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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Good afternoon sports fans,
Apologies in advance for the shameless self-promotion, however as I consider this the spiritual home of the square vs slice sausage debate, I thought that some of you might not totally hate the latest post on my blog:
http://www.themissinglinkblog.co.uk/blog/i-lorne-for-something-better
So, I’m just gonna leave this here and return in a month’s time when the slagging has subsided…
scullybhoy … I thought they played in the league cup in sevco’s first season, and a McCall lead motherwell rolled over … but my memory isn’t as good as it once was, so I could be mistaken.
Big cheese FBI man on the tele – ” we have evidence that serious crime was committed in the USA , the suspects will be extradited to and detained in the USA “
scullybhoy
Sevco not skelped them out the cup twice in the last couple of years?
LB
mike in toronto
16:32 on 27 May, 2015
scullybhoy … I thought they played in the league cup in sevco’s first season, and a McCall lead motherwell rolled over … but my memory isn’t as good as it once was, so I could be mistaken.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Apologies – now that you say that I remember and yes it was obvious that McCall didn’t care because Sevco couldn’t beat the wee around them and Mwell were supposed a top flight team.
Oh well – I just hope Skippy does us a favour as he owes us big time for 10 years ago (still hurts).
FBI Director on FIFA arrests: “If you touch our shores with your corrupt enterprise, you will be held accountable”
IRONY KLAXON ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! nee naw nee naw
scullybhoy
I would expect our under 18’s to beat Motherwell at the minute. They are terrible.
I did call the Hibs v Sevco ties wrong though so hope I am wrong again.
LB
As somebody pointed out above not only were some of the alleged crimes committed in the US but I’m sure I saw elsewhere that the US can claim jurisdiction over any transactions involving US dollars.
Mr Pastry
end o last blog,
HH
Mr Pastry you still about? H H Hebcelt
scullybhoy …. that one was probably the hardest for me … even worse than Seville …
as for Mr. McCall, I am hoping that he continues on his run of managerial form in games involving them (has he ever won in a game where Sevco or their predecessors are involved?) disgraceful…. almost dunfermline-like in his rolling-overness.
..the sound of synchronised shredders fills the air………………………………..
Jamesgang
e-mail sent,regards to your Dad.
——————————
out for evening have a hoot and play nice,
hail hail to the CHAMPIONS
:-)))))
weeminger
Correct. If transactions are made electronically in their currency then they will get involved. Any transaction should go via the country of origin for the currency. This would explain why the charges are being brought up in New York which is the financial centre for the USD.
This is just the start. This case could go on for years.
The US are going to spend a lot of money on this case unless the guilty parties just admit it. On the evidence of the guilty parties so far it looks like the evidence gathered is so good that there is no deniability of guilt.
I suspect a few banks will be worried though if money has been wired, laundered, etc.
This may have just opened a huge can of worms. There is much more to this than just FIFA corruption.
IMHO of course.
LB
LiviBhoy
16:40 on 27 May, 2015
scullybhoy
I would expect our under 18′s to beat Motherwell at the minute. They are terrible.
I did call the Hibs v Sevco ties wrong though so hope I am wrong again.
LB
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Please be wrong – I really do not want them back and I actually saw someone wearing a R****** top in my town yesterday – first time in several years.
leftclicktic
16:39 on
27 May, 2015
FBI Director on FIFA arrests: “If you touch our shores with your corrupt enterprise, you will be held accountable”
IRONY KLAXON ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! nee naw nee naw
that made me lol :-))
HH
scullybhoy
I pray I am wrong. One of my oldest mates is a Motherwell season ticket holder and he thinks they are down.
LB
Joey Barton, Rio Ferdinand, Richard Dunne, Shaun Wright-Philips & Bobby Zamora all released by QPR.
LB
The game is rotten. Money pollutes. Greed corrupts. Regulate it with robust legislation or it will remain forever a magnet for the greedy and corrupt.
It’s not rocket science.
Fan ownership of clubs. Elected officials ONLY working for FIFA on set wage and expenses who must agree to having their every financial transaction posted on line. No one in positions for longer than a decade. Details can be worked out. Absolute transparency with family representatives elected to FA’s, UEFA and FIFA with power to hold officials to account. Rotate the clubs/ countries they come from.
I could go on.
Until then the game is a cess pool
scully ….
IN Canada previously, it was split evenly between sighting of celtic and zombie jerseys …but for the last few years, I could count on one hand the number of sevco jerseys I have seen…. has been nice.
