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| Version 32 | Version 33 |
|---|---|
| Fifa corruption claims: Jack Warner promises 'avalanche' of secrets | Fifa corruption claims: Jack Warner promises 'avalanche' of secrets |
| (10 days later) | |
| 6.04am BST | 6.04am BST |
| 06:04 | 06:04 |
| Closing summary | Closing summary |
| I’m winding up this live blog now but do nip over here to join me on the new one. | I’m winding up this live blog now but do nip over here to join me on the new one. |
| Here’s a round-up of what we’ve learned over the last few hours: | Here’s a round-up of what we’ve learned over the last few hours: |
| I have kept quiet, fear that this day might come. I will do so no more. | I have kept quiet, fear that this day might come. I will do so no more. |
| There can be no reversal of the course of action which I have now embarked upon. | There can be no reversal of the course of action which I have now embarked upon. |
| Blatter knows why he fell. And if anyone else knows, I do. | Blatter knows why he fell. And if anyone else knows, I do. |
| I and others on the Fifa executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup. | I and others on the Fifa executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup. |
| Thank you for reading and do join us on the latest live blog over here. | Thank you for reading and do join us on the latest live blog over here. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 7.35am BST | at 7.35am BST |
| 5.32am BST | 5.32am BST |
| 05:32 | 05:32 |
| Jack Warner: in quotes | Jack Warner: in quotes |
| Here are some of the most startling lines from Jack Warner’s address to Trinidad and Tobago TV viewers. | Here are some of the most startling lines from Jack Warner’s address to Trinidad and Tobago TV viewers. |
| (It’s worth bearing in mind that Warner has not produced any evidence to back his claims, promising only that “all” documents would be released at some unspecified point. Plus he thinks The Onion is a real news site.) | (It’s worth bearing in mind that Warner has not produced any evidence to back his claims, promising only that “all” documents would be released at some unspecified point. Plus he thinks The Onion is a real news site.) |
| I have kept quiet, fear that this day might come. I will do so no more. | I have kept quiet, fear that this day might come. I will do so no more. |
| I have told the truth in my statements. | I have told the truth in my statements. |
| I apologise to the people of Trinidad and Tobago for not disclosing my knowledge of these matters before. | I apologise to the people of Trinidad and Tobago for not disclosing my knowledge of these matters before. |
| There can be no reversal of the course of action which I have now embarked upon. | There can be no reversal of the course of action which I have now embarked upon. |
| And in his later speech to a meeting of supporters: | And in his later speech to a meeting of supporters: |
| Blatter knows why he fell. And if anyone else knows, I do. | Blatter knows why he fell. And if anyone else knows, I do. |
| 5.30am BST | 5.30am BST |
| 05:30 | 05:30 |
| Shalailah Medhora | Shalailah Medhora |
| My colleague Shalailah Medora was at the Nick Xenophon press conference and sends these lines on a potential Senate inquiry: | My colleague Shalailah Medora was at the Nick Xenophon press conference and sends these lines on a potential Senate inquiry: |
| Independent senator Nick Xenophon said that a Senate inquiry into Australia’s failed bid to host the 2022 Fifa World Cup is “almost inevitable”. | Independent senator Nick Xenophon said that a Senate inquiry into Australia’s failed bid to host the 2022 Fifa World Cup is “almost inevitable”. |
| Labor, the Greens and crossbench parties support the inquiry, and Xenophon is writing to sports minister Sussan Ley to try to garner government support for the probe. | Labor, the Greens and crossbench parties support the inquiry, and Xenophon is writing to sports minister Sussan Ley to try to garner government support for the probe. |
| But it’s unlikely that the government will acquiesce, with Ley issuing a statement in the past few days saying that questions on the bid are a matter for the FFA (Football Federation Australia), and that there will be an “opportunity for questions to be asked about taxpayer expenditure at Senate estimates”. | But it’s unlikely that the government will acquiesce, with Ley issuing a statement in the past few days saying that questions on the bid are a matter for the FFA (Football Federation Australia), and that there will be an “opportunity for questions to be asked about taxpayer expenditure at Senate estimates”. |
| 5.10am BST | 5.10am BST |
| 05:10 | 05:10 |
| A reminder of the background behind the current controversy around Australia’s World Cup bid. | A reminder of the background behind the current controversy around Australia’s World Cup bid. |
| Football Federation Australia (FFA) made a $500,000 donation to the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) for a stadium redevelopment during the bidding process for the 2022 tournament. | Football Federation Australia (FFA) made a $500,000 donation to the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) for a stadium redevelopment during the bidding process for the 2022 tournament. |
| In an open letter posted on Wednesday, FFA chairman Frank Lowy said the donation to Concacaf was a “compromise,” with Australia initially asked to donate $4m to the organisation. Warner’s “reputation as a ‘colourful character” was well known at the time, Lowy wrote. | In an open letter posted on Wednesday, FFA chairman Frank Lowy said the donation to Concacaf was a “compromise,” with Australia initially asked to donate $4m to the organisation. Warner’s “reputation as a ‘colourful character” was well known at the time, Lowy wrote. |
| The FFA deposited the donation directly into the Concacaf bank account and not Warner’s personal account, he said. | The FFA deposited the donation directly into the Concacaf bank account and not Warner’s personal account, he said. |
| “When Concacaf contacted us to say they were conducting an inquiry into its accounts, we provided information about our donation.” | “When Concacaf contacted us to say they were conducting an inquiry into its accounts, we provided information about our donation.” |
| “That inquiry – conducted by two former judges and a senior accountant – found that Jack Warner had committed fraud and misappropriated the funds – in other words he had stolen the money from Concacaf … | “That inquiry – conducted by two former judges and a senior accountant – found that Jack Warner had committed fraud and misappropriated the funds – in other words he had stolen the money from Concacaf … |
| “We asked Concacaf to give our money back because it wasn’t used for the purpose we intended, and were advised by Fifa to wait until the inquiries were complete.” | “We asked Concacaf to give our money back because it wasn’t used for the purpose we intended, and were advised by Fifa to wait until the inquiries were complete.” |
| Those inquiries are still ongoing, Lowy said. | Those inquiries are still ongoing, Lowy said. |
| 4.59am BST | 4.59am BST |
