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| Fifa crisis live: Blatter under pressure amid arrests and World Cup inquiry | Fifa crisis live: Blatter under pressure amid arrests and World Cup inquiry |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 10.59am BST10:59 | |
| Russian President Vladimir Putin has been speaking on state TV in the past few minutes, and had this to say on the Fifa arrests: | |
| It looks very strange, the arrests are carried out on the request of the USA side. They are accused of corruption – who is? International officials. I suppose that someone broke some rules, I don’t know. But definitely, it’s got nothing to do with the USA. Those officials are not US citizens. If something happened it was not in the US and it’s nothing to do with them. | |
| It’s another clear attempt by the USA to spread its jurisdiction to other states. And I have no doubt – it’s a clear attempt not to allow Mr Blatter to be re-elected as president of Fifa, which is a great violation of the operating principles of international organisations. The US prosecutor, as our media report, has already said that those Fifa officials have committed a crime. As if the prosecutor didn’t know about the principle of the presumption of innocence. | |
| We know the position of the USA regarding Mr Snowden. Who uncovered the practice of illegal actions of the US all over the world including tapping in on leaders of other countries. Everyone discussed that, including in Europe. But no one wants to give him refuge and guarantee his security (apart from Russia). No one wants to fight with their partner, their senior partner – He’s a US citizen. What about Assange? Who has to hide for several years in foreign embassy. What’s he sought for? Sexual crimes? No one believes that. Because he spread info regarding the actions of the US military, including in Iraq. | |
| Why do I recall these cases? The US use these methods to achieve their self-interested aims. And they do it illegally. They harass people. I don’t rule out that the same is happening regarding Fifa. Although I don’t know how that will end but the fact it’s happening on the eve of the election of Fifa head points to that aim. | |
| 10.52am BST10:52 | |
| John Whittingdale also called for Michael Garcia’s report into the World Cup bids to be made public – in full. | |
| 10.50am BST10:50 | |
| The issue is currently being discussed in the House of Commons. John Whittingdale, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport, is answering for the government and has said in the past few minutes: | |
| “The English FA and home nations, I will be in touch with them. I am very pleased that all four have take then same approach in supporting Uefa in terms of [Fifa’s] leadership and postponement of the [Fifa presidential] election tomorrow. | |
| “I hope that one of the consequences is that we will now have a proper investigation which will lead to reform [of Fifa].” | |
| MP Chris Bryant spoke passionately on the crisis: | |
| “Football belongs to mums and dads taking kids to their first match, not the fat cats creaming millions off the top for themselves. Is it not inconceivable that Sepp Blatter can continue now?” | |
| Regarding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he adds: | |
| “Matches will be played indoors in 40 degrees. Workers are dying, 62 per match. Human rights are systemcaticlly being abused. Now that (sponsors) have raised concerns, should the bidding rounds [for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups] not be reopened?” | |
| Updated at 10.52am BST | |
| 10.33am BST10:33 | |
| What could worsen an already disastrous situation for Fifa is the response of the organisation’s key sponsors. PA report that South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai have said it is “extremely concerned” by the allegations. | |
| “As a company that places the highest priority on ethical standards and transparency, Hyundai Motor is extremely concerned about the legal proceedings being taken against certain FIFA executives and will continue to monitor the situation closely,” it said in a statement. | |
| A spokesman for McDonald’s, a second-tier sponsor, said: “McDonald’s takes matters of ethics and corruption very seriously and the news from the US Department of Justice is extremely concerning. We are in contact with FIFA on this matter. We will continue to monitor the situation very closely.” | |
| This follows yesterday’s initial reaction from brands including Visa and Coca-Cola: | |
| Fifa sponsors, including Adidas, Visa and Coca-Cola, are calling for the body to reform its practices. Visa issued a statement on Wednesday expressing its “disappointment and concern with Fifa”. It said that unless football’s world governing body rebuilds a corporate culture with “strong ethical practices” at its heart, “we have informed them that we will reassess our sponsorship”. | |
| Coca-Cola said: “This lengthy controversy has tarnished the mission and ideals of the Fifa World Cup and we have repeatedly expressed our concerns about these serious allegations.” | |
| South Korean firm Hyundai Motor Company, the sole Asian Fifa partner for the 2018 World Cup to be held in Russia, said it was extremely concerned. Anheuser-Busch InBev, whose Budweiser brand is a sponsor of the 2018 World Cup, said: “We expect all of our partners to maintain strong ethical standards and operate with transparency.” McDonald’s, meanwhile, said it was monitoring the situation. | |
| Updated at 10.33am BST | |
| 10.25am BST10:25 | 10.25am BST10:25 |
