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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Downloaded the other day Dusty In Memphis never realised it was so good.
oldtim67 how you doing? Wish you had posted that earlier I would have stuck a few quid on it. Enjoyed the craic on Sunday, see you next season. Hail Hail Hebcelt
mighty tim … I didnt know the details relating to your son, so didn’t want to stick my nose in …. but let me say that I hope that stuff works out well this week, and you guys can go and see the show to celebrate!
HH
FIFA declare Oldco and Newco to one and the same.The corruption accusations don’t surprise me.
Good afternoon all.
How is everyone today. Pouring down in ML10. Summer’s here.
Weefra HH praying to Wee Oscar.
“Renegotiated on a basis that is fair and reasonable” Rolls of the tongue like “Fit and Proper”.
Funny my posting the other day about DK parroting CG about “Healthiest Balance sheet in football”.
At the risk of seeming cynical both the above could be the product of the same smokes and mirrors.
theglasgowcelticway
15:15 on
27 May, 2015
FIFA declare Oldco and Newco to one and the same.The corruption accusations don’t surprise me.
Daft question. Has FIFA made any pronouncement on Oldcos debts being inherited by Newco?
Theclumpany at 13.39, good blog – and the captioned photos provide many a coffee-splattered-over-keyboard moments.
The one with the The Rangers supporter on the rocking chair on the railway line…comedy gold.
Commented on Sunday that whilst travelling back from the game we’d passed through Bridgeton to find every lamppost had a “Apprentice boys, No surrender” flag hanging from it.My wife called me from her work yesterday to say she’d passed the same way and they were all gone.Obviously done for our benefit.1690?my son’s got a more up to date flag that says “Champions 2015” on it.
mike in toronto
I hope you’re right about the Motherwell mattresses – but I have my doubts.
They’ve contrived to lose to some very low league Sevco teams in the recent times (when they were 2nd or thereabouts in the SPL).
AND NOW all is lost … Sevco have Leo Messi Vickic in their ranks.
The game’s a bogey and the journey back to their rightful place is assured.
Everybody knows that the Steel Men will melt like chocolate fire-guards and allow the Steal Men to progress.
It’s written in the stars (SFA Testament for All Rangers Supporters).
Mighty Tim,
I hope all goes well for your son on Friday.
What are the chances that these arrests today by the FBI is connected to the fact that FIFA are about to vote, and by all accounts going to kick israel from the arena of International Football due to war crimes carried out against Palestine.
sixtaeseven ….’steel men vs. the steal men’ …. like that! might borrow that if you dont mind! doubt we will see that headline in any scottish paper!
Noel De Grasse
15:35 on
27 May, 2015
What are the chances that these arrests today by the FBI is connected to the fact that FIFA are about to vote, and by all accounts going to kick israel from the arena of International Football due to war crimes carried out against Palestine.
That made me lol
Weefra, not much better up here in cauld Carmyllie. Young ACGR is out caddying on the championship course in the freezing rain. I’m tucked up here in my nice warm office working and looking out at said rain wishing I was on the championship course:_)
Hope you are well pal, never saw you on Sunday.
HH
soukous @ 15 09.
Dusty in Memphis .
IMO ——a truly great LP . . Remember buying it in 1969 and being mocked by a Groundhogs fan who lived next door ..
Met the future Mrs S of T in New York in the late 70s ——– I was delighted to learn that she had Dusty in Memphis in her wee collection of LPs .
Early in The Morning CSC -way down south.
afternoon Timland
I hate the close season………….roll on July
HH
MiT he got charged under ob act year past in March at ICT game on say so of 2 cops.
police let him go about 7 hours later no charges. Procurator Fiscal then decided to charge him sing offensive songs.
Thanks for kind wishes also for heads up on bridges at King tuts. 2 tickets £12.50 each plus add on well worth it.
Sometimes you just think,whit a gift,…years of patter :-)
http://90minutecynic.com/comedy-errors-ibrox-farce/
HH
My groundhog day 25th May 1967 – unless the missus is looking in then it’s 24th May 1975
Carlingford and Omeath and the spectacular Cooley mountains.
God’s own country.
Some brilliant times and magic memories.
HH.
mike in Toronto
Ha ha – feel free.
I just hope the 3 Celts you mentioned in your earlier post will somehow make the difference and tip the scales of justice in favour of the game that was once beautiful.