| 04:59 | 04:59 |
| Here we go: Senator Xenophon wants the Senate to investigate allegations around Australia’s World Cup bid, potentially alongside a judicial inquiry: | Here we go: Senator Xenophon wants the Senate to investigate allegations around Australia’s World Cup bid, potentially alongside a judicial inquiry: |
| .@Nick_Xenophon says Sen. is approp place for inquiry into #FIFA allegations, but wouldn't object to parallel judicial probe | .@Nick_Xenophon says Sen. is approp place for inquiry into #FIFA allegations, but wouldn't object to parallel judicial probe |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.01am BST | at 5.01am BST |
| 4.57am BST | 4.57am BST |
| 04:57 | 04:57 |
| It looks as if Xenophon has been honing his jibes, but presumably there will be more to this press conference eventually: | It looks as if Xenophon has been honing his jibes, but presumably there will be more to this press conference eventually: |
| Xenophon: "What a great name - Chuck Blazer. Well, I think Chuck's revelations are pretty chunderous. That was a terrible line, I'm sorry." | Xenophon: "What a great name - Chuck Blazer. Well, I think Chuck's revelations are pretty chunderous. That was a terrible line, I'm sorry." |
| 4.52am BST | 4.52am BST |
| 04:52 | 04:52 |
| Australian independent senator Nick Xenophon – who was been leading the anti-Fifa charge in Australia after claiming the country had been “treated like a mug” over its failed bid to host the 2022 World Cup – is holding a press conference in Canberra now: | Australian independent senator Nick Xenophon – who was been leading the anti-Fifa charge in Australia after claiming the country had been “treated like a mug” over its failed bid to host the 2022 World Cup – is holding a press conference in Canberra now: |
| Xenophon: "I think Sepp Blatter is to scandals to what cockroaches are to nuclear blasts." | Xenophon: "I think Sepp Blatter is to scandals to what cockroaches are to nuclear blasts." |
| 4.23am BST | 4.23am BST |
| 04:23 | 04:23 |
| Paul Farrell | Paul Farrell |
| Here’s my colleague Paul Farrell’s take on the … intriguing Jack Warner TV broadcast: | Here’s my colleague Paul Farrell’s take on the … intriguing Jack Warner TV broadcast: |
| Former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner has made an extraordinary TV appearance in which he says he fears for his life and claims he will prove a link between soccer’s governing body and the national elections in his native Trinidad and Tobago. | Former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner has made an extraordinary TV appearance in which he says he fears for his life and claims he will prove a link between soccer’s governing body and the national elections in his native Trinidad and Tobago. |
| Warner is the subject of an Interpol Red Notice, and was arrested and held in jail overnight in Trinidad last Wednesday, but was later released on bail. | Warner is the subject of an Interpol Red Notice, and was arrested and held in jail overnight in Trinidad last Wednesday, but was later released on bail. |
| He initially denied any wrongdoing, and said at the time he was “afforded no due process”. | He initially denied any wrongdoing, and said at the time he was “afforded no due process”. |
| In a televised broadcast in Trinidad on Wednesday night, Warner claimed he had documentation that could prove a link between key Fifa officials and the 2010 Trinidad election. | In a televised broadcast in Trinidad on Wednesday night, Warner claimed he had documentation that could prove a link between key Fifa officials and the 2010 Trinidad election. |
| “I will no longer keep secrets for them,” he said. | “I will no longer keep secrets for them,” he said. |
| Warner makes allegations that the documents “also deal with my knowledge of transactions at Fifa, including – but not limited to – its president, Mr Sepp Blatter”. | Warner makes allegations that the documents “also deal with my knowledge of transactions at Fifa, including – but not limited to – its president, Mr Sepp Blatter”. |
| Blatter has not yet responded to Warner’s allegations | Blatter has not yet responded to Warner’s allegations |
| Warner also apologised for not disclosing his knowledge of the alleged links previously. | Warner also apologised for not disclosing his knowledge of the alleged links previously. |
| “Not even death will stop the avalanche that is coming” he said. | “Not even death will stop the avalanche that is coming” he said. |
| “The die is cast. There can be no turning back. Let the chips fall where they fall.” | “The die is cast. There can be no turning back. Let the chips fall where they fall.” |
| Warner is yet to produce any documentation to support his allegations. | Warner is yet to produce any documentation to support his allegations. |
| Related: Fifa crisis: Jack Warner says he fears for life and will reveal 'avalanche' of secrets | Related: Fifa crisis: Jack Warner says he fears for life and will reveal 'avalanche' of secrets |
| 4.14am BST | 4.14am BST |
| 04:14 | 04:14 |
| Prakash Ramadhar, a politician in Trinidad and Tobago who leads the Congress of the People (COP) – Jack Warner, remember, is also an MP, for his own Independent Liberal party – has hit back at claims by Warner that he has evidence linking Fifa and elections in T&T in 2010: | Prakash Ramadhar, a politician in Trinidad and Tobago who leads the Congress of the People (COP) – Jack Warner, remember, is also an MP, for his own Independent Liberal party – has hit back at claims by Warner that he has evidence linking Fifa and elections in T&T in 2010: |
| For too long we, the people of Trinidad and Tobago, have endured the self-serving mind games meted out by Mr Austin “Jack” Warner. | For too long we, the people of Trinidad and Tobago, have endured the self-serving mind games meted out by Mr Austin “Jack” Warner. |
| We, the COP, will not be quiet while Mr Warner attempts to hold the democracy of our precious country to ransom. The country is entitled to and deserves truth and facts. | We, the COP, will not be quiet while Mr Warner attempts to hold the democracy of our precious country to ransom. The country is entitled to and deserves truth and facts. |
| Mr Warner, if you have evidence, you must bring it NOW! It is unacceptable for you to once again say “not tonight”. | Mr Warner, if you have evidence, you must bring it NOW! It is unacceptable for you to once again say “not tonight”. |
| Any delay in producing facts to prove your allegations will demonstrate that you are promoting your own self interest and not the interest of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. We deserve better. | Any delay in producing facts to prove your allegations will demonstrate that you are promoting your own self interest and not the interest of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. We deserve better. |
| I’ve sourced the quotes from Trinidad and Tobago’s C News here. | I’ve sourced the quotes from Trinidad and Tobago’s C News here. |
| 4.06am BST | 4.06am BST |
| 04:06 | 04:06 |
| Australia would like another run at hosting the 2022 World Cup, it seems. | Australia would like another run at hosting the 2022 World Cup, it seems. |
