The entire football world should be delighted at the arrests of six Fifa executives in Switzerland this morning on warrants requested by US prosecutors. Fifa has successfully resisted reform, actively opposed transparency and supressed reports into corruption at the top of the world’s most lucrative sport.
No one will be surprised that president, Sepp Blatter, who was not one of the six arrested today, is deaf to calls for accountability at the top. He plans to stand in Friday’s election, no doubt keen to guide the Federation through its dealings with law enforcement agencies. Those arrested have yet to be charged with any crime, never mind successfully prosecuted, so Blatter has plausible deniability of wrongdoing on the part of Fifa, but under any properly constituted organisation he would step aside to let fresh blood reinvigorate the game.
The news that Swiss police are investigating the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding process is even more welcome than the arrests. This investigation is separate to that being carried out by US authorities and may ultimately be more pivotal in freeing the game from the grasp of bribery and corruption.
Mike Ashley is getting his Rangers International PLC (RIPLC) General Meeting, on 12 June, at which, the directors of Rangers International PLC have decided to titillate shareholders with details of Rangers Retail Limited’s shareholders agreement, between the club and Ashley, although they note this agreement is subject to confidentiality agreements – and details appear to have been leaked today.
In an eye catching move, the directors of RIPLC are considering disapplying voting rights of shareholders who hold shares in other football clubs, in this case, Mike Ashley, who owns Newcastle United.
It’s worth saying this remains no more than bluster for now. They are “considering” disapplying rights and will lay out a “timetable for presenting a resolution for shareholders’ consideration”. I cannot believe they would be so self-harming that they would actually try to remove Ashley’s voting rights. Mike has the resources to destroy them in court, and it’s a tad futile to risk enormous legal consequences to disenfranchise someone when you and your supporters control the majority of shares. Ashley could easily circumnavigate any such act, should is be successful, but selling his shares to a trusted third party.
As such this element of the debate is futile, not even King is stupid enough to waste time and energy on it. He would lose heavily, and even if he won, Ashley would accommodate the outcome without breaking sweat. This is some tough talking but I’d like to see them try it (I genuinely would).
Two resolutions are proposed: the first by Ashley, that his £5m loan is repaid “as soon as possible”, in return for the release of security over RIPLC’s intellectual property, Murray Park, Albion Car Park and Edmiston House. Ashley is happy to hand this back, he’s a retailer, retail rights are what he’s interested in.
The second, proposed by the board, asks for shareholder approval to demand all of the club’s relationships with Sports Direct group companies, the loan, securities and the lucrative retail rights, are “renegotiated on a basis that is fair and reasonable”.
Here we get to the crux of the matter. Dave King told us months ago that Mike Ashley was a businessman, and that he would recognise the hand King dealt him and fold. The contrary view is that Mike Ashley is a businessman who will not be dictated to.
There’s a scene in Groundhog Day when lead character Phil, realising he can act without consequences, as even after death he’d pop up the next day as though nothing happened, drives onto a railway track.
Nodding to the oncoming train he says “I bet he’s going to swerve first”. Mike Ashley is the oncoming train. Trains don’t swerve. Groundhog Day looks increasingly likely, 06:00 will strike with an away day at Brechin under a provisional membership.
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TALLYBHOY
Aye,you can joooost picture me on a beach. All those years in Ardrossan ruined that pleasure for me.
Had to wear scuba gear just to go for a paddle.
BMCUWP
:o)
Snug Fit CSC
Thinking about it, at number 5, Coltrane’s Love Supreme might just edge out Otis Redding’s Try a Little Tenderness at 6, which just edges out ..need to think some more ….
wee chick reckons anythin’
any o’ thum goat
was just enough for a guid nicht oot!
who broke the blog? Wasn’t me this time!
MIKEINTORONTO
I think it might have been the mention of me and speedos. Sickbags all round.
I’ll leave you all with that,offski,cot time.
mike in toronto
14:03 on
27 May, 2015
Thinking about it, at number 5, Coltrane’s Love Supreme might just edge out Otis Redding’s Try a Little Tenderness at 6, which just edges out ..need to think some more ….
——————————————————–
Was listening to an Otis compilation a few weeks ago. The guy was an effin’ genius. So many good songs…
Just had a quick swatch through the magazine, looking good guys…
“What has happened today underlines the need for fundamental change in how FIFA is governed,” said Regan. “We will discuss the Scottish FA’s position with UEFA but also establish the position of all European national associations when we receive more information on what is a developing situation.“We have stated before that we believe for the good of the game’s image, integrity and indeed future prosperity that Mr Blatter should stand down and allow FIFA to radically improve its governance and credibility. After today’s events, that position has crystallised still further.”
Regan’s statement……brassneck /blowtorch material..
Mike in Toronto
Try Gorecki’s Symphony No 3
MIT
Faure’s Requiem is also worth a listen
My pal got his outboard motor nicked of his boat last night…………………………..so did around 20 others.
Jandarma (we dont have no stinkin polis in Akyaka) reckon a gang from the bul did it.
loadsofmoneyinoutboardmotorsCSC
I was tossing and turning whether to go with Otis at 5, or Curtis Mayfield’s People Get Ready ….