| It’s worth noting that there is an urgent question in the House of Commons today regarding Fifa. John Whittingdale, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport, will be answering for the government, and we can expect him to have strong words on the crisis facing football’s governing body. | It’s worth noting that there is an urgent question in the House of Commons today regarding Fifa. John Whittingdale, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport, will be answering for the government, and we can expect him to have strong words on the crisis facing football’s governing body. |
| 10.19am BST10:19 | 10.19am BST10:19 |
| In Russia, Reuters report that President Vladimir Putin has accused the US of meddling outside its jurisdiction: | In Russia, Reuters report that President Vladimir Putin has accused the US of meddling outside its jurisdiction: |
| “This is yet another blatant attempt (by the United States) to extend its jurisdiction to other states,” Putin said. He added the arrests were a “clear attempt” to prevent the re-election of Fifa head Sepp Blatter and that he had Russia’s backing. | “This is yet another blatant attempt (by the United States) to extend its jurisdiction to other states,” Putin said. He added the arrests were a “clear attempt” to prevent the re-election of Fifa head Sepp Blatter and that he had Russia’s backing. |
| 10.16am BST10:16 | 10.16am BST10:16 |
| South Africa’s successful bid to host the 2010 World Cup is also facing scrutiny. Danny Jordaan, president of the South African Football Association who led the bid, has been elected unopposed as mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth. The opposition parties boycotted. | South Africa’s successful bid to host the 2010 World Cup is also facing scrutiny. Danny Jordaan, president of the South African Football Association who led the bid, has been elected unopposed as mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth. The opposition parties boycotted. |
| Here is how the Mail & Guardian reported the story in South Africa today: | Here is how the Mail & Guardian reported the story in South Africa today: |
| South Africa and its football officials stand accused of buying the vote that landed the country the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Now all eyes are on Danny Jordaan, who led the bid and hopes to be elected mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay on Thursday. | South Africa and its football officials stand accused of buying the vote that landed the country the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Now all eyes are on Danny Jordaan, who led the bid and hopes to be elected mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay on Thursday. |
| United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch dropped her bombshell indictment on international football on Wednesday, alleging “corruption that is rampant, systemic and deep-rooted”, spanning two-and-a-half decades and multiple jurisdictions. | United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch dropped her bombshell indictment on international football on Wednesday, alleging “corruption that is rampant, systemic and deep-rooted”, spanning two-and-a-half decades and multiple jurisdictions. |
| The indictment was unsealed after Swiss police dramatically arrested seven Fifa officials who had gathered in Zurich for the world football governing body’s elective congress, due to start on Friday. The arrests were at the behest of the US authorities, but in apparent investigations of their own, Swiss authorities raided Fifa offices. | The indictment was unsealed after Swiss police dramatically arrested seven Fifa officials who had gathered in Zurich for the world football governing body’s elective congress, due to start on Friday. The arrests were at the behest of the US authorities, but in apparent investigations of their own, Swiss authorities raided Fifa offices. |
| Altogether nine Fifa or Fifa member organisation officials and five company executives are indicted by the US. Another four individuals and two sports companies have already been convicted quietly, after plea bargains. | Altogether nine Fifa or Fifa member organisation officials and five company executives are indicted by the US. Another four individuals and two sports companies have already been convicted quietly, after plea bargains. |
| Where this leaves Jordaan is unclear. As head of the South African Football Association, he was reportedly due to fly to Zurich on Thursday to attend the congress – the same day he could be elected as mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay – should the ANC succeed in mustering its small majority in the metro. | Where this leaves Jordaan is unclear. As head of the South African Football Association, he was reportedly due to fly to Zurich on Thursday to attend the congress – the same day he could be elected as mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay – should the ANC succeed in mustering its small majority in the metro. |
| Jordaan could not be reached for comment before going to press and did not respond to text messages. When amaBhungane phoned the ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa on Wednesday evening, the call was cut mid conversation, and he did not respond to text messages. | Jordaan could not be reached for comment before going to press and did not respond to text messages. When amaBhungane phoned the ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa on Wednesday evening, the call was cut mid conversation, and he did not respond to text messages. |
| Updated at 10.16am BST | Updated at 10.16am BST |
| 10.08am BST10:08 | 10.08am BST10:08 |