| Victoria’s sports minister, John Eren, has said if Qatar should be stripped of hosting the 2022 World Cup amid the scandal and the dramatic resignation of Fifa president Sepp Blatter, Melbourne was ready to step up. | Victoria’s sports minister, John Eren, has said if Qatar should be stripped of hosting the 2022 World Cup amid the scandal and the dramatic resignation of Fifa president Sepp Blatter, Melbourne was ready to step up. |
| Eren said: | Eren said: |
| We are certainly ready. Forget about seven years’ preparation, we could host the World Cup here tomorrow. | We are certainly ready. Forget about seven years’ preparation, we could host the World Cup here tomorrow. |
| All we need to do is dig up the [AFL] goal posts and we’re ready to go. We’ve already paid our dues, we’ve already put in a bid. | All we need to do is dig up the [AFL] goal posts and we’re ready to go. We’ve already paid our dues, we’ve already put in a bid. |
| All we’re saying is, now it’s a level playing field. | All we’re saying is, now it’s a level playing field. |
| Eren did concede that some work would be needed to ready infrastructure and transport systems. | Eren did concede that some work would be needed to ready infrastructure and transport systems. |
| Potential venues would include the MCG, Etihad Stadium, AAMI Park and Geelong’s Simonds stadium. | Potential venues would include the MCG, Etihad Stadium, AAMI Park and Geelong’s Simonds stadium. |
| 3.42am BST | 3.42am BST |
| 03:42 | 03:42 |
| A reminder of the charges that Jack Warner is facing, according to the red notice (wanted person alert) issued by Interpol on Wednesday: | A reminder of the charges that Jack Warner is facing, according to the red notice (wanted person alert) issued by Interpol on Wednesday: |
| Warner denies wrongdoing. | Warner denies wrongdoing. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.31am BST | at 4.31am BST |
| 3.31am BST | 3.31am BST |
| 03:31 | 03:31 |
| The controversy over Australia’s failed bid to host the 2022 World Cup – which was awarded to Qatar – continues. My colleague Melissa Davey has this report; here are the key lines: | The controversy over Australia’s failed bid to host the 2022 World Cup – which was awarded to Qatar – continues. My colleague Melissa Davey has this report; here are the key lines: |
| Australia’s federal police have made inquiries to the Department of Health and Sport regarding payments linked to the country’s 2022 Fifa World Cup bid, as they determine whether Australian laws against international corruption have been breached. | Australia’s federal police have made inquiries to the Department of Health and Sport regarding payments linked to the country’s 2022 Fifa World Cup bid, as they determine whether Australian laws against international corruption have been breached. |
| The department provides funding to Football Federation Australia (FFA), which made a $500,000 donation to the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), for a stadium redevelopment during the bidding process for the tournament. | The department provides funding to Football Federation Australia (FFA), which made a $500,000 donation to the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), for a stadium redevelopment during the bidding process for the tournament. |
| That money was allegedly pocketed by former Concacaf president, Jack Warner, who is on Interpol’s wanted persons list for charges including racketeering, conspiracy and corruption. Warner was among 14 Fifa officials and other corporate executives charged by the US justice department last week as part of a corruption investigation. | That money was allegedly pocketed by former Concacaf president, Jack Warner, who is on Interpol’s wanted persons list for charges including racketeering, conspiracy and corruption. Warner was among 14 Fifa officials and other corporate executives charged by the US justice department last week as part of a corruption investigation. |
| The FFA has said the $500,000 donation did not come from taxpayer money, but the Australian federal police (AFP) confirmed it had made inquiries to the Department of Health and Sport. | The FFA has said the $500,000 donation did not come from taxpayer money, but the Australian federal police (AFP) confirmed it had made inquiries to the Department of Health and Sport. |
| While an AFP spokesman said it was to soon to say an investigation was under way, he confirmed police were “looking into it”. | While an AFP spokesman said it was to soon to say an investigation was under way, he confirmed police were “looking into it”. |
| Related: Fifa crisis: police investigate Australia's $500,000 donation during failed World Cup bid | Related: Fifa crisis: police investigate Australia's $500,000 donation during failed World Cup bid |
| 3.15am BST | 3.15am BST |
| 03:15 | 03:15 |
| Away from Jack Warner for a moment, and Reuters reports that the Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) headquarters have been raided as part of the Fifa investigation: | Away from Jack Warner for a moment, and Reuters reports that the Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) headquarters have been raided as part of the Fifa investigation: |
| Military intelligence raided the headquarters of the FVF on Wednesday as part of a corruption investigation following the arrest of its former president Rafael Esquivel in Switzerland. | Military intelligence raided the headquarters of the FVF on Wednesday as part of a corruption investigation following the arrest of its former president Rafael Esquivel in Switzerland. |
| Esquivel was detained in Zurich last week along with six other officials of world governing body Fifa accused of receiving millions of dollars in bribes. | Esquivel was detained in Zurich last week along with six other officials of world governing body Fifa accused of receiving millions of dollars in bribes. |
| Venezuela’s public prosecutor’s office said in a statement that military intelligence agents had gone into the FVF office in Caracas “as part of the investigation into alleged irregularities” by Esquivel. | Venezuela’s public prosecutor’s office said in a statement that military intelligence agents had gone into the FVF office in Caracas “as part of the investigation into alleged irregularities” by Esquivel. |
| It gave no further details and there was no immediate from the Venezuelan federation. | It gave no further details and there was no immediate from the Venezuelan federation. |
| Esquivel, 68, who ran the federation since 1988, and the other detainees in Zurich could face extradition proceedings to the United States. | Esquivel, 68, who ran the federation since 1988, and the other detainees in Zurich could face extradition proceedings to the United States. |
| As part of the investigation, authorities accused the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) of participating in a bribery scandal worth $100m related to the granting of commercial rights for various Copa America tournaments, including the one which kicks off in Chile next week. | As part of the investigation, authorities accused the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) of participating in a bribery scandal worth $100m related to the granting of commercial rights for various Copa America tournaments, including the one which kicks off in Chile next week. |
