ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – OCTOBER 20: The FIFA logo is seen outside the FIFA headquarters prior to the FIFA Executive Committee Meeting on October 20, 2011 in Zurich, Switzerland. During their third meeting of the year, held over two days, the FIFA Executive Committee will approve the match schedules for the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)

What you need to know about the FIFA Corruption Scandal

Has FIFA responded?
FIFA released a statement that is pretty much the typical corporate BS that FIFA is known for, here’s their statement in full.

“FIFA welcomes actions that can help contribute to rooting out any wrongdoing in football. We understand that today’s actions by the Swiss Federal Office of Justice on behalf of the US authorities and the Swiss Office of the Attorney General (initiated by FIFA through the submission of the file on the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup bidding process) relate to different matters.

Today, the Swiss Office of the Attorney General announced that it has opened criminal proceedings against persons unknown in relation to the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup™bidding process. FIFA is fully cooperating with the investigation and is supporting the collection of evidence in this regard. As noted by the Swiss authorities, this collection of evidence is being carried out on a cooperative basis.

We are pleased to see that the investigation is being energetically pursued for the good of football and believe that it will help to reinforce measures that FIFA has already taken.”

 

Why are people from the Americas only being indicted?

While it’s not 100% certain, these indictments may stem from the work of former FIFA Executive Committee member Chuck Blazer. Blazer, who himself was charged and pleaded guilty to corruption charges, worked for the FBI in gathering information on other FIFA members as an informant. 32 Flags had talked about this back in November from a New York Daily News article about Blazer being an informant.

 

Is Sepp Blatter indicted?

FIFA President Sepp Blatter is currently not being indicted but there is a chance that could change. Like any other widespread investigation, if any one of the 14 is willing to talk and provide evidence implicating Blatter, I’m sure the Department of Justice would appreciate that.

There very well could be enough evidence to indict Blatter right now but Blatter is the “white whale” to the DOJ’s “Captain Ahab.” The DOJ needs to have all their ducks in a row and get more than enough evidence and make sure that if, or when they get Blatter, it’s 100% certain that he can be taken down.

 

Has Blatter’s election opponent responded?

Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan, Blatter’s opponent in the FIFA Presidential election responded and said that this was a “sad day for football.” He also took to Twitter to show how he can chance the federation.

His quotes on Twitter, “We cannot continue with the crisis in FIFA, a crisis that has been ongoing and is not just relevant to the events of today. FIFA needs leadership that governs, guides and protects our national associations. Leadership that accepts responsibility for its actions and does not pass blame. Leadership that restores confidence in the hundreds of millions of football fans around the world.”

 

Will the FIFA Presidential election be postponed?

FIFA confirmed in their press conference that the election will go on as planned Friday. It is business as usual in Zurich.

 

Will there be a revote of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup location?

FIFA also confirmed in their press conference that the 2018 and 2022 World Cup’s will not move from Russia and Qatar. Look, anyone who still thinks they’re being moved, stop being so optimistic and smell the roses. I have a better chance at becoming FIFA President than the 2018 and 2022 World Cup being moved.

 

What to expect next?

The Department of Justice will have a news conference at 10:30 AM ET Wednesday to expand on what has already been revealed. As far as the future of FIFA, it’s too early to tell. Most likely, FIFA and Sepp Blatter will survive this and come out just as strong and just as powerful as ever, but this is the closest we have ever been to bringing Sepp Blatter to his knees. It’s definitely a historic day in world soccer.

About Phillip Bupp

Producer/editor of the Awful Announcing Podcast and Short and to the Point. News editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. Highlight consultant for Major League Soccer as well as a freelance writer for hire. Opinions are my own but feel free to agree with them. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @phillipbupp

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