They did pretty much the same thing to some German reporters a few weeks ago. http://rt.com/news/255593-germany-reporters-detained-qatar/
Basically it's full speed ahead for Qatar because a) FIFA already got (ahem) their tribute. and b) FIFA has a history of ignoring what autocratic leaders do.
Looks like shit just got real. "ZURICH — Swiss authorities began an extraordinary early-morning operation here Wednesday to arrest several top soccer officials and extradite them to the United States on federal corruption charges. As leaders of FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, gathered for their annual meeting, Swiss law enforcement officials arrived unannounced at the Baur au Lac hotel, an elegant five-star property with views of the Alps and Lake Zurich. The arrests were made at the request of the United States Justice Department, which brought charges in the Eastern District of New York, based in Brooklyn, according to law enforcement officials." http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/27/sports/soccer/fifa-officials-face-corruption-charges-in-us.html
I don't care if they play wc '22 on the moon in some ironic fulfillment of seppys intergalactic tournament, just anywhere but Qatar
Update (1:04): According to ABC, the indictments focus on awarding the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. Update (1:09): Costa Rican Eduardo Li is another one of the arrestees. The Times reports that Swiss law enforcement led him out a side-door of the hotel, and allowed him to bring his FIFA-logo luggage with him.
Can't wait to hear more tomorrow. If only 2 of the executive committee were arrested, it won't do much to unseat you-know-who. I going to take a stab and say that Michael Garcia is behind the scenes here -- this is his last laugh in getting the report public.
Blatter is supposed to stand for reelection this Friday. Let's see if this is still going to happen. The only logical thing would be to postpone the elections but would not be surprised if good old Sepp move full speed ahead. These crooks in Zurich at the FIFA HQ and arriving for the congress must be peeing in their pants.
It goes even deeper. Apparently Chuck Blazer has been singing like a canary since indicted by the FBI. According to Associated Press, Swiss authorities have confirmed that six Fifa officials have been arrested on suspicion of receiving and/or paying millions in bribes. Our very dear Jack Warner has been indicted as well. I don't think he would be in Zurich though.
Yeah I heard that. I think Chuck Blazer as a witness will be easy to cut down. He did probably show them the money trail though ... I would guess that the timing is purposeful, but it seems to close to the election to really affect the outcome of the vote -- but maybe that's by design. Popcorn is being popped, eagerly awaiting more.
PS. Jeffrey Webb, Concacaf president, understood to be among those arrested sources close to Fifa confirm. According to French TV news this morning, most of the arrested in Zurich are from Concacaf. Up to 15 people worldwide may have been taken to custody.
Great picture. Deserves a caption! View image on Twitter FIFA officials were escorted out behind sheets at the Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich http://nyti.ms/1chUFxO
I am so giddy at this news. I think Qatar was a step too far. They made the corruption too public and barely tried to hide it.
Yes definitely, I always thought that WC 2022 might end up being the end of Sepp & FIFA as we know of it tbh... way too controversial and polarizing of a decision.
The funny thing in all of this is that Sepp wasn't even all that big on Qatar 2022, but it gets pinned on him. We got that in large part thanks to Platini.
this is what is often forgotten in this bid. UEFA were the major backers of the Qatar bid. Sepp thought the USA bribe money was good enough and wanted it here.
The question that i have is who the officials that have been arrested back. If they are pro blatter good if they are from his opposition this may all be a clever ploy to solidfy more power for blatter.
Great news this morning I am still amazed by the balls this blatter guy has Unwavering position amidst of a massive shit storm
Nothing to see here folks Just doing laundry Anyone else thinks it's funny that Swiss police showed up in Nissan Leaf cars?
My guess is the DoJ and FBI are going to flip these people they have arrested which, hopefully, will lead to them giving up Blatter, or someone close to him. The dominos are starting to fall...
This has got to be the best reality show yet. Sport, money, police, FBI, corruption, and prosecutors. The only thing missing is sex. Or did I miss that part?