| 3.09am BST | 3.09am BST |
| 03:09 | 03:09 |
| Warner: I have kept quiet, fear that this day might come. I will do so no more. | Warner: I have kept quiet, fear that this day might come. I will do so no more. |
| 3.06am BST | 3.06am BST |
| 03:06 | 03:06 |
| Warner says: “I have told the truth in my statements.” | Warner says: “I have told the truth in my statements.” |
| He says he has instructed his lawyers to make contact with law enforcement authorities “both in and outside Trinidad and Tobago”. | He says he has instructed his lawyers to make contact with law enforcement authorities “both in and outside Trinidad and Tobago”. |
| “There can be no reversal of the course of action which I have now embarked upon.” | “There can be no reversal of the course of action which I have now embarked upon.” |
| 3.03am BST | 3.03am BST |
| 03:03 | 03:03 |
| Warner: I apologise to the people of Trinidad and Tobago for not disclosing my knowledge of these matters before. | Warner: I apologise to the people of Trinidad and Tobago for not disclosing my knowledge of these matters before. |
| And he paraphrases Gandhi – that throughout history, there have been tyrants: | And he paraphrases Gandhi – that throughout history, there have been tyrants: |
| But in the end, they all fall. | But in the end, they all fall. |
| 3.01am BST | 3.01am BST |
| 03:01 | 03:01 |
| Warner says the documents “also deal with my knowledge of certain transactions at Fifa, including – but not limited to – its president, Mr Sepp Blatter”. | Warner says the documents “also deal with my knowledge of certain transactions at Fifa, including – but not limited to – its president, Mr Sepp Blatter”. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 7.35am BST | at 7.35am BST |
| 2.58am BST | 2.58am BST |
| 02:58 | 02:58 |
| In the broadcast, Warner says: | In the broadcast, Warner says: |
| Tonight I come to you as a man who has been publicly excoriated … | Tonight I come to you as a man who has been publicly excoriated … |
| He says he has entrusted documents to a third party, beyond his own reach, that he claims demonstrate “the link between Fifa, its funding and me”, as well as what he alleges are links between Fifa and the United National Congress, one of the parties in Trinidad and Tobago’s ruling coalition, and others relating to the T&T elections of 2010. | He says he has entrusted documents to a third party, beyond his own reach, that he claims demonstrate “the link between Fifa, its funding and me”, as well as what he alleges are links between Fifa and the United National Congress, one of the parties in Trinidad and Tobago’s ruling coalition, and others relating to the T&T elections of 2010. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.23am BST | at 3.23am BST |
| 2.45am BST | 2.45am BST |
| 02:45 | 02:45 |
| You can see the video of Warner’s TV broadcast – he bought the airtime – here. Tellingly, the political address was entitled: The Gloves Are Off. | You can see the video of Warner’s TV broadcast – he bought the airtime – here. Tellingly, the political address was entitled: The Gloves Are Off. |
| In it he claims to have knowledge of links between Fifa and the 2010 elections in Trinidad and Tobago, and insists he did not receive a bribe from South Africa for its 2010 World Cup bid. | In it he claims to have knowledge of links between Fifa and the 2010 elections in Trinidad and Tobago, and insists he did not receive a bribe from South Africa for its 2010 World Cup bid. |
| 2.25am BST | 2.25am BST |
| 02:25 | 02:25 |
| Sepp Blatter might not be feeling very comfortable if he’s hearing this (long) speech by former colleague Jack Warner. | Sepp Blatter might not be feeling very comfortable if he’s hearing this (long) speech by former colleague Jack Warner. |
| Warner said that when he heard Blatter was stepping down, he wrote him to urge his immediate departure from Fifa: | Warner said that when he heard Blatter was stepping down, he wrote him to urge his immediate departure from Fifa: |
| Blatter knows why he fell. And if anyone else knows, I do. | Blatter knows why he fell. And if anyone else knows, I do. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 2.28am BST | at 2.28am BST |
| 2.22am BST | 2.22am BST |
| 02:22 | 02:22 |
| Associated Press has filed this report on Warner’s explosive comments: | Associated Press has filed this report on Warner’s explosive comments: |
| Former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner made a televised address in Trinidad on Wednesday night, saying he will prove a link between football’s governing body and his nation’s elections in 2010. | Former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner made a televised address in Trinidad on Wednesday night, saying he will prove a link between football’s governing body and his nation’s elections in 2010. |
| “I will no longer keep secrets for them who actively seek to destroy the country,” Warner said. | “I will no longer keep secrets for them who actively seek to destroy the country,” Warner said. |
| Warner also said in the address, which was a paid political advertisement, that “I reasonably actually fear for my life.” | Warner also said in the address, which was a paid political advertisement, that “I reasonably actually fear for my life.” |
| Half an hour after the speech aired, Warner appeared at his Independent Liberal Party’s rally held under a canopy on a residential street. At least a couple of hundred people were present when Warner spoke, many of them having not seen the televised remarks. | Half an hour after the speech aired, Warner appeared at his Independent Liberal Party’s rally held under a canopy on a residential street. At least a couple of hundred people were present when Warner spoke, many of them having not seen the televised remarks. |
| Warner said he has documents and checks that link Fifa officials, including embattled President Sepp Blatter, to the 2010 election in Trinidad and Tobago. | Warner said he has documents and checks that link Fifa officials, including embattled President Sepp Blatter, to the 2010 election in Trinidad and Tobago. |
| “I apologise for not disclosing my knowledge of these events before,” Warner said. | “I apologise for not disclosing my knowledge of these events before,” Warner said. |
| At his rally, a half-hour into his remarks, Warner – mopping sweat from his forehead several times – told supporters that he will not hold back in his newfound plan to expose scandal. | At his rally, a half-hour into his remarks, Warner – mopping sweat from his forehead several times – told supporters that he will not hold back in his newfound plan to expose scandal. |
| He said he has compiled reams of documents and is delivering them to his attorneys, for them to disseminate as they see. | He said he has compiled reams of documents and is delivering them to his attorneys, for them to disseminate as they see. |
| “Not even death will stop the avalanche that is coming,” Warner said as his supporters cheered in celebration. | “Not even death will stop the avalanche that is coming,” Warner said as his supporters cheered in celebration. |
