now who had nothing before. How come nobody is concerned with that? | “Nobody, no contractor, alive or dead, can say he gave me a kickback,” Warner said. “Everything I have now, I had before politics. But there are some guys in politics now who had nothing before. How come nobody is concerned with that? |
| “But they’re concerned about Fifa’s money because they feel that that will make Jack Warner fall.” | “But they’re concerned about Fifa’s money because they feel that that will make Jack Warner fall.” |
| Warner said on Wednesday night he has compiled reams of documents to expose wrongdoing, adding that when he heard Sepp Blatter was planning to resign, he wrote him and urged his immediate departure. | Warner said on Wednesday night he has compiled reams of documents to expose wrongdoing, adding that when he heard Sepp Blatter was planning to resign, he wrote him and urged his immediate departure. |
| “Blatter knows why he fell. And if anyone else knows, I do,” Warner said. | “Blatter knows why he fell. And if anyone else knows, I do,” Warner said. |
| Warner’s supporters say the charges are meant to embarrass him ahead of elections this year, with Liberal Independent party chairman Rekha Ramjit calling them “political manipulation to the highest extent”. | Warner’s supporters say the charges are meant to embarrass him ahead of elections this year, with Liberal Independent party chairman Rekha Ramjit calling them “political manipulation to the highest extent”. |
| Simply saying the name “Jack” to hotel workers, waiters, lawmakers and others elicits a reaction, often accompanied by an eye roll. Some, including top soccer officials, refused to talk about him. | Simply saying the name “Jack” to hotel workers, waiters, lawmakers and others elicits a reaction, often accompanied by an eye roll. Some, including top soccer officials, refused to talk about him. |
| “I take no pleasure in Mr Warner’s sufferings and his family’s pain,” said opposition party leader Keith Rowley. “I trust that he will be the subject of free and fair judicial processes in Trinidad and Tobago and outside. Let the law take its course.” | “I take no pleasure in Mr Warner’s sufferings and his family’s pain,” said opposition party leader Keith Rowley. “I trust that he will be the subject of free and fair judicial processes in Trinidad and Tobago and outside. Let the law take its course.” |
| Maybe there’s no better example of the many sides of Warner than what happened at a World Cup qualifying match in Port-of-Spain in 1989. The US beat Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 that day inside a packed stadium, winning on a goal from Paul Caligiuri still regarded as one of the most important goals in American soccer history. | Maybe there’s no better example of the many sides of Warner than what happened at a World Cup qualifying match in Port-of-Spain in 1989. The US beat Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 that day inside a packed stadium, winning on a goal from Paul Caligiuri still regarded as one of the most important goals in American soccer history. |
| Two perceptions of Warner have persevered: is he the ambassador who humbly gave Caligiuri his straw hat as a token of congratulations in the US locker room after the game? Or is he the promoter who arranged for the overselling of thousands of tickets, leaving some without a view or stuck outside the stadium? | Two perceptions of Warner have persevered: is he the ambassador who humbly gave Caligiuri his straw hat as a token of congratulations in the US locker room after the game? Or is he the promoter who arranged for the overselling of thousands of tickets, leaving some without a view or stuck outside the stadium? |
| “Sometimes I deliberately break my rear-view mirror, because it is not always pleasant to look back,” said Raymond Tim Kee, the mayor of Port-of-Spain who also leads the soccer association that Warner once controlled financially. “Since I assumed office two years ago, one of the first things I pursued was rebranding because what I realised was the football federation at the time had lost credibility and there were a lot of questions and fears because of all that was going on that time.” | “Sometimes I deliberately break my rear-view mirror, because it is not always pleasant to look back,” said Raymond Tim Kee, the mayor of Port-of-Spain who also leads the soccer association that Warner once controlled financially. “Since I assumed office two years ago, one of the first things I pursued was rebranding because what I realised was the football federation at the time had lost credibility and there were a lot of questions and fears because of all that was going on that time.” |
| Tim Kee formed an independent reform commission and is keeping a keen eye on the latest Warner scandal. | Tim Kee formed an independent reform commission and is keeping a keen eye on the latest Warner scandal. |