Dharma bam thank you appreciated
Acgr
Wiznae there on Sunday. No been too well lately, on the mend now B-)
Weefra HH praying to Wee Oscar.
Nike named in the FIFA scandal
Mighty Tim ….I thought it was something like that, but didn’t know the details …. all I can do from here is sign the petition, wish the best for your bhoy and say a little prayer (all of which I have done already!). But, when I’m saying my prayers this evening, I’ll mention your boy again. I know that is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it cant hurt, right?
The LB show here was part of the music fest, at a very small club (less than 100 people), so it sold out quickly. I remember seeing Terrence Trent D’arby at a small club just before his first album came out … and dragging all my pals to see this guy (he’s going to be huge, said I) …. TT’D’A didn’t go on to be as big as I had thought, but it was one of the best shows I have ever seen! I had a similar feeling about this one, so decided to go anyways, and I even broke my rule against buying from scalpers for it … paid $140 for two $12 tickets …
LB’s show wasnt quite at the TTD level, but it was still a great night! . and to cheer me up, my pal told me he paid $1000 for a ticket to the Masters! So, I didn’t feel so bad! Hope his mrs. doesn’t read CQN… I dont think he told her what he paid, and he’d be in trouble!!! :)
Only the yanks have had the ‘balls’ to go after FIFA – we should be grateful and hope they bring this corrupt organization down – everyone knows Blatter is complicit – he MUST go, all has gone on under his watch – GET HIM OUT!
Is there anyone out there with the ‘balls’ to ‘put the boot into’ the SFA?
Oldtim
Some prices at Hamilton today
I went with TNT double so will need to go for single on last supper at Hamilton
US Fifa corruption inquiry covers bribes allegedly paid for 2010 World Cup in S Africa and Fifa presidency in 2011
Blatter is surely history.
LB
livibhoy …. if the US feels they were cheated, they will go after this …. but, with the doping, we saw how dirty US sports was (covering up positive drug tests for american athletes) …. and, if as has been suggested, Nike – a key sponsor of many, many American sporting endeavours – is involved in this, it does make me question how much the Yanks will push it …. I know this is coming from the DoJ, but in America, as everywhere, the laws dont seem to apply to the rich and powerful (including big companies).
sadly, no matter what, I suspect Blatter will survive this … more teflon than John Gotti or our PM, Stephen Harper … all bad men, and all seemingly untouchable……
Blatter and cockroaches are reputedly the only things that would survive a nuclear blast.
mike in toronto
Not sure I agree on this one. It seems to be quite clear that they are going for the lot on this one.
The main question from me is why? Where have the US been penalised. I suspect there is more to this than meets the eye. Potentially money laundering related to terrorism? Only thing I can really think of that would make them get involved. Either that or the Americans want to take over the running of FIFA and clearing out the old and getting in their boys is a great way to do it.
It’s gripping at the minute anyway. Hopefully football changes for the better. How can people slate greedy players when this is going on worldwide?
LB
Will the USA bomb FIFA headquarters?
Burgas hoops, from earlier….
Sack the ‘out’board!:-)
Wee tv profile re the FIFA Executive Committee – I particularly liked the Russian guy – Vitaly Mutko – his history includes claiming expenses for 97 breakfasts during a 20 day business trip to Vancouver.
” Think of money as pubic hair and FIFA as wax ” -John Oliver.
Great Day on Sun watching the Champions lift the trophy that had to be worked for,seen a fair few a the old corner which was nice.a few pints after in the company of good Celtic men and woman.more days like that please :-) Gearoid pity i missed ye,Almore your a gem,what a gift to the wee BGFC,Big G good to meet you.
HH
Livbhoy
Even though this is a DoJ thing, and DoJ has a terrorism department, this doesn’t fit within the types of cases they would normally deal with, and certainly not their typical MO, so I would say it is not so likely to be terrorism related….although it would make a great story if it was!
but I think you could be onto something with US wanting greater control over FIFA … there is so much money floating about, everyone wants a piece of the pie….
as you say, it will be interesting to see how it all shakes out ….
got to run to a meeting,
cheers,
South of Tunis
He has actually responded by saying it was all day breakfasts.
mike in toronto
14:22 on 27 May, 2015
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!
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You could not have said it about a Well/Sevco game before – this is the first one!