| “The die is cast. There can be no turning back. Let the chips fall where they fall.” | “The die is cast. There can be no turning back. Let the chips fall where they fall.” |
| 2.17am BST | 2.17am BST |
| 02:17 | 02:17 |
| Warner: Blatter 'caused my demise' | Warner: Blatter 'caused my demise' |
| Warner doesn’t sound too warm about his former boss at Fifa: | Warner doesn’t sound too warm about his former boss at Fifa: |
| Warner to Sepp Blatter: You can't say you're resigning and stay on. He caused my demise. I didn't cause his. #Marabella | Warner to Sepp Blatter: You can't say you're resigning and stay on. He caused my demise. I didn't cause his. #Marabella |
| 2.17am BST | 2.17am BST |
| 02:17 | 02:17 |
| Warner: I did not receive a bribe from South Africa | Warner: I did not receive a bribe from South Africa |
| Warner is still addressing supporters. | Warner is still addressing supporters. |
| He denies receiving any bribe from the South African FA in its World Cup bid: | He denies receiving any bribe from the South African FA in its World Cup bid: |
| Warner: Half the things you hear is not true, South Africa did not give me any bribe #FIFA | Warner: Half the things you hear is not true, South Africa did not give me any bribe #FIFA |
| Warner: Not even the fear for my life will stop the avalanche that is coming | Warner: Not even the fear for my life will stop the avalanche that is coming |
| The Arabic world pay as much money as anybody else for #FIFA rights says #Warner | The Arabic world pay as much money as anybody else for #FIFA rights says #Warner |
| (It’s unclear whether he is talking about legitimate or other means here.) | (It’s unclear whether he is talking about legitimate or other means here.) |
| 2.08am BST | 2.08am BST |
| 02:08 | 02:08 |
| Warner – who was briefly held in prison last week before being freed on bail – has called for better jail conditions, Trinidad media reports: | Warner – who was briefly held in prison last week before being freed on bail – has called for better jail conditions, Trinidad media reports: |
| @cnewslive says fix the jail, conditions are woeful. Crowd laughs. pic.twitter.com/3S5qugDeJw | @cnewslive says fix the jail, conditions are woeful. Crowd laughs. pic.twitter.com/3S5qugDeJw |
| 1.59am BST | 1.59am BST |
| 01:59 | 01:59 |
| Warner is now at a meeting of his Independent Liberal party: | Warner is now at a meeting of his Independent Liberal party: |
| @tv6tnt Jack Warner arrives in Marabella and hugs and kisses children. pic.twitter.com/OWh6G6UAjo | @tv6tnt Jack Warner arrives in Marabella and hugs and kisses children. pic.twitter.com/OWh6G6UAjo |
| He told the meeting that the events of the past week had changed his life. | He told the meeting that the events of the past week had changed his life. |
| Warner: They want to demonise me | Warner: They want to demonise me |
| 1.40am BST | 1.40am BST |
| 01:40 | 01:40 |
| Jack Warner: 'I have kept quiet. I will do so no more' | Jack Warner: 'I have kept quiet. I will do so no more' |
| Some extraordinary comments are coming from Jack Warner’s televised address, via tweets from Trinidad and Tobago’s TV6 channel. | Some extraordinary comments are coming from Jack Warner’s televised address, via tweets from Trinidad and Tobago’s TV6 channel. |
| You can read the chain of tweets below, but the key points: | You can read the chain of tweets below, but the key points: |
| Here are the TV6 tweets as it happened: | Here are the TV6 tweets as it happened: |
| Warner: I no longer keep secrets for those persons who seek to actively destroy this country's hard-earned image | Warner: I no longer keep secrets for those persons who seek to actively destroy this country's hard-earned image |
| Warner: I reasonably and surely fear for my life pic.twitter.com/hty9MaF19S | Warner: I reasonably and surely fear for my life pic.twitter.com/hty9MaF19S |
| Warner: I have compiled a series of documents, cheques etc & placed them in different hands, even beyond my own reach | Warner: I have compiled a series of documents, cheques etc & placed them in different hands, even beyond my own reach |
| Warner: Documents on link with FIFA funding and me, UNC/PP, Section 34, Blatter and the PM | Warner: Documents on link with FIFA funding and me, UNC/PP, Section 34, Blatter and the PM |
| UNC is the United National Congress, one of the parties in Trinidad and Tobago’s ruling coalition, the People’s Partnership (PP). Section 34 relates to a political row over changes to the constitution and indictable offences: you can read some background to that here. | UNC is the United National Congress, one of the parties in Trinidad and Tobago’s ruling coalition, the People’s Partnership (PP). Section 34 relates to a political row over changes to the constitution and indictable offences: you can read some background to that here. |
| Warner: I place my future in the hands of the people. I have told the truth in my statements | Warner: I place my future in the hands of the people. I have told the truth in my statements |
| Warner: My lawyers are making contact with law enforcement authorities, in & out of T&T, with regard to statements I have made | Warner: My lawyers are making contact with law enforcement authorities, in & out of T&T, with regard to statements I have made |
| Warner: I will release those who hold the evidence on my behalf, all of it. I have kept quiet. I will do so no more pic.twitter.com/fRZHWH3sjc | Warner: I will release those who hold the evidence on my behalf, all of it. I have kept quiet. I will do so no more pic.twitter.com/fRZHWH3sjc |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.55am BST | at 1.55am BST |
| 1.27am BST | 1.27am BST |
| 01:27 | 01:27 |
| Jack Warner: 'I fear for my life' | Jack Warner: 'I fear for my life' |
| Some details of Warner’s TV appearance – it looks to have been more sombre than his dancing efforts on the day he was released from jail. | Some details of Warner’s TV appearance – it looks to have been more sombre than his dancing efforts on the day he was released from jail. |
| Jack Warner on TV6 NOW: He says he put a lot of resources into the PP... pic.twitter.com/GNmHbKTN6B | Jack Warner on TV6 NOW: He says he put a lot of resources into the PP... pic.twitter.com/GNmHbKTN6B |
| Warner formed his own political party, the Independent Liberal Party (ILP), in 2013, and is the MP for Chaguanas West (a position he previously held for a different party). | Warner formed his own political party, the Independent Liberal Party (ILP), in 2013, and is the MP for Chaguanas West (a position he previously held for a different party). |
| Warner: "I fear for my life..." He explains that he has kept copies to cheques and other documents relating to section 34. | Warner: "I fear for my life..." He explains that he has kept copies to cheques and other documents relating to section 34. |
| (I have to confess I’m not sure what the section 34 part relates to – I don’t have access to Trinidadian TV and am relying on reports. More when I have it.) | (I have to confess I’m not sure what the section 34 part relates to – I don’t have access to Trinidadian TV and am relying on reports. More when I have it.) |