| “I have the utmost confidence in the US ability to dig deep … So I have trust in the authorities and their ability to uncover things.” | “I have the utmost confidence in the US ability to dig deep … So I have trust in the authorities and their ability to uncover things.” |
| To this day, what is best remembered about soccer in Trinidad is the run to the 2006 World Cup, the first and only time the tiny nation has reached the sport’s biggest stage. What should have been a gigantic celebration is known here for Warner feuding with players over compensation. | To this day, what is best remembered about soccer in Trinidad is the run to the 2006 World Cup, the first and only time the tiny nation has reached the sport’s biggest stage. What should have been a gigantic celebration is known here for Warner feuding with players over compensation. |
| That’s where Warner’s gift of deflection comes into play. When asked what happened at the time, Warner responded with a story about how he mortgaged his home to fund Trinidad’s attempt to qualify for the 1994 World Cup. | That’s where Warner’s gift of deflection comes into play. When asked what happened at the time, Warner responded with a story about how he mortgaged his home to fund Trinidad’s attempt to qualify for the 1994 World Cup. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.56am BST | at 1.56am BST |
| 1.19am BST | 1.19am BST |
| 01:19 | 01:19 |
| Canada: 'no bribes for women's World Cup' | Canada: 'no bribes for women's World Cup' |
| It’s a sign of how things have shifted in the last week that football officials feel they need to come forward to say they haven’t bribed or been bribed. | It’s a sign of how things have shifted in the last week that football officials feel they need to come forward to say they haven’t bribed or been bribed. |
| This time it’s Canada, according to this Reuters report, whose football association chairman, Victor Montagliani, insisted no kickbacks had taken place to secure the women’s World Cup. | This time it’s Canada, according to this Reuters report, whose football association chairman, Victor Montagliani, insisted no kickbacks had taken place to secure the women’s World Cup. |
| (It feels only fair to point out that just two countries – Canada and Zimbabwe – applied to host the tournament, and Zimbabwe later withdrew its bid.) | (It feels only fair to point out that just two countries – Canada and Zimbabwe – applied to host the tournament, and Zimbabwe later withdrew its bid.) |
| The head of Canada’s soccer association said he did not bribe Fifa to win the rights to host the women’s World Cup and said that a senior executive of the sport’s governing body who has been charged with corruption had done a lot of good for the game. | The head of Canada’s soccer association said he did not bribe Fifa to win the rights to host the women’s World Cup and said that a senior executive of the sport’s governing body who has been charged with corruption had done a lot of good for the game. |
| Canadian Soccer Association President Victor Montagliani said Jeffrey Webb, the arrested head of the North American, Central American and Caribbean confederation Concacaf, had led an anti-racism campaign and started the process of changing governance. | Canadian Soccer Association President Victor Montagliani said Jeffrey Webb, the arrested head of the North American, Central American and Caribbean confederation Concacaf, had led an anti-racism campaign and started the process of changing governance. |
| “It would be very hard to say you wouldn’t respect somebody of that nature,” Montagliani told reporters at a press conference to open the women’s World Cup in Canada, which is also a member of Concacaf. | “It would be very hard to say you wouldn’t respect somebody of that nature,” Montagliani told reporters at a press conference to open the women’s World Cup in Canada, which is also a member of Concacaf. |
| “Having said that, if the allegations [from] last week are true, then obviously that would change a lot of people’s opinion. I hope it’s not because obviously we know there’s no room in the game for those kinds of things.” | “Having said that, if the allegations [from] last week are true, then obviously that would change a lot of people’s opinion. I hope it’s not because obviously we know there’s no room in the game for those kinds of things.” |
| Montagliani, who last year described Webb as an inspiration to him, said that until the arrest it would have been difficult to believe the charges. | Montagliani, who last year described Webb as an inspiration to him, said that until the arrest it would have been difficult to believe the charges. |