| The Australian Associated Press report that police in the country have been asked to investigate a payment of $500,000 by Football Federation Australia to former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner: | The Australian Associated Press report that police in the country have been asked to investigate a payment of $500,000 by Football Federation Australia to former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner: |
| It’s understood Bonita Mersiades, a former Australian football executive turned whistleblower, has written to the AFP asking that it investigate the matter following raids that resulted in the arrests of seven high-ranking executives of football’s global governing body. | It’s understood Bonita Mersiades, a former Australian football executive turned whistleblower, has written to the AFP asking that it investigate the matter following raids that resulted in the arrests of seven high-ranking executives of football’s global governing body. |
| The AFP’s commissioner, Andrew Colvin, on Thursday confirmed that it may investigate the allegations after the matter was raised by the South Australian senator Nick Xenophon during a Senate hearing in Canberra. | The AFP’s commissioner, Andrew Colvin, on Thursday confirmed that it may investigate the allegations after the matter was raised by the South Australian senator Nick Xenophon during a Senate hearing in Canberra. |
| Xenophon has also called on FFA to formally report to US authorities the payment it made to Warner, who is facing eight counts of corruption. | Xenophon has also called on FFA to formally report to US authorities the payment it made to Warner, who is facing eight counts of corruption. |
| He’s also urged the federal government to denounce Fifa’s president, Sepp Blatter, and request a fresh vote for the 2022 World Cup. | He’s also urged the federal government to denounce Fifa’s president, Sepp Blatter, and request a fresh vote for the 2022 World Cup. |
| Australians should be worried about the $45m it spent on a “fixed” bidding process to host the event after several top FIFA officials were arrested on corruption charges, he said. | Australians should be worried about the $45m it spent on a “fixed” bidding process to host the event after several top FIFA officials were arrested on corruption charges, he said. |
| “The beautiful game has been turned into an incredibly ugly business,” Xenophon said on Thursday. “There needs to be action taken, but the first step is that we need to say that this is just outrageous.” | “The beautiful game has been turned into an incredibly ugly business,” Xenophon said on Thursday. “There needs to be action taken, but the first step is that we need to say that this is just outrageous.” |
| Both the Australian government and FFA needed to speak out about Blatter and the need for reform at Fifa to restore some integrity in the sport, he said. | Both the Australian government and FFA needed to speak out about Blatter and the need for reform at Fifa to restore some integrity in the sport, he said. |
| “I think once you get some countries such as Australia speaking out, the dam will break and many others will speak out on this.” | “I think once you get some countries such as Australia speaking out, the dam will break and many others will speak out on this.” |
| It’s alleged Warner stole the money which had been intended for a stadium upgrade in Trinidad and Tobago in 2010. | It’s alleged Warner stole the money which had been intended for a stadium upgrade in Trinidad and Tobago in 2010. |
| Read the full story. | Read the full story. |
| Updated at 10.09am BST | Updated at 10.09am BST |
| 10.01am BST10:01 | 10.01am BST10:01 |
| Here is the latest from Owen Gibson, the Guardian’s chief sports correspondent, in Zurich: | Here is the latest from Owen Gibson, the Guardian’s chief sports correspondent, in Zurich: |
| FA chairman Greg Dyke has moved to dismiss speculation that the current Fifa crisis could lead to England hosting the 2018 World Cup. | FA chairman Greg Dyke has moved to dismiss speculation that the current Fifa crisis could lead to England hosting the 2018 World Cup. |
| “This absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with an England bid for the World Cup or England hosting the World Cup,” said Dyke, ahead of a Uefa meeting to decide how best to challenge Blatter ahead of Friday’s scheduled presidential election. | “This absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with an England bid for the World Cup or England hosting the World Cup,” said Dyke, ahead of a Uefa meeting to decide how best to challenge Blatter ahead of Friday’s scheduled presidential election. |
| “This is about one thing: how do you re-build the reputation of Fifa and turn it into an open, fair and honest organisation with Blatter still at the helm?” | “This is about one thing: how do you re-build the reputation of Fifa and turn it into an open, fair and honest organisation with Blatter still at the helm?” |
| Dyke has previously called on Blatter to go and questioned whether Friday’s vote could take place in light of the arrest of seven Fifa officials including two vice presidents by police in Zurich. | Dyke has previously called on Blatter to go and questioned whether Friday’s vote could take place in light of the arrest of seven Fifa officials including two vice presidents by police in Zurich. |
| The suggestion that the controversial 2018 and 2022 World Cup race could could be reopened followed comments by Lennart Johansson, the former Uefa president who once failed to beat Sepp Blatter to the Fifa presidency, who says he expects Fifa to “reconsider the (World Cup) decisions.” (More from Johansson below). | The suggestion that the controversial 2018 and 2022 World Cup race could could be reopened followed comments by Lennart Johansson, the former Uefa president who once failed to beat Sepp Blatter to the Fifa presidency, who says he expects Fifa to “reconsider the (World Cup) decisions.” (More from Johansson below). |