Sadly, if they get promoted, they will be back out in force, and all the more unpleasant about it.
So, God, if you are listening… its me, Mike … I will gladly give up all of my xmas gifts for the next 10 years, if you just please help the mother’s stay up this year. Yeah, you heard me right ….I know, I normally call you asking for them b’s to lose … but just this once, can you help them… and, if it isn’t too, too much to ask …. if the mothers could come from behind, and Skippy could score a last minute winner … well, I would be very much in your debt …what’s that worth to you? 10 hail mary’s? done! A few acts of contritition? No problem… next old lady I see, I’m helping her cross the road … even if she isn’t going that way! Cheers, then, will see you sunday.
Mike
LiviBhoy
16:03 on
27 May, 2015
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
Don’t be so sure.
All comes down to how many were on the take.
mike in toronto / LiviBhoy
R****** tops have been replaced here with Norn Ireland or Chelsea tops but if our prayers are answered and Skippy does the bizz then I don’t mind if I have to look at such horrible tops for many a long day to come.
quonno ….
as I said earlier, I think Blatter is much like the current Canadian PM… thoroughly disreputable, and up to his neck in bad stuff …. but he isn’t stupid about it … our PM always makes sure that the trail ends just before it gets to him…. evry time there has been a scandal, he has thrown all of his former disciples/friends under the bus, but for one reason of another, they are afraid to really turn on him…. I suspect that Blatter is similarly insulated. But I hope I am wrong.
re: saying a prayer. I always assume that the big guy is a tim…. and if he is a tim, he probably posts on CQN. Anyone know his blog name? P67, can you help out there, or are you not allowed to give blog names out?
HH
The Sevco board’s arrogant, spiteful response to Mike Ashley has put them on a collision course with a guy who could chew the marrow from their bones, spit it out and plaster the walls with it. Madness.
http://www.onfieldsofgreen.com/making-enemies/
So Regan wants reform and transparency improved at FIFA, why then has he not done this with the SFA where he is CEO?
Look at yourself before looking at others, and yes I do think professional football is corrupt.
MiT
Aha – the auld CQN deity debate resurfaces…….
There’s a few on here who think they’re God!
Those apart, some other good candidates.
Any BroganRogan post reads like a Biblical classic.
Auldheid’s remaking the world in 6 of his own days.
Minx would be a good 21C gender equality deity.
Weefra has the animal 2×2 gig already.
How about a meek, mild calming sort – ACGR????
HH jamesgang
leftclicktic
you need to get the old IRONY KLAXON out again for Regans comments………
HH
James Forrest
No madness,the glib and shameless liar needs the plug pulled on sevco so he can pick up the carcass cheap and go with 3rd rankers with no onerus contracts, he can be seen to do it himself so his only hope is to annoy Mash in the hope he will do it, but I think he has well met his match,
an tearmann
16:45 on 27 May, 2015
Jamesgang
e-mail sent,regards to your Dad.
———–
Recd and forwarded thank you.
Lovely pics.
For the nosey among yous the images are of slightly platformed shoes cos my Dad’s not used to looking up to folk.
HH jamesgang
he can = he cant
jamesgang
and we have an Angel gabriel :-))
HH
James Forrest
…has put them on a collision course with a guy who could chew the marrow from their bones, spit it out and plaster the walls with it.
————————————————————
Lovely imagery!!
dena29
Regans comments are beyond Irony ,
:)))
Till later all
that regan is still in Situ along with Donkey & Ogilvie says everything about our game and they have the neck to point fingers :((
With all the Banking scandals, & equally deplorable business scandals like Enron, Halliburton etc why is the USA Justice department & the FBI taking great interest in a sport they hardly play or take much notice of ?
There has to be something else that would get them so heavily involved in this, something political I think is the main reason.
jamesgang
17:24 on
27 May, 2015
MiT
Aha – the auld CQN deity debate resurfaces…….
There’s a few on here who think they’re God!
Those apart, some other good candidates.
Any BroganRogan post reads like a Biblical classic.
Auldheid’s remaking the world in 6 of his own days.
Minx would be a good 21C gender equality deity.
Weefra has the animal 2×2 gig already.
How about a meek, mild calming sort – ACGR????
HH jamesgang
—————————————————————-
What about South of Tunis with his letters to the Romans?
I have no idea if he has ever written a letter to Roman to be fair…
Til later bhoys T time
HH
Jack Warner to be extradited latest