| “With all due respect, you and your colleagues were saying the exact same thing,” Montagliani said. “So you need to maybe look in the mirror a bit and maybe not put people on the pedestal so that you can whack the hell out of them after.” | “With all due respect, you and your colleagues were saying the exact same thing,” Montagliani said. “So you need to maybe look in the mirror a bit and maybe not put people on the pedestal so that you can whack the hell out of them after.” |
| Asked whether he had paid a bribe to Fifa so Canada could host the women’s tournament, Montagliani replied: “Absolutely not.” He said the Canadian bid was the last viable one standing at the time of the selection. | Asked whether he had paid a bribe to Fifa so Canada could host the women’s tournament, Montagliani replied: “Absolutely not.” He said the Canadian bid was the last viable one standing at the time of the selection. |
| The tournament starts in Edmonton on Saturday with the hosts playing China. | The tournament starts in Edmonton on Saturday with the hosts playing China. |
| A Fifa spokeswoman would not say if Blatter planned to attend the women’s tournament final on 5 July in Vancouver. She said the match was weeks away and that any travel plans would be confirmed at a later date. | A Fifa spokeswoman would not say if Blatter planned to attend the women’s tournament final on 5 July in Vancouver. She said the match was weeks away and that any travel plans would be confirmed at a later date. |
| 1.04am BST | 1.04am BST |
| 01:04 | 01:04 |
| Claire Phipps | Claire Phipps |
| Hello, this is Claire Phipps taking over from Sydney, where the more cynical Fifa observers among us are still reeling at news that Sepp Blatter’s vow to reform the organisation was absolutely, definitely not a hollow claim. | Hello, this is Claire Phipps taking over from Sydney, where the more cynical Fifa observers among us are still reeling at news that Sepp Blatter’s vow to reform the organisation was absolutely, definitely not a hollow claim. |
| PROOF: | PROOF: |
| Working hard on reforms after meeting Audit & Compliance Committee Independent Chairman Scala http://t.co/PQzpewvQz6 pic.twitter.com/FDPQeyFFNT | Working hard on reforms after meeting Audit & Compliance Committee Independent Chairman Scala http://t.co/PQzpewvQz6 pic.twitter.com/FDPQeyFFNT |
| I’ll continue to have all the Fifa latest as the row rumbles on, so do stick with us. Comments below the line are, as ever, welcome; I’ll also post Twitter updates @Claire_Phipps. | I’ll continue to have all the Fifa latest as the row rumbles on, so do stick with us. Comments below the line are, as ever, welcome; I’ll also post Twitter updates @Claire_Phipps. |
| 11.57pm BST | 11.57pm BST |
| 23:57 | 23:57 |
| I’ll be handing off now, but not before a quick refresher on the main developments of the past eight hours: | I’ll be handing off now, but not before a quick refresher on the main developments of the past eight hours: |
| I had a good, constructive meeting with Mr. Scala to establish a framework for action and a timetable. I am pleased to take advice and guidance from Mr. Scala. I want a comprehensive program of reform and I am very aware that only the Fifa Congress can pass these reforms. Furthermore, the Executive Committee has a particular duty to share the responsibility of driving this process. | I had a good, constructive meeting with Mr. Scala to establish a framework for action and a timetable. I am pleased to take advice and guidance from Mr. Scala. I want a comprehensive program of reform and I am very aware that only the Fifa Congress can pass these reforms. Furthermore, the Executive Committee has a particular duty to share the responsibility of driving this process. |
| Surprised from the looks of it he didn’t have it all sorted out by lunch. | Surprised from the looks of it he didn’t have it all sorted out by lunch. |
| 11.14pm BST | 11.14pm BST |
| 23:14 | 23:14 |
| If you hadn’t noticed – and from the sheer volume of the Fifa scandal it’s perfectly reasonable if not – the Women’s World Cup is due to kick off on Saturday in Canada. Our Anna Kessel takes a look at how the tournament has exploded over the past two decades. | If you hadn’t noticed – and from the sheer volume of the Fifa scandal it’s perfectly reasonable if not – the Women’s World Cup is due to kick off on Saturday in Canada. Our Anna Kessel takes a look at how the tournament has exploded over the past two decades. |
| In 1991, 20 years after that discussion, Fifa organised the first official World Cup in China. The global governing body’s involvement brought status and recognition but in truth the World Cup struggled to live up to its grand nomenclature. For a start there was no winners’ prize money, no sponsor and the matches lasted just 80 minutes. In the final, when Michelle Akers of the USA put two goals past Norway, most of America did not even know about it because – unbelievably – the game was not broadcast in the United States. | In 1991, 20 years after that discussion, Fifa organised the first official World Cup in China. The global governing body’s involvement brought status and recognition but in truth the World Cup struggled to live up to its grand nomenclature. For a start there was no winners’ prize money, no sponsor and the matches lasted just 80 minutes. In the final, when Michelle Akers of the USA put two goals past Norway, most of America did not even know about it because – unbelievably – the game was not broadcast in the United States. |