Yorkbhoy … I have Gorecki’s No. 3, but, in general, am woefully ignorant when it comes to classical music …. so your suggestions are appreciated.
For some reason (maybe it the presence of Skippy, Pearson and McManus, and the fact that McCall is no longer there to make sure they lie down, I am feeling quite confident that the mudders will bet past the orcs. Dont think I’ve ever said that about a well/sevco game before!
!!Bada Bing!!
I’m sure Blatter will walk the result in a few days time.
Who is this prince from Jordan opposing him?
All sounds strange to me. I would postpone this vote until more is known about the accusations and then ask for new candidates to stand and Blatter if found guilty or accountable due to not being aware of these accusations would not be allowed to stand.
LB
Bada Bing 14:15
Considering recent events, I would have thought Regan would have seen Blatter as being comfortably fit and proper…
mike in toronto .
Top 10 ?
No chance ——I ‘d struggle to get it down to my 250 favourite choons but there would be no Satie or Pavarotti. Try a Little Tenderness would make it as would A Love Supreme – speaking of the latter you might wish to check this out — Will Downing -A Love Supreme 12 ” ——-it will be on that Tube thing
BMCUWP
Ha! It cant be that bad …. after all, you are one of us… and we all know that even the homeliest tim (not that I am suggesting that would apply to you) is still much better looking than than the best looking orc?
although, ‘have you ever seen a handsome ….. orc …. zombie …. sevconian?’ just doesn’t have quite the same ring to it …
burgas hoops
14:18 on 27 May, 2015
Are you sure it wasn’t FIFA officials who stole them to assist their getaway…….
mike in toronto
14:29 on 27 May, 2015
How does ‘FUD’ sound…?
Livibhoy
Nothing sticks to ol’ Sepp.
Doesn’t matter when you hold the vote, he’ll walk it. Has most of Africa and Central America in the bag.
Andy King ex Everton RIP
Mike in Toronto
Otis is in my top ten artists of all time.
As are Marvin G and the Rev Al G.
Great music to make…. to!
Well, once upon a time!
HH!!
LB-FIFA’s sponsors will start to ask questions of Blatter &Co,and some will be under suspicion too i would guess.
South /Tallybhoy
Agree … I am giving myself a headache trying to limit it to top 100, let alone a top 10 ….will have to give Downing’s version a better listen when I am home and can focus on it ….. must say, the only other vocal version I have heard is Elling’s and didn’t get it …
hard to leave out Marvin …. and to omit the Rev… you’re right … has to be a sin ….
but for music to ‘pitch woo’ (using that term, just in case Wee George is reading!) … hard to look past Barry White!
All of whom I have always assumed were Celtic fans, or, at least, would have been, had they known of Celtic!
67Heaven ..
Are you sure it wasn’t FIFA officials who stole them to assist their getaway…….
Possibly-)))
over on RM, the zombies are upset that they aren’t getting more tickets for the motherwell game…. they keep talking about ‘sporting integrity’ !? I kid you not ….. that lot really dont get it, do they? Sadly, I dont think they ever will….
Afternoon bhoys. You bhoys that like a bit of Otis and Sam etc Check out Leon Bridges on you tube. Young lad from Texts I think is definitely a throwback to those days. I can’t do the link sorry.
HH
KTF
Utlr
Texts = Texas
Mighty Tim
Leon Bridges has been mentioned a few times on here.
Mike in Toronto saw him live recently I think.
Talented young Texan.
HH!!
mighty tim …
just saw him in a little club (about 100 people maybe) two or three weeks ago …. was great! … close your eyes and you would have felt like you were in a little club on the chitlin circuit in the 50’s … was a great show … he is in Glasgow in a few weeks at King Tut’s I believe ..
mighty tim supporting wee Oscar
Leon Bridges Performs “River” on the Chevy Music Showcase
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q-QJN2sTe8
“What has happened today underlines the need for fundamental change in how the SFA is governed,” said no-one, ever at The Blazer-Dome . “We will discuss the Scottish FA’s position with the Ranjurs of course but also establish the position of all the ither, lesser clubs when we receive more information and direction from Campbell on what is a developing situation. “We have stated before that we believe for the good of the game’s image, integrity and indeed future prosperity that Mr Blatter should stand down and allow Campbell to radically improve its governance and credibility ( No, I’m not joking!). After today’s events, that position has crystallised still further. WATRP”
Regan’s statement……
blantyretim.
I see richie has a horse running in the 3.10 @Hamilton Penelope pitstop.I’ve got a bet on it,but not a lot,although that was the horse that impressed me when it ran at Musselburgh
mighty tim supporting wee Oscar
best wishes and a wee prayer to your lad and support for you and your family supporting him in the coming few days mate.
hail hail
Thanks for update on Leon Bridges bhoys. MiT didn’t know about king tuts I knew about gigs in England and was gonna try catch him there but you just solved that. His first album (I think) is out on 23rd June so my bhoy has sorted his fathers day pressie.
HH
KTF
Utlr
an tearmann thank you I very much appreciate that.
HH
KTF
UTLR
“Impeach Grimmond McCrummoch!”