The disgusting organization that is FIFA

[a completely inoffensive name]

AKA why I am glad America doesn't jump for joy over this sadistic sport.



Yes, I am being very hyperbolic. But you know what, the worst that can happen in US sports is for Adam Silver to rig the refs so that they force a game 6 or 7. FIFA promotes the deaths of thousands of slaves.

What a joke if it wasn't so very sad.


EDIT: Before I head off for groceries, I want to pose a question for those that have not seen this thread yet. Can anyone tell me why we allow organizations like FIFA and the IOC to host giant sporting events in underdeveloped countries with atrocious poverty and human rights issues? Why can't we dedicate a few square miles for a neutral ground that hosts the event every time?

[Xiahou]

Ugh, I refuse to base anything on what John Oliver says. Do you have any less.... distorted sources? He provides a combination of humor and his own personal bias- neither of which give a very nuanced view of anything. He's good for entertainment value- terrible for informational value.

Mind you, I hate soccer (and most professional sports), so I'm inclined to believe most anything bad about it- but not from him.

[a completely inoffensive name]

http://www.theguardian.com/world/201...rld-cup-slaves

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Qatar

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Lates...e-investigated

I could probably get more if I spent 30 min or so. But just googling for 5 min came up with these.

[Xiahou]

Can anyone tell me why we allow organizations like FIFA and the IOC to host giant sporting events in underdeveloped countries with atrocious poverty and human rights issues? Why can't we dedicate a few square miles for a neutral ground that hosts the event every time?

I think, at least in the case of the IOC, more developed countries are beginning to realize what a colossal waste of money hosting the olympics is.

Third world countries or ones with less than stellar reputations still want the prestige of major events like this- they're less concerned with the financial losses.

[Beskar]

Only way to 'fix' FIFA would be to create a new one and have everyone abandon FIFA.

But I have a feeling it would be in the same boat as when the USA talks about the 'World Series' and the only countries participating is them and Canada.

[Papewaio]

At that level sports is a money making entertainment machine with lots of snouts in the trough. This is just a very visible view of big business and politics.

[Brandy Blue]

Only way to 'fix' FIFA would be to create a new one and have everyone abandon FIFA.

But I have a feeling it would be in the same boat as when the USA talks about the 'World Series' and the only countries participating is them and Canada.

I think the intention was that other nations would join in eventually, but only Canada has showed up to the party so far. Maybe we should issue invitations. :)

Anyway, American and Canadan If They Managed to Qualify This Year Series just doesn't sound right.

[Greyblades]

He's good for entertainment value- terrible for informational value.

So he's like every other American news network.

[Sarmatian]

It's not FIFA's fault Brazil built a stadium in Manaus.

FIFA's got a basic strategy, popularisation of football and improvement of football infrastructure.

Brazil improved their football infrastructure and the cost will be offset by money they make. They could have spent the money more wisely, but they didn't and it's their fault. USA managed to make money off the WC, so it's doable.

[Fragony]

It's not FIFA's fault Brazil built a stadium in Manaus.

Fifa got turned down here because they demanded an extra freeway for FIFA executives. I have little doubt that they demanded to have these slums removed to please their sponsors. If I celebrate this WC I would feel dirty. There is something deeply wrong with FIFA, dirty money laundring.

[Husar]

Well, even if the countries are the ones creating the atrocities, you can blame FIFA for enabling and encouraging them by giving them the events. And FIFA operates from Switzerland, so good luck getting any legal leverage on them. The entire country lives off of managers like Blatter who syphon money off from other parts of the world and bring it there.

[The Lurker Below]

Religions tend to frown upon participating in other religions. As most Americans already worship at the big organized churches like the NFL and/or NBA and/or MLB, futbol will continue to be a minority cult here.

And these religions put on the pressure early. The competitive baseball coach (me) pressured my boys to limit their soccer participation so they could be in more baseball. The high school basketball coach pressures them now to leave football alone so they can get an early start on basketball.

[a completely inoffensive name]

Fifa officials arrested on corruption charges as World Cup probe launched

http://gu.com/p/499vk

[Fragony]

Fifa is indeed a really ugly organisation. Not just because the corruption but also because of the horrible working-conditions of the guys building the stadiums in Qatar. Hundreds have died, how can you look away from that, these are human-beings. I celebrate the first country that refuses to play there.

edit, text doesn't matter, picture does http://www.powned.tv/nieuws/sport/20..._opgepakt.html

[Gilrandir]

I celebrate the first country that refuses to play there.

Even if it is the Netherlands?

[Fragony]

Even if it is the Netherlands?

Would love it, human rights are more important than money, I am not going to watch it, it's tainted with misery

edit, more calls for a boycot it seems. If the A-teams like Italy, France, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, etc just stay home than what is left of the World Championship. And seriously, Qatar?? Fifa would have a gigantic problem if there are only B-teams playing.

[a completely inoffensive name]

I hope the ones arrested cave in and bring the entire leadership down.

Looks like the US uncovered plans that reveal that South Africa paid FIFA to host the World Cup in 2010.

And perhaps Blatter may not win the presidential election, although I wonder if anyone who is considered for the job has not already taken bribes from someone.