BREAKING NEWS: FIFA Officials Arrested on Corruption Charges; Face Extradition to U.S. – NY Times
- 14 People Facing Corruption Charges – 9 FIFA Officials, 5 Corp. Executives
- President & Past President of CONCACAF among officials indicted.
- Indictments claim bribes & inducements over $150 million
- CONCACAF WCQ, Gold Cup , CONCACAF Champions Lg.; Copa América & Copa Libertadores said to be compromised.
- U.S. DOJ: CEO of the NASL indicted.
- U.S. DOJ: No evidence results of matches or tournaments affected.
- FIFA, Blatter, CONCACAF & NASL respond. UEFA Threatens Boycott of FIFA Congress.
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.
Nine FIFA Officials and Five Corporate Executives Indicted for Racketeering Conspiracy and Corruption – U.S. Department of Justice
A 47-count indictment was unsealed early this morning in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging 14 defendants with racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies, among other offenses, in connection with the defendants’ participation in a 24-year scheme to enrich themselves through the corruption of international soccer. The guilty pleas of four individual defendants and two corporate defendants were also unsealed today.
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland seizes documents at FIFA – Swiss Government
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) has opened criminal proceedings against persons unknown on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and of money laundering in connection with the allocation of the 2018 and 2022 Football World Cups. In the course of said proceedings, electronic data and documents were seized today at FIFA’s head office in Zurich.
Fifa officials arrested on corruption charges – The Guardian
At least six top Fifa officials have been arrested on corruption charges in an early-morning police operation in Zurich. More than a dozen plain-clothed officers descended on the five-star Baur au Lac hotel on Wednesday to make the arrests.
FIFA indictments: Questions and answers – Washington Post
The Department of Justice unsealed a massive indictment early Wednesday implicating 14 officials associated with soccer across the world — including much of the leadership of FIFA, soccer’s global governing body — in decades of corruption involving bribery, money laundering and fraud associated with how the organization decides where to host the World Cup and its other prestigious soccer events, and how media and marketing deals associated with those tournaments are awarded.
Statement: FIFA is fully cooperating as injured party in the actions by Swiss authorities – FIFA
“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. ”
Statement by FIFA President Sepp Blatter – FIFA
“This is a difficult time for football, the fans and for FIFA as an organisation. We understand the disappointment that many have expressed and I know that the events of today will impact the way in which many people view us. ”
Independent Ethics Committee bans 11 individuals from football-related activities – FIFA
The banned individuals are: Jeffrey Webb, Eduardo Li, Julio Rocha, Costas Takkas, Jack Warner, Eugenio Figueredo, Rafael Esquivel, José Maria Marin, Nicolás Leoz, Chuck Blazer and Daryll Warner.
UEFA shows this FIFA the red card – UEFA
“The upcoming FIFA Congress risks to turn into a farce and therefore the European associations will have to consider carefully if they should even attend this Congress and caution a system, which, if it is not stopped, will ultimately kill football. ”
CONCACAF Statement on FIFA Arrests and Indictments – CONCACAF
The Confederation of North, Central America and the Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) is deeply concerned by today’s developments, in the arrest of several international football officials including those belonging to our Confederation.
Canadian Soccer Association Statement – Canadian Soccer Association
“As the leader for the sport of soccer in our country, the Canadian Soccer Association (Canada Soccer) is committed to protecting the integrity of the game and upholding the values of transparency and inclusiveness on which our country prides itself. We are extremely disappointed by today’s developments and welcome and support all efforts to eliminate this type of behavior in the sport.”
Fallout from FIFA arrests might be felt in Canada – the11.ca
Trying to predict the aftermath of Tuesday’s FIFA arrests is like trying to gather up all the buckshot that’s been sprayed out of a cannon.
How ex-U.S. soccer exec Chuck Blazer became an FBI informant – NY Daily News
The most crucial Olympic ring of the 2012 London Games was a simple keychain, wired for sound and presented to top international soccer executive Chuck Blazer — a cooperating witness for federal law enforcement agents. The corrupt and corpulent Blazer, once the sport’s No. 1 powerbroker in the United States, is alleged to have collected untold millions during his 20-year reign — running up a staggering $29 million in credit card charges to help fuel his extravagant lifestyle, which included a pricey Trump Tower apartment for his cats.