| Sweden played host in 1995, and with that tournament came, at last, 90-minute matches, though the women’s game had to wait until 2007 before prize money was introduced at $5.8m (£3.7m). It was America’s engagement in the sport, though, that really set the marker for the global game. | Sweden played host in 1995, and with that tournament came, at last, 90-minute matches, though the women’s game had to wait until 2007 before prize money was introduced at $5.8m (£3.7m). It was America’s engagement in the sport, though, that really set the marker for the global game. |
| USA 1999 saw the competition expand from 12 teams to 16, while in the World Cup final 90,185 people turned out to watch Brandi Chastain’s famous penalty-scoring celebration at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, a record crowd for a women’s sporting event to this day. The US tournament also launched female players as global stars, from Mia Hamm to the bra-wielding Chastain. | USA 1999 saw the competition expand from 12 teams to 16, while in the World Cup final 90,185 people turned out to watch Brandi Chastain’s famous penalty-scoring celebration at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, a record crowd for a women’s sporting event to this day. The US tournament also launched female players as global stars, from Mia Hamm to the bra-wielding Chastain. |
| The 2007 World Cup was significant for England’s high-profile involvement, Kelly Smith’s boot kissing, and the debut of a Brazilian goalscoring genius, Marta, whosestunning semi-final goal against the USA delighted the world. By the time the World Cup came to Germany in 2011 there was a far greater awareness and interest in the sport than ever before. | The 2007 World Cup was significant for England’s high-profile involvement, Kelly Smith’s boot kissing, and the debut of a Brazilian goalscoring genius, Marta, whosestunning semi-final goal against the USA delighted the world. By the time the World Cup came to Germany in 2011 there was a far greater awareness and interest in the sport than ever before. |
| Across 181 countries 62.8 million people watched a gripping final on TV as Japan beat the USA on penalties, becoming the first Asian country to win the World Cup. In Germany more people tuned in to the match than watched the Wladimir Klitschko v David Haye fight. A new Twitter record of 7,196 tweets per second was set, too – more than for William and Kate’s wedding or the death of Osama bin Laden. | Across 181 countries 62.8 million people watched a gripping final on TV as Japan beat the USA on penalties, becoming the first Asian country to win the World Cup. In Germany more people tuned in to the match than watched the Wladimir Klitschko v David Haye fight. A new Twitter record of 7,196 tweets per second was set, too – more than for William and Kate’s wedding or the death of Osama bin Laden. |
| You can read the entire story here. | You can read the entire story here. |
| 10.24pm BST | 10.24pm BST |
| 22:24 | 22:24 |
| The front pages of tomorrow’s first editions in the UK are being disseminated and today’s news has made splashy headlines on at least a couple, among them the Daily Star ... | The front pages of tomorrow’s first editions in the UK are being disseminated and today’s news has made splashy headlines on at least a couple, among them the Daily Star ... |
| ... and the Times. | ... and the Times. |
| 9.56pm BST | 9.56pm BST |
| 21:56 | 21:56 |
| Nick Harris of the excellent Sporting Intelligence makes a cogent point: | Nick Harris of the excellent Sporting Intelligence makes a cogent point: |
| FIFA paying the Irish FA €5m to make a legal case go away is shocking. FIFA gave FOX the 2026 WC rights for the same reason. In February. | FIFA paying the Irish FA €5m to make a legal case go away is shocking. FIFA gave FOX the 2026 WC rights for the same reason. In February. |
| That of course refers to Fifa’s eyebrow-raising decision to hand Fox the US broadcasting rights to the 2026 World Cup – in addition to the 2023 Women’s World Cup – without opening it to a tender process. | That of course refers to Fifa’s eyebrow-raising decision to hand Fox the US broadcasting rights to the 2026 World Cup – in addition to the 2023 Women’s World Cup – without opening it to a tender process. |