| In the strongest intervention yet by a top Fifa partner Visa has called for urgent reform and said it would otherwise consider its relationship with world football’s governing body, which currently runs until 2022. | In the strongest intervention yet by a top Fifa partner Visa has called for urgent reform and said it would otherwise consider its relationship with world football’s governing body, which currently runs until 2022. |
| “It will be interested to see how many other sponsors come out and say things like that,” said Dyke. | “It will be interested to see how many other sponsors come out and say things like that,” said Dyke. |
| 9.51am BST09:51 | 9.51am BST09:51 |
| I understand FIFA Presidential candidate Prince Ali wants tomorrow's election to go ahead, & feels like it is not a foregone conclusion | I understand FIFA Presidential candidate Prince Ali wants tomorrow's election to go ahead, & feels like it is not a foregone conclusion |
| 9.46am BST09:46 | 9.46am BST09:46 |
| The latest dissenting voice towards Blatter comes from his former rival for Fifa presidency, Lennart Johansson. The former head of Uefa, who lost the 1998 Fifa presidential election to Blatter, says Russia and Qatar’s respective wins to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups should be reviewed following fresh corruption charges: | The latest dissenting voice towards Blatter comes from his former rival for Fifa presidency, Lennart Johansson. The former head of Uefa, who lost the 1998 Fifa presidential election to Blatter, says Russia and Qatar’s respective wins to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups should be reviewed following fresh corruption charges: |
| “I expect they will reconsider the (World Cup) decisions. Blatter himself has said that the decision to go east wasn’t proper. I am sure the initiative will now be taken to make a new decision. | “I expect they will reconsider the (World Cup) decisions. Blatter himself has said that the decision to go east wasn’t proper. I am sure the initiative will now be taken to make a new decision. |
| “England haven’t had it since 1966 and it’s considered ’the motherland of football’, whatever we might think. They are worthy of the attention. | “England haven’t had it since 1966 and it’s considered ’the motherland of football’, whatever we might think. They are worthy of the attention. |
| “I’m not surprised at what is happening. Blatter will obviously ensure that he wins the election in his own way. I think it’s unfortunate that the world’s biggest sporting movement has such a leader at the top, I really do.” | “I’m not surprised at what is happening. Blatter will obviously ensure that he wins the election in his own way. I think it’s unfortunate that the world’s biggest sporting movement has such a leader at the top, I really do.” |
| Read the full story. | Read the full story. |
| Updated at 9.49am BST | Updated at 9.49am BST |
| 9.35am BST09:35 | 9.35am BST09:35 |
| The Guardian front page, Thursday 28 May 2015: The stench of corruption pic.twitter.com/7YCnGD2hbh | The Guardian front page, Thursday 28 May 2015: The stench of corruption pic.twitter.com/7YCnGD2hbh |
| 9.30am BST09:30 | 9.30am BST09:30 |
| The Guardian’s front page this morning leads with the growing number of voices throughout football as well as key stakeholders outside the game calling for Sepp Blatter to resign as Fifa president. | The Guardian’s front page this morning leads with the growing number of voices throughout football as well as key stakeholders outside the game calling for Sepp Blatter to resign as Fifa president. |
| Greg Dyke, the chairman of the English Football Association, is one of those demanding Blatter immediately steps down: | Greg Dyke, the chairman of the English Football Association, is one of those demanding Blatter immediately steps down: |
| “Blatter has put out a statement saying now is the time to start rebuilding the trust in Fifa – there is no way of re-building trust in Fifa while Sepp Blatter is still there. | “Blatter has put out a statement saying now is the time to start rebuilding the trust in Fifa – there is no way of re-building trust in Fifa while Sepp Blatter is still there. |
| “Sepp Blatter has to go. He either has to go through a resignation, or he has to be out-voted or we have to find a third way. I think the time has come where the damage this has done to Fifa is so great that it can’t be re-built while Blatter is there so Uefa has got to try to force him out.” | “Sepp Blatter has to go. He either has to go through a resignation, or he has to be out-voted or we have to find a third way. I think the time has come where the damage this has done to Fifa is so great that it can’t be re-built while Blatter is there so Uefa has got to try to force him out.” |
| Updated at 9.47am BST | Updated at 9.47am BST |
| 9.19am BST09:19 | 9.19am BST09:19 |
| 9.11am BST09:11 | 9.11am BST09:11 |
| In case you missed it, here is what happened on an unprecedented day of crisis for Fifa yesterday: | In case you missed it, here is what happened on an unprecedented day of crisis for Fifa yesterday: |
| 9.03am BST09:03 | 9.03am BST09:03 |
| Welcome to today’s live blog covering the developments in Zurich as the crisis at Fifa rumbles on. We will have the latest on this live blog as the story develops. Here’s a quick summary of the latest news. | Welcome to today’s live blog covering the developments in Zurich as the crisis at Fifa rumbles on. We will have the latest on this live blog as the story develops. Here’s a quick summary of the latest news. |