FBI finally gets FIFA, but where does the investigation go from here? – SI.com
The Baur au Lac was the epicenter of the backroom deals that led to Russia and Qatar being awarded the hosting rights for World Cups 2018 and ’22 on December 2, 2010. And, fittingly enough, the Baur au Lac was the site for Wednesday’s breathtaking arrests of several top FIFA executives as part of a U.S. Department of Justice indictment that names nine current and former FIFA officials and five corporate executives on charges including racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy.
Jack Warner responds: I can never be broken – Wired 868
Chaguanas West MP, ILP leader and ex-FIFA vice president Jack Warner has claimed innocence in the face of an indictment by the United States Department of Justice for racketeering.
Only surprise of corrupt, exploitative FIFA is that more weren’t indicted – Yahoo Sports
So as much as the indictments should cause anger, as much as it should end the reign of Blatter, who faces re-election later this week (it probably won’t, but it should), the real outrage should remain focused on the construction of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the use of the kafala system, which is essentially forced labor.
NASL Statement On U.S. Department Of Justice Investigation – NASL
“In light of the ongoing investigation announced by the U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday, the North American Soccer League’s Board of Governors has suspended Chairperson Aaron Davidson, along with all business activities between the league and Traffic Sports, effective immediately.”
FIFA’s powerful world is shaken by U.S. indictments, arrests – Washington Post
The charges were by far the most powerful strike against FIFA – and perhaps a watershed moment for the governing body of the world’s most popular sport — and intensified calls for reform to an organization that has long drawn fans’ ire over corrupt leaders and a structure that helps perpetuate their influence.
WHITECAPS FC & MLS
Whitecaps Training report – Whitecaps FC
“Sometimes you don’t get what you think you deserve and it makes you stronger,” Robinson told reporters. “And I’ve said that to them today. They’ve had a nice day off yesterday. They’ve come back today and training was good, competitive, as we always have it and we’ll be ready for the weekend.”
LA Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake | MLS Match Preview – MLS
The LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake meet for a second time this season in a rivalry that has grown in stature over the past few seasons, when the clubs face off Wednesday evening at StubHub Center.
Toronto FC head coach Greg Vanney aiming to gauge how youngsters fare in Manchester City friendly – MLS
Fresh off a victory at BMO Field against the Portland Timbers, Toronto FC will get a taste of European opposition when they play host to Premier League outfit Manchester City in a midseason friendly on Wednesday.
The Portland Timbers Ownership and Management: Indifference, Indolence, or Incompetence – The Axe
It says something that the team has spent more money in 2015 than 2011 but received less in return (the 2011 team had more points by 12 games than the current Timbers team) because spending money is only as good as the players you spend it on. Everyone would love to see the Timbers splash the cash for a great player, but spending 1 million on a player that is a bad fit (like Boyd) is as unhelpful as spending 100k on a player like Zakuani.
Portland Timbers vs. DC United | MLS Match Preview – MLS
The Portland Timbers return home to face a huge test in their aim to start moving up the Western Conference, when they take Eastern Conference leaders D.C. United on Wednesday evening at Providence Park.
Sao Paulo appoint Former NYRB Juan Carlos Osorio as manager – ESPN
The 53-year-old coach previously managed Colombia’s Once Caldas and worked for the Chicago Fire and the New York Red Bulls in the Major League Soccer. He also coached Puebla in Mexico and was an assistant coach at Premier League side Manchester City for five seasons at the beginning of the last decade.
Sources: Avaya Stadium to host 2016 MLS All-Star Game – SBI
Multiple sources have confirmed to SBI that Avaya Stadium, the brand-new home of the San Jose Earthquakes, will host the 2016 MLS All-Star Game. An official announcement is set to be made Thursday, and MLS commissioner Don Garber, Earthquakes president Dave Kaval and San Jose mayor Sam Liccardo are expected to be in attendance.
Support Canadian Soccer News for 2015-16 – Canadian Soccer News
The unfortunate reality of niche media is that it needs to be directly supported by its readers and listeners. CanadianSoccerNews.com is niche media. (Editor’s Note: CSN has provided great original Canadian soccer journalism over the years. We highly encourage your support.).
WFC2 & USL
After bagging first pro goal, Ben McKendry “knocking on the door” for MLS minutes – AFTN
“He’s one of our own. He’s one of our own. Ben McKendry, he’s one of our own” rang out the chant at Thunderbird Stadium on Sunday after the Whitecaps Residency alumni bagged his first ever pro goal, and what proved to be the match winner, in WFC2’s 2-1 win over Real Monarchs SLC.