| Fifa has effectively admitted handing a lucrative World Cup television rights contract to Rupert Murdoch’s Fox network in order to head off the threat of legal action over the decision to move the Qatar 2022 tournament to winter. | Fifa has effectively admitted handing a lucrative World Cup television rights contract to Rupert Murdoch’s Fox network in order to head off the threat of legal action over the decision to move the Qatar 2022 tournament to winter. |
| Jérôme Valcke, the Fifa secretary general, said no rules had been broken in awarding the rights to the 2026 tournament to Fox and NBC-owned Telemundo in the US without a tender. | Jérôme Valcke, the Fifa secretary general, said no rules had been broken in awarding the rights to the 2026 tournament to Fox and NBC-owned Telemundo in the US without a tender. |
| More as a refresher here. | More as a refresher here. |
| 9.23pm BST | 9.23pm BST |
| 21:23 | 21:23 |
| The Football Association of Ireland have just now issued a statement addressing the €5m settlement agreement with Fifa to drop legal action over the Thierry Henry handball that kept the country out of the 2010 World Cup. | The Football Association of Ireland have just now issued a statement addressing the €5m settlement agreement with Fifa to drop legal action over the Thierry Henry handball that kept the country out of the 2010 World Cup. |
| 9.06pm BST | 9.06pm BST |
| 21:06 | 21:06 |
| As previously reported, the FAI said it received €5m (£3.67m) to drop legal action over Thierry Henry’s controversial handball that prevented Ireland from reaching the World Cup, while Fifa later claimed it was $5m (£3.25m) loan to build a stadium that was subsequently written off. Owen Gibson reports: | As previously reported, the FAI said it received €5m (£3.67m) to drop legal action over Thierry Henry’s controversial handball that prevented Ireland from reaching the World Cup, while Fifa later claimed it was $5m (£3.25m) loan to build a stadium that was subsequently written off. Owen Gibson reports: |
| FAI chief executive John Delaney confirmed for the first time that Fifa had agreed to the payment in order to avoid a protracted legal row. “We felt we had a legal case against Fifa because of how the World Cup play-off hadn’t worked out for us with the Henry handball,” he told RTE Radio 1. | FAI chief executive John Delaney confirmed for the first time that Fifa had agreed to the payment in order to avoid a protracted legal row. “We felt we had a legal case against Fifa because of how the World Cup play-off hadn’t worked out for us with the Henry handball,” he told RTE Radio 1. |
| “Also the way Blatter behaved, if you remember on stage, having a snigger and having a laugh at us. That day when I went in, and I told him how I felt about him, there were some expletives used. We came to an agreement.” | “Also the way Blatter behaved, if you remember on stage, having a snigger and having a laugh at us. That day when I went in, and I told him how I felt about him, there were some expletives used. We came to an agreement.” |
| He said the deal was signed and sealed within four days and was a “very good and legitimate deal” for the Irish FA. Ireland were winning 1-0 when Henry intentionally handled the ball and crossed for Gallas to equalise, taking France through to the finals. | He said the deal was signed and sealed within four days and was a “very good and legitimate deal” for the Irish FA. Ireland were winning 1-0 when Henry intentionally handled the ball and crossed for Gallas to equalise, taking France through to the finals. |
| Read the full story here. | Read the full story here. |
| 8.44pm BST | 8.44pm BST |
| 20:44 | 20:44 |
| Meanwhile in Vancouver, Fifa and Canada’s organizing committee are holding a news conference to present an overview of the Women’s World Cup, which kicks off Saturday at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium. | Meanwhile in Vancouver, Fifa and Canada’s organizing committee are holding a news conference to present an overview of the Women’s World Cup, which kicks off Saturday at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium. |
| You can watch it here, but it seems to be going swimmingly so far. | You can watch it here, but it seems to be going swimmingly so far. |
| Quite the opening FIFA World Cup presser in Vancouver. PR asks for no scandal Qs. Then only scandal Qs. Officials become agitated. | Quite the opening FIFA World Cup presser in Vancouver. PR asks for no scandal Qs. Then only scandal Qs. Officials become agitated. |
| 8.26pm BST | 8.26pm BST |
| 20:26 | 20:26 |
| Just crossing the wire is this news item from our chief sport correspondent Owen Gibson, who reports the scope of the FBI’s investigation into Fifa corruption has further broadened to include the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. | Just crossing the wire is this news item from our chief sport correspondent Owen Gibson, who reports the scope of the FBI’s investigation into Fifa corruption has further broadened to include the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. |
