The Fix author on WSD

[Makandal]

First of all anyone read the book? What about a little review.
2nd: Any thoughts on the interviews with Declan Hill on WSD. What do you make of what he had to say?

[WoodyinCU]

I haven't read it yet, but I definately will, I'm a sucker for the seedier side of Soccer ^_^

He's been a bit tabloid in how he's promoted his book, with a lot of "When I tell you this name in a few minutes, you'll be shocked" kind of thing. A lot of the stuff coming out is about Eastern Europe and Africa teams, some club and some younger national team.

He's definately trying to stand up for the integrity of the game, even doing a petition on the book site.

[Mijorho]

The way he got his story is just as interesting as his story. Guy has a pair. Smart to stretch him out over a week. You can tell the guys aren't having the easiest time getting him focus his tales.

[United Devil]

I enjoyed listening to the segments on the show, but I really don't have any desire to read the book. This might sound stupid, but I don't want to know that much about the dark side of the sport. Following this game is fun and I don't want to ruin that, but thats me.

[WoodyinCU]

I enjoyed listening to the segments on the show, but I really don't have any desire to read the book. This might sound stupid, but I don't want to know that much about the dark side of the sport. Following this game is fun and I don't want to ruin that, but thats me.

No worries, everyone has things they prefer to follow and those that don't interest them. Some people love statistics in games, and I can't stand numbers. There's plenty of room for everyone :rolleyes:

[Tony M]

I ordered the book from Amazon and received it today. It looks quite interesting. I really need some distraction and therefore I expect to complete it this weekend.

To me, what he says is not that surprising. Soccer is the world's most popular game. There are thousands of pro, semi-pro and amateur teams. Millions of people gamble, legally and illegally. Organized crime has always been involved in illegal gambling and sports fixing. It just makes sense that organized crime would try to manipulate soccer whenever and wherever it can.

I would be surprised if someone told me organized crime doesn't fix soccer games.

[Makandal]

In one of the shows last week Steven said something like this is not a big issue (yet) making reference to the fact that what Declan Hill covers in the book doesn't include big name players in big clubs or big leagues like the Barclay Premier League, La Liga, etc... but how big is the World Cup? I'd say bigger than those and if it can happen in the World Cup it certainly can happen in the big leagues. A fixed game doesn't have to come from a big club or big name player for it to affect a tournament.

[WoodyinCU]

A fixed game doesn't have to come from a big club or big name player for it to affect a tournament.

Agreed. But unfortunately FIFA is essentially a political organization. They won't act on anything with a clear mandate and the ability to cover their butts. So, it's safer, and probably more profitable, for goons to work around the lower ends of the tournament rather than go for someone or something high profile and risk people actually finding out. Basically they play the grey area where it's not in FIFA's interest to look too closely.

Sucks, but there it is.

[DempC]

Having listened to the guy on WSD, he really comes off as a bit of a conspiracy theorist type.

Let's just say, the promotional efforts thus far have convinced me NOT to buy the book.

[acecchetto]

First of all anyone read the book?

I read the book a few months back, definitely a great read, I highly recommend it!

[yodaisgod]

I find some of his claims to be a bit hard to believe.

[Abebe]

I find some of his claims to be a bit hard to believe.


I thought about it yesterday as well by chance.

You wonder about penalty calls/ or lack of calls in the highest games. Yet another side of why this possibly happens, and yet another reason for another challenge like system with replays like the NFL.