Ben McKendry named to USL Team of the Week – Whitecaps FC
After a second straight impressive performance at Thunderbird Stadium, Whitecaps FC 2 midfielder Ben McKendry has been named to the USL Team of the Week for Week 10.
Austin Aztex Stadium Damaged by Floods – Austin Aztex
Earlier Tuesday morning, the Austin Aztex visited House Park Stadium to help assess the damage resulting in flooding from Shoal Creek on Monday, May 25. Fortunately, no Austin Aztex or Austin Independent School District employees were injured during the flooding. However, the stadium is in bad shape.
As USL grows, partnership with MLS seeks to ramp up youth development – SI.com
In the midst of more big-name foreign signings in Major League Soccer, the players that teams hope will define the league’s future toil in much smaller venues. The 2015 season marks the third year of MLS’s affiliation with the United Soccer League, replacing the old Reserve League.
NASL
NASL expansion announcement in Hamilton could take place in the next month – Waking The Red
With 12 teams in the league NASL is now able to add another expansion team in Canada while still abiding by the rules set forth by USSF for their division 2 sanctioning. Only 25% of teams in the league can be based outside of the United States which means that the league now has enough American teams in place to allow for them to add a third Canadian club.
Ameobi eclipsing expectations – FC Edmonton
Ameobi rallied off seven goals in seven matches played across all competition leading up to Sunday’s match, with two of them coming against Major League Soccer (MLS) competition.
WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2015
Karina LeBlanc, Canadian keeper, to retire after World Cup – CBC.ca
Veteran goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc of Maple Ridge says she will retire from international soccer after Canada’s last match at the Women’s World Cup.
Mark your calendar for busy month of soccer – 24 hours
As we get ready to say goodbye to the month of May, we can start to look forward to an exceptionally busy June. It begins with 23 countries joining host Canada at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which kicks off June 6.
Canada’s Belanger fulfilling World Cup dream – Sportsnet
After her career looked to be over due to injury, Canadian forward Josee Belanger has bounced back and is finally getting her chance to play at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
USWNT notebook: Morgan’s health, Wambach’s role – The Equalizer
United States women’s national team coach Jill Ellis says that Alex Morgan‘s knee injury continues to be monitored, but Ellis expects her star striker ready for the World Cup.
BC SOCCER
BC Soccer 2014-15 Award Winners Announced – BC Soccer Assoc.
BC Soccer has announced the 19 award winners who have shown a tremendous amount of commitment and passion for the beautiful game in British Columbia.
Thompson-Okanagan FC Games In Kamloops – KYSA
The Kamloops Youth Soccer Association (KYSA) is playing host to nine BC Soccer Premier League (BCSPL) games featuring Thompson-Okanagan teams this coming Saturday and Sunday. Thompson-Okanagan is the lone interior franchise in the BCSPL.
Highlanders keep T-Birds grounded – Times Colonist
Since they were basically playing current and recent UBC Thunderbirds alumni, CIS champions in 2012 and 2013, perhaps it was only fitting that a couple of UVic players and a Vikes alumnus exercised pivotal roles Sunday for the Victoria Highlanders.
BC Soccer Announces the 2014/15 Scholarship Winners – BC Soccer Assoc.
BC Soccer is proud to present 17 Scholarships to some of BC’s most inspiring and promising individuals involved in soccer in BC. Recipients came from all across British Columbia and are being recognized for not only excelling in academics but also for their continued contributions to society and soccer at many different levels.
EA SPORTS BC Soccer Premier League Announces 2015 Scholarship Recipients – BCSPL
The EA SPORTS BC Soccer Premier League is pleased to announce the 2015 recipients of four (4) BCSPL Scholarships. Through the generous support of EA SPORTS and Signboom, Scholarships worth $1000 each are awarded to 2 boys and 2 girls from BCSPL clubs.
WORLD OF SOCCER
The ultimate Cinderella story – San Diego Union Tribune
It was May 20. Scottsdale Stadium outside Phoenix. Thirty-sixth minute. Nil-nil game. U.S. Open Cup second round. Arizona United SC vs. Chula Vista FC. A pro team with a half-dozen players from MLS clubs vs. an amateur outfit that practices twice a week in a local park