| Edit: here’s more as promised. Section 34 relates to a political row over changes to the constitution and indictable offences: you can read some background to that here. | Edit: here’s more as promised. Section 34 relates to a political row over changes to the constitution and indictable offences: you can read some background to that here. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.55am BST | at 1.55am BST |
| 1.20am BST | 1.20am BST |
| 01:20 | 01:20 |
| Jack Warner, the former Fifa vice-president among those indicted and arrested last week, is due to make a televised address on Trinidadian TV. | Jack Warner, the former Fifa vice-president among those indicted and arrested last week, is due to make a televised address on Trinidadian TV. |
| A reporter on the scene says the media are still waiting for Warner to put in an appearance at a meeting of his Independent Liberal party: | A reporter on the scene says the media are still waiting for Warner to put in an appearance at a meeting of his Independent Liberal party: |
| @cnewslive media in full force waiting for jack Warner. Marabella. jw not here yet. pic.twitter.com/Ey1M5WQip2 | @cnewslive media in full force waiting for jack Warner. Marabella. jw not here yet. pic.twitter.com/Ey1M5WQip2 |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.22am BST | at 1.22am BST |
| 1.04am BST | 1.04am BST |
| 01:04 | 01:04 |
| As Chuck Blazer’s 2013 court testimony is unsealed, here’s a round-up of some key quotes and admissions: | As Chuck Blazer’s 2013 court testimony is unsealed, here’s a round-up of some key quotes and admissions: |
| I and others on the Fifa executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup … | I and others on the Fifa executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup … |
| I agreed with other persons in or around 1992 to facilitate the acceptance of a bribe in conjunction with the selection of the host nation for the 1998 World Cup … | I agreed with other persons in or around 1992 to facilitate the acceptance of a bribe in conjunction with the selection of the host nation for the 1998 World Cup … |
| I and others agreed that I or a co-conspirator would commit at least two acts of racketeering activity … | I and others agreed that I or a co-conspirator would commit at least two acts of racketeering activity … |
| Beginning in, or around, 2004 and continuing to 2011, I and others on the Fifa executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup … | Beginning in, or around, 2004 and continuing to 2011, I and others on the Fifa executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup … |
| In and around 1993 and continuing through the early 2000s I and others agreed to accept bribes and kickbacks in conjunction with the broadcast and other rights to the 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2003 Gold Cups … | In and around 1993 and continuing through the early 2000s I and others agreed to accept bribes and kickbacks in conjunction with the broadcast and other rights to the 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2003 Gold Cups … |
| I knew my actions were wrong at the time. | I knew my actions were wrong at the time. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.13am BST | at 1.13am BST |
| 12.31am BST | 12.31am BST |
| 00:31 | 00:31 |
| Claire Phipps | Claire Phipps |
| Hello from Sydney where we’re taking over the Fifa live blog and will continue to bring you updates. | Hello from Sydney where we’re taking over the Fifa live blog and will continue to bring you updates. |
| Just a bit of local news first. The Australian federal police has put out a statement saying it would be considering investigating the country’s bid for the 2022 World Cup. | Just a bit of local news first. The Australian federal police has put out a statement saying it would be considering investigating the country’s bid for the 2022 World Cup. |
| Here is Australian Associated Press’s quick take on that: | Here is Australian Associated Press’s quick take on that: |
| Federal police are considering whether to launch an investigation into corruption claims surrounding Australia’s bid for the 2022 World Cup. | Federal police are considering whether to launch an investigation into corruption claims surrounding Australia’s bid for the 2022 World Cup. |
| The AFP has confirmed it has been asked to provide advice after being contacted by former football executive and whistleblower Bonita Mersiades and independent senator Nick Xenophon. | The AFP has confirmed it has been asked to provide advice after being contacted by former football executive and whistleblower Bonita Mersiades and independent senator Nick Xenophon. |
| “The AFP will assess the letters and provide advice in due course,” it said in a statement on Thursday. | “The AFP will assess the letters and provide advice in due course,” it said in a statement on Thursday. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.00am BST | at 5.00am BST |
| 12.04am BST | |
| 00:04 | |
| I will sign off from New York now and hand over to my colleagues in Australia. A summary of events so far: | |
| Fifa whistleblower Chuck Blazer says he agreed to take bribes over hosting rights for the 1998 and 2010 World Cups. | |
| Sources say the FBI investigation into Fifa has widened to take in how the tournaments in 2018 and 2022 were awarded. The official told Reuters that the review of the awards to host the tournament would be part of a probe that is looking beyond corruption allegations. | |
| Qatar said there was no way it would be stripped of the right to host the World Cup despite the corruption scandal surrounding FIFA, dismissing a “bashing campaign” of criticism of its 2022 bid as anti-Arab prejudice. | |
| 11.56pm BST | |
| 23:56 | |
| Before Uefa’s Michel Platini gets too excited about taking over from Blatter: | |
| @Tim_Vickery @MartinLipton @MrElmi_19 No candidate put forward by UEFA will be elected president of FIFA. | |
| 11.47pm BST | |
| 23:47 | |
| Jack Warner, another figure at the heart of the Fifa scandal, has announced he will be addressing the nation (by which I assume he means Trinidad). When it comes to Warner this could mean anything: from allegations that every single World Cup in history has been rigged to a note on what he had for dinner. I’m thinking it probably won’t be about his dinner though. That statement in full: | |
| Please be advised that #JackWarner will deliver an address to the nation at 8pm tonight on the following television stations: TV6, Synergy, IBN and WINTV. | |
| 8pm Trinidad time is 8pm ET (US); 1am (UK) and 10am AEST (Australia). | |
| Updated | |
| at 11.47pm BST | |
| 11.29pm BST | |
| 23:29 | |
| It should also be noted that the judge in Blazer’s case used strong language to refer to Fifa. This from the Guardian’s report on today’s events: | |
| The judge in the case, Raymond Dearie, referred to Fifa as a Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization, the same terminology used in cases of organised crime, and only allowed the hearing to proceed after the Brooklyn courtroom had been locked. | |
| 11.02pm BST | |
| 23:02 | |
| David Smith has filed more on the reaction in South Africa, where Fikile Mbalula, the sports minister, was speaking before Blazer’s allegations that bribes had been agreed upon for the 2010 World Cup: | |