| With the FBI examining links between disgraced former Brazilian football chief Ricardo Teixeira and embattled Fifa secretary general Jérôme Valcke, the investigation now encompasses three of the past five World Cups and the controversial award of the next two tournaments in Russia and Qatar. | With the FBI examining links between disgraced former Brazilian football chief Ricardo Teixeira and embattled Fifa secretary general Jérôme Valcke, the investigation now encompasses three of the past five World Cups and the controversial award of the next two tournaments in Russia and Qatar. |
| In explosive testimony from former Fifa executive committee member Chuck Blazer unsealed by a New York court on Wednesday, he admitted receiving bribes from South Africa related to the hosting of the 2010 World Cup and facilitating the payment of a bribe related to the 1998 tournament from losing bidder Morocco. | In explosive testimony from former Fifa executive committee member Chuck Blazer unsealed by a New York court on Wednesday, he admitted receiving bribes from South Africa related to the hosting of the 2010 World Cup and facilitating the payment of a bribe related to the 1998 tournament from losing bidder Morocco. |
| The FBI revealed this week that its own investigation had also widened to include the bidding processes for the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the controversial choice of Qatar to host the 2022 tournament. | The FBI revealed this week that its own investigation had also widened to include the bidding processes for the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the controversial choice of Qatar to host the 2022 tournament. |
| The further revelations came as UK culture secretary John Whittingdale told the House of Commons that England was potentially “ready” to host the 2022 World Cup in the unlikely event the continental rotation policy was dropped and Qatar stripped of the tournament. | The further revelations came as UK culture secretary John Whittingdale told the House of Commons that England was potentially “ready” to host the 2022 World Cup in the unlikely event the continental rotation policy was dropped and Qatar stripped of the tournament. |
| His comments risked playing to the perception in some parts of the world, fuelled by Russian president Vladimir Putin, that the American criminal investigation and English triumphalism at Blatter’s removal are motivated by bitterness at losing their respective World Cup bids. | His comments risked playing to the perception in some parts of the world, fuelled by Russian president Vladimir Putin, that the American criminal investigation and English triumphalism at Blatter’s removal are motivated by bitterness at losing their respective World Cup bids. |
| Teixeira was not among those charged in last week’s damning US Department of Justice indictment, which alleged money laundering, tax evasion and kickbacks on an industrial scale among two generations of Fifa executives. | Teixeira was not among those charged in last week’s damning US Department of Justice indictment, which alleged money laundering, tax evasion and kickbacks on an industrial scale among two generations of Fifa executives. |
| But the Brazilian newspaper O Estado de S Paulo has now reported that the FBI is examining the relationship between Valcke, Blatter’s longstanding secretary general and fixer, and Teixeira, the controversial Brazilian football chief who was head of the Brazil 2014 organising committee until he fled for Miami in 2012. Investigators are thought to be focusing on more than 1,000 documents signed by World Cup organisers in the runup to the tournament. | But the Brazilian newspaper O Estado de S Paulo has now reported that the FBI is examining the relationship between Valcke, Blatter’s longstanding secretary general and fixer, and Teixeira, the controversial Brazilian football chief who was head of the Brazil 2014 organising committee until he fled for Miami in 2012. Investigators are thought to be focusing on more than 1,000 documents signed by World Cup organisers in the runup to the tournament. |
| You can read the full article here. | You can read the full article here. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 8.26pm BST | at 8.26pm BST |
| 7.57pm BST | 7.57pm BST |
| 19:57 | 19:57 |
| I’m handing over to Bryan Graham now, but I leave you with this tweet from our chief sports writer, Barney Ronay: | I’m handing over to Bryan Graham now, but I leave you with this tweet from our chief sports writer, Barney Ronay: |
| Really starting to think we should look again at Italy 34. Mussolini seemed so convincing at the time. But the more I think about it | Really starting to think we should look again at Italy 34. Mussolini seemed so convincing at the time. But the more I think about it |
