Soccer, the most popular sport in the world, is facing issues with corruptions. American’s interest in this sport is growing at a rapid pace. More people in America watched last year’s U.S. – Portugal World Cup than 2014 NBA Finals or the 2013 baseball World Series.
But,what will happen next with the twin allegations faced by FIFA. Swiss Prosecutors investigates the controversial 2018 and 2022 world cups bid which was given to Russia and Qatar, while the Americans have outlined the case with allegations of fraud and laundering of money for over 20 years.
Richard Weber, head of the IRS Criminal Investigation division,said, “This really is the World Cup of fraud”. 14 individuals were sued out of which 7 were arrested in Zurich, Switzerland on Wednesday. Argentina and Trinidad & Tobago are also under the extradition proceedings for the defendants named in U.S. formal Charge.
About the arrests:
Kelly Currie, acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said these proceedings are an effort to get rid of corruption in Global Soccer. The Wednesday arrests were only the beginning and still more arrests after the investigations are expected. The investigations reveal the vague situation which might be the focus and target of the problem.
Meanwhile, the Swiss Prosecutors started investigating the criminal mismanagement and money laundering which would have been a part of selection process. Electronic data and documents were seized after conducting the raid in FIFA headquarters in Zurich. 10 members of FIFA’s executive committee who took part in 2010 voting process will be questioned.
Now the question is how will the sponsors of FIFA react? Visa has said, “It is important that FIFA makes changes now, should FIFA fail to do so we have informed them that we will reassess our sponsorship.” Coca-Cola mentioned that, “controversy has tarnished the mission and ideals of the FIFA World Cup. We have repeatedly expressed our concerns about these serious allegations.”
Adidas, McDonalds, etc., the multimillionaire sponsors has issued statements saying they were in contact with FIFA.