| Mbalula made a plea to the South African media on Wednesday that may well backfire: “Don’t be the first to chase us about bribes when we did not bribe … There is sovereignty and patriotism. We cannot be the first on the march to attack our own country. I know it sounds patronising but it is not. I must say don’t attack your own country. I’m saying state the facts and follow what needs to be followed.” | |
| Updated | |
| at 11.21pm BST | |
| 10.45pm BST | |
| 22:45 | |
| Our chief sport correspondent, Owen Gibson, has written on how the issues surrounding Fifa have been obscured by international politics and resentment. | |
| Dispense with the tactics board, send for the Risk-style war room. If battle lines were not already drawn jaggedly between football’s superpowers (and its many minnows who share equal voting rights) after the damning US indictment of 18 football executives on 47 corruption charges, they certainly are now. | |
| It is a once-in-a-generation tussle for power and control of world football that will play out over the coming months and could decide whether Fifa is reformed from top to bottom or ends up an even more compromised version of the dysfunctional beast ridden by Sepp Blatter for the past 17 years. | |
| As the FBI continued judiciously leaking details of its investigation, it casually lobbed a new grenade that will have caused apoplexy from Doha to Durban to St Petersburg, where they are already planning next month’s preliminary draw for the qualifying phase of the 2018 World Cup. | |
| You can read the full article here. | |
| 10.26pm BST | |
| 22:26 | |
| This story from 2011 doesn’t reflect too well on Blazer now. Some choice quotes: | |
| Mohamed bin Hammam’s chief accuser, the Fifa executive-committee member Chuck Blazer, has welcomed the lifetime ban handed to the Qatari as a deterrent to anyone tempted to bribe another football official. | |
| Blazer, the general secretary of Concacaf, informed Fifa head office of the corruption scandal that had engulfed the meeting of the Caribbean Football Union on 10-11 May. | |
| “I learned through some members that cash was being offered to members of our confederation for their votes and to me that’s about as bad a situation as I can imagine,” Blazer said of the extraordinary congress at which $1m (£613,000) cash changed hands in brown envelopes, leading to Bin Hammam’s ban. | |
| “I believe vote-buying is unacceptable and I felt that had to be said widely and clearly, and I am very glad the ethics committee has confirmed that, regarding bribery, we have zero tolerance. | |
| 10.15pm BST | |
| 22:15 | |
| PA’s Martyn Ziegler says it was Morocco who offered bribes for the rights to host the 1998 World Cup. | |
| This shows it was Morocco who bribed Blazer for 1998 World Cup: http://t.co/gsjc4gPP6v | |
| It is alleged Blazer and others were offered $1m to influence the vote. | |
| 10.10pm BST | |
| 22:10 | |
| David Beckham, who was a major part of England’s failed bid to host the 2018 World Cup, has weighed into the Fifa debate calling the allegations despicable. “Some of the things that we now know happened were despicable, unacceptable and awful for the game that we love so much,” Beckham told Sky Sports News. “Football is not owned by a few individuals at the top, it belongs to the millions of people around the world who love this sport. It is time for Fifa to change and we should all welcome it.” | |
| 9.54pm BST | |
| 21:54 | |
| Chuck Blazer, it appears, was nothing if not consistent when it came to taking bribes. He also reeled off an impressive list of Gold Cups (the Concacaf equivalent of the European Championships or Africa Cup of Nations) in his testimony. This just through: | |
| In and around 1993 and continuing through the early 2000s I and others agreed to accept bribes and kickbacks in conjunction with the broadcast and other rights to the 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2003 Gold Cups. | |
| The US was host or co-host of all those tournaments. So, if as some allege, this whole investigation is a US plot to make its enemies look bad, it’s a pretty shoddy plot. | |
| 9.41pm BST | |
| 21:41 | |
| For those who want to know more about the inner workings of Chuck Blazer’s mind, you’d do well to read his amazing blog (which I am assured is genuine). A highlight below from his meeting with Vladimir Putin: | |
| A firm handshake and a personable smile set the tone for what turned out to be a very special experience. He guided me to sit on a leather couch in the near right corner of the room. At right angles to that couch was another matching one where he took up his position so that we flanked the corner of a large wood bordered coffee table. On my couch, sitting near enough to be part of the conversation was the translator; while on Mr Putin’s was Vitaly Mutko. The conversation began in a normal enough way, each of us thanking the other for making time for the visit. Genial welcomes continued until at one moment, he looked at me with a very serious gaze and said, without cracking a smile, “You know, you look like Karl Marx!” | |
| Updated | |
| at 9.41pm BST | |
| 9.35pm BST | |
| 21:35 | |
| Here’s a nice Twitter heatmap of the Blatter resignation news exploding around the world: | |
| Blatter resignation - heat map tracks the Twitter response http://t.co/x6z6zIpXz4 | |
| 9.23pm BST | |
| 21:23 | |
| Here’s the Guardian’s first take on the Blazer testimony. A full story will follow: | |
| Fifa whistleblower Chuck Blazer has said the executive committee took bribes over the 1998 and 2010 World Cups. | |
| Details of Blazer’s plea bargain was published on Wednesday by the United States Department of Justice, with the former general secretary of Concacaf also admitting to two counts of racketeering. | |
| “I and others on the Fifa executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South | |
| Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup,” read his testimony. | |
| “I agreed with other persons in or around 1992 to facilitate the acceptance of a bribe in conjunction with the selection of the host nation for the 1998 World Cup.” | |
| 9.18pm BST | |
| 21:18 | |
| Apart from allegations of rampant corruption, the Blazer testimony also contains jokes: | |
| Favourite extract. Judge: "I don't know how you pronounce it, 'FIFA'" State attorney: "FIFA, Your Honour". #Blazer pic.twitter.com/xEmLm5YXLS | |
| 9.15pm BST | |
| 21:15 | |
| Publicity shy London mayor Boris Johnson says his city is ready to step in and host the World Cup. Brazil v Argentina at Brentford, anyone? | |
| 9.11pm BST | |
| 21:11 | |
| Incidentally, Morocco lost out to France in the bid to host the 1998 World Cup. South Africa beat bids from Morocco and Egypt in 2010. Morocco actually lost out on bids for 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2010 | |
| Updated | |
| at 10.12pm BST | |
| 9.01pm BST | |
| 21:01 | |
| And Blazer claims that the 1998 World Cup, in France, was involved too: | |
| I agreed with other persons in or around 1992 to facilitate the acceptance of a bribe in conjunction with the selection of the host nation for the 1998 World Cup | |
| 8.42pm BST | |
| 20:42 | |
| Chuck Blazer says he agreed to bribes over the 1998 and 2010 World Cups | |
| Here’s more from Chuck Blazer, it’s from testimony published by the United States Department of Justice: | |
| I and others on the Fifa executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup | |
| Updated | |
| at 9.36pm BST | |
| 8.40pm BST | |
| 20:40 | |
| Big news breaking at the moment. Chuck Blazer, the man who kicked off the events of the last week or so, alleges he and others on the Fifa executive committee say they took bribes over the right to award the 2010 World Cup to South Africa. | |
| BREAKING: FIFA whistle blower Chuck Blazer says he and others on FIFA executive committee (1/2) #SSNHQ | |
| BREAKING: (2/2) agreed to accept bribes over award of 2010 World Cup to South Afirca. #SSNHQ | |
| Updated | |
| at 8.40pm BST | |
| 8.25pm BST | |
| 20:25 | |
| We’ve got a press round-up of reaction to Sepp Blatter’s resignation from around the world. It’s fair to say that it’s been a mixed reaction: | |
| Africa Blatter’s departure is a machination of western governments United States I guess we could say for the moment, Hallelujah Russia The Americans ... forced Blatter out. They forced him out Asia Fifa under Blatter was no longer an arrogant Euro-centric club Spain Blatter a victim of ‘Anglo-Saxon interests’ | |
| For the full rundown of the reaction from Honduras to Indonesia and (almost) everywhere in between, you can click here. | |
| 8.08pm BST | |
| 20:08 | |
| Current players have been fairly quiet on the Fifa controversy but former players? They’ve been very entertaining indeed. Ronaldo (Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldo rather than Portuguese genius Ronaldo) has called on Marco Polo Del Nero, the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, to quit. Del Nero, is being held in a Swiss on charges related to the current scandal. | |
| “It’s evident the kind of relationship he [Del Nero] had with Marin,” Ronaldo said on Wednesday. “Therefore, it would be a good moment for him to resign.” | |
| 7.54pm BST | |
| 19:54 | |
| Fifa’s auditors, KPMG, have come under criticism for failing to keep a proper eye on affairs at football’s governing body. This is from MarketWatch: | |
| Robert Appleton, a former assistant United States attorney, a special investigations counsel with Paul Volcker’s UN Iraqi Oil for Food Commission Investigation and the former chief of the United Nations Anti-Corruption Task Force, said KPMG absolutely should have caught, and called out, alleged illegal activities. | |
| “There were sufficient red flags of improper and highly suspicious payments, as well as money transfers to and from officials and others, including other highly questionable activities coupled with a history of similar issues, that should have been identified and that should have caused the auditors to highlight and report on them internally, and recommend further investigation. This is especially the case in light of the recent history of this organization, where recent investigations already had found bribery and corruption activity,” Appleton said. | |
| It doesn’t look like Swiss lawmakers are going to crack down on corruption anyway. AP reports that a bill that could help wrongdoing in bodies such as Fifa has been turned down: | |
| Swiss lawmakers have voted to weaken a bill meant to increase scrutiny of sports bodies such as Fifa. | |
| The proposed law, known as ‘Lex Fifa’ but in the works long before soccer’s governing body was hit by twin graft probes last week, is meant to make it easier for prosecutors to investigate corruption allegations at private organizations. | |
| But Switzerland’s upper house narrowly voted Wednesday to approve an amendment requiring the organization itself to ask for the probe, except in cases where the public interest is at stake. | |
| Critics say this amendment is a hurdle for prosecutors seeking to bring a case, and hope it will be overturned by the lower chamber this fall. | |
| 7.43pm BST | |
| 19:43 | |
| The Guardian’s Middle East editor, Ian Black, is in Doha at the moment and reports back on the mood in Qatar. Here’s an extract from his report: | |
| Doha’s stunning skyline also makes plain why the stakes are so high. Cranes and building sites are strewn across a city that is building at least eight new stadiums, new roads and flyovers as well as $35bn metro and rail system. In all Qatar plans to spend $200bn on infrastructure in the period up to 2030. | |
| In the lobby of Biddas Towers, an air-conditioned refuge from the furnace-like heat outside, is a reminder of why it matters so much. In a glass case that might house a precious ancient relic is a lavishly-bound book open at an interview with Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the previous emir, who stepped down in favour of his son Tamim two years ago. “Hosting the 2022 Fifa World Cup will obviously further enhance our country’s standing and reputation globally, raising the awareness of Qatar and providing a positive focus for the region as a whole.” | |
| Related: Qatar's World Cup officials put on brave face for post-Blatter era | |
| 7.33pm BST | |
| 19:33 | |
| Interesting stuff here, Blatter never actually used the word “resign” in his press conference. Will he come back for a second act as an honorary president or some such? | |
| How FIFA’s Sepp Blatter may have outmaneuvered everyone http://t.co/218t3D4UM4 pic.twitter.com/EgDgEb12Fw | |
| 7.25pm BST | |
| 19:25 | |
| Qatar’s World Cup organisers have said the recent events won’t affect preparation for the 2018 World Cup, which they are due to host. | |
| “The recent events at FIFA will not impact on our preparations for the 2022 Fifa World Cup. With five stadiums currently under construction we are ahead of schedule to deliver on our promises,” read a statement from Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy. “Qatar has faced criticism from the moment we won the right to bring this tournament to the Middle East for the first time. We remain committed to using the World Cup as a platform to break down prejudice and misconceptions, while leaving a lasting legacy for our country and the rest of the region.” | |
| 7.10pm BST | |
| 19:10 | |
| I’m going to pass over to my colleague Tom Lutz, but here’s where we are now: | |
| Thanks for reading. Over to Tom. | |
| 6.59pm BST | |
| 18:59 | |
| Brazilian star Zico wants to stand for Fifa president. | |
| Zico tells BBC he plans to stand as a candidate in the #FIFA Presidential election. "I believe that now the race is open to everybody." | |
| Here’s the little man starring for Brazil against Poland in their 1986 World Cup second-round clash. Zico scored 48 goals in 71 games for the seleçaõ – the fourth highest of all time – and won four Brazilian titles with Flamengo before finding success as a coach with Japan. | |
| 6.51pm BST | |
| 18:51 | |
| Still no word on when the FBI is releasing Chuck Blazer’s testimony. So we wait. | |
| 6.47pm BST | |
| 18:47 | |
| ‘Why African soccer officials see Fifa probe as imperialist’ – here’s an interesting take from Time on the investigation into soccer’s world governing body. | |
| Why African soccer officials see the FIFA probe as ‘imperialist’ http://t.co/dMc43dxJNo |