| 7.46pm BST | 7.46pm BST |
| 19:46 | 19:46 |
| The BBC’s North America editor, Jon Sopel, writes on the perception that US justice has overreached when it comes to Fifa: | The BBC’s North America editor, Jon Sopel, writes on the perception that US justice has overreached when it comes to Fifa: |
| Am loving what's happening to reform #FIFA ; but is long arm of US justice reaching too far. My blog: http://t.co/URBG2Opgh3 | Am loving what's happening to reform #FIFA ; but is long arm of US justice reaching too far. My blog: http://t.co/URBG2Opgh3 |
| An interesting final paragraph: | An interesting final paragraph: |
| Let us just imagine for a minute that instead of Qatar having won the 2022 bid, it had been the US. How would America respond if Russia announced it was to investigate how the World Cup was awarded to the US? | Let us just imagine for a minute that instead of Qatar having won the 2022 bid, it had been the US. How would America respond if Russia announced it was to investigate how the World Cup was awarded to the US? |
| Maybe old Vladimir Putin had a point when he said after the FIFA arrests last week - what business is this of America? | Maybe old Vladimir Putin had a point when he said after the FIFA arrests last week - what business is this of America? |
| 7.35pm BST | 7.35pm BST |
| 19:35 | 19:35 |
| It appears that the statement from Fifa saying the $5m payment to Ireland was merely a ‘loan’ for a stadium that was never built is genuine. It’s hard to tell a lot of the time because most of the stuff coming from Fifa these days is indistinguishable from a huge practical joke. I’m still convinced that Jack Warner isn’t a politician at all but some kind of brilliant performance artist. | It appears that the statement from Fifa saying the $5m payment to Ireland was merely a ‘loan’ for a stadium that was never built is genuine. It’s hard to tell a lot of the time because most of the stuff coming from Fifa these days is indistinguishable from a huge practical joke. I’m still convinced that Jack Warner isn’t a politician at all but some kind of brilliant performance artist. |
| Fifa explain everything - they loaned the money to the FAI to build a stadium, then wrote it off when they didn't qualify for 2014. Simple. | Fifa explain everything - they loaned the money to the FAI to build a stadium, then wrote it off when they didn't qualify for 2014. Simple. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 7.52pm BST | at 7.52pm BST |
| 7.29pm BST | 7.29pm BST |
| 19:29 | 19:29 |
| While most (OK, all) of the entertainment today has been off the pitch for Ireland today, the national team have been in action. Appropriately enough, seeing as everyone was paying attention to a match that took place several years ago, the game was played at a closed ground. It ended 0-0. Here’s a brief report from PA: | While most (OK, all) of the entertainment today has been off the pitch for Ireland today, the national team have been in action. Appropriately enough, seeing as everyone was paying attention to a match that took place several years ago, the game was played at a closed ground. It ended 0-0. Here’s a brief report from PA: |
| Martin O’Neill fielded two entirely different XIs as the Republic of Ireland played out a 0-0 draw with neighbours Northern Ireland in their behind-closed-doors friendly. The Republic boss rang the changes at half-time at the Aviva Stadium as he attempted to improve match-fitness levels ahead of Sunday’s friendly against England and the Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland which follows it next weekend. O’Neill told FAI TV: “It was more than useful, it was very good, particularly for some of the players who had not played for quite some considerable time. “Also, funnily enough, in terms of numbers we were able to change the side at half-time, a completely different side for the second half, which is really what I wanted to do. “In terms of the opposition, they were very strong and it was great for us. Obviously Northern Ireland have been together for a number of days now - they had the game against Qatar - and they are looking quite strong, so for us it was excellent.” | Martin O’Neill fielded two entirely different XIs as the Republic of Ireland played out a 0-0 draw with neighbours Northern Ireland in their behind-closed-doors friendly. The Republic boss rang the changes at half-time at the Aviva Stadium as he attempted to improve match-fitness levels ahead of Sunday’s friendly against England and the Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland which follows it next weekend. O’Neill told FAI TV: “It was more than useful, it was very good, particularly for some of the players who had not played for quite some considerable time. “Also, funnily enough, in terms of numbers we were able to change the side at half-time, a completely different side for the second half, which is really what I wanted to do. “In terms of the opposition, they were very strong and it was great for us. Obviously Northern Ireland have been together for a number of days now - they had the game against Qatar - and they are looking quite strong, so for us it was excellent.” |
