The Final Whistle For FIFA?

The latest revelations to emerge regarding FIFA could signal the end for football's world governing body. Described as "toxically corrupt", commentators fear that FIFA's reputation may now be damaged beyond repair. The 8 year ban handed down earlier this week to the current FIFA president, Mr Sepp Blatter, for his "unethical behaviour" has not improved the situation. With Blatter's downfall firmly established, is it time for football to start again from scratch?

Further Charges in U.S.

In May 2015, we reported that the U.S. authorities had indicted 14 current and former Fifa officials and associates on charges of "rampant, systemic and deep-rooted" corruption. Earlier this month a further 92-count indictment was issued charging an additional 16 defendants with racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies pursuant to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (RICO) Act. The latest charges relate to the defendants' alleged participation in an "unconscionable" scheme of corruption spanning 24 years, designed solely to enrich those involved. The updated indictment also includes additional charges against a number of defendants listed in the original indictment.

In summary, it is alleged that numerous high ranking Fifa officials participated in various schemes which allowed them to receive well over $200 million in bribes and kickbacks, in return for lucrative media and marketing rights to international soccer tournaments and matches. The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) also announced that eight defendants have pleaded guilty under seal and agreed to forfeit more than $40m.

Ongoing investigations

The DoJ has made clear that its investigation is continuing. It has confirmed that it is committed to ending the widespread corruption within international football and will continue to collaborate with its international partners, in particular the Swiss Authorities.

Whilst Blatter has not been criminally indicted, the U.S prosecutors are beginning to close the net on the top management of Fifa. The Swiss prosecutors have also accused Blatter of criminal mismanagement or misappropriation over a TV rights deal and of a "disloyal payment" to a European football chief. Consequently, the U.S. and Swiss authorities are now carefully analysing Blatter's knowledge of what is transpiring to be decades of wrongdoing.

In this regard, the BBC recently aired a programme alleging that it had seen a letter obtained by the FBI confirming that...