| 7.20pm BST | 7.20pm BST |
| 19:20 | 19:20 |
| This from Mark McCadden at the Irish Daily Star appears to be a statement from Fifa on the payment to Ireland after the Thierry Henry handball. If it’s genuine, Fifa says it was a loan, rather than a payment, which makes the whole business entirely above board: | This from Mark McCadden at the Irish Daily Star appears to be a statement from Fifa on the payment to Ireland after the Thierry Henry handball. If it’s genuine, Fifa says it was a loan, rather than a payment, which makes the whole business entirely above board: |
| FIFA have had their say on the $5m pic.twitter.com/nKvyIRoKXl | FIFA have had their say on the $5m pic.twitter.com/nKvyIRoKXl |
| There’s also the small point that there have been no signs of any brilliant football stadiums popping up in Ireland of late. | There’s also the small point that there have been no signs of any brilliant football stadiums popping up in Ireland of late. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 7.25pm BST | at 7.25pm BST |
| 7.03pm BST | 7.03pm BST |
| 19:03 | 19:03 |
| It looks like Fifa could well be discussed at the G7 meeting in Germany next week. | It looks like Fifa could well be discussed at the G7 meeting in Germany next week. |
| BREAKING: White House says it would not be surprised if FIFA scandal is discussed by world leaders at next week's G7 summit. #SSNHQ | BREAKING: White House says it would not be surprised if FIFA scandal is discussed by world leaders at next week's G7 summit. #SSNHQ |
| 6.51pm BST | 6.51pm BST |
| 18:51 | 18:51 |
| Henryk Szadziewski tweets to bring attention to this editorial in a Chinese publication, the Global Times. It’s a defence of Sepp Blatter, and shares the widely held view around the world that the Fifa president has paid the price for not falling into line with US wishes. Here’s an extract from the editorial: | Henryk Szadziewski tweets to bring attention to this editorial in a Chinese publication, the Global Times. It’s a defence of Sepp Blatter, and shares the widely held view around the world that the Fifa president has paid the price for not falling into line with US wishes. Here’s an extract from the editorial: |
| The US is adept at legalizing political issues. Viewing its domestic law as “international law,” the US carries out “selective law enforcement” on the international stage based on its own interests. It could be true that FIFA is corrupt, like many other international institutions, however, the scandals’ exposure happens to serve the interest of the US each time. It seems that whether the problems are to be investigated, it depends on Washington’s will. | The US is adept at legalizing political issues. Viewing its domestic law as “international law,” the US carries out “selective law enforcement” on the international stage based on its own interests. It could be true that FIFA is corrupt, like many other international institutions, however, the scandals’ exposure happens to serve the interest of the US each time. It seems that whether the problems are to be investigated, it depends on Washington’s will. |
| You can read the full article here. | You can read the full article here. |
| 6.42pm BST | 6.42pm BST |
| 18:42 | 18:42 |
| If you’re wondering about Domenico Scala, who will be helping Sepp Blatter clean up Fifa, ESPN have produced a nice profile. Before we rush to say he’s a stooge, ESPN mounts a brief defence: | If you’re wondering about Domenico Scala, who will be helping Sepp Blatter clean up Fifa, ESPN have produced a nice profile. Before we rush to say he’s a stooge, ESPN mounts a brief defence: |
| It’s tempting to paint anyone handpicked by Blatter with a tainted brush. However, there is evidence that Scala recognized the obstacles facing him early on. “The biggest challenge at Fifa is the way Fifa is organized,” he said in 2012. “Fifa is a summary of its member associations, so Fifa belongs to its member associations. Therefore we cannot just impose regulations – we have to convince the member associations. That’s a big difference compared to a privately organized firm. | It’s tempting to paint anyone handpicked by Blatter with a tainted brush. However, there is evidence that Scala recognized the obstacles facing him early on. “The biggest challenge at Fifa is the way Fifa is organized,” he said in 2012. “Fifa is a summary of its member associations, so Fifa belongs to its member associations. Therefore we cannot just impose regulations – we have to convince the member associations. That’s a big difference compared to a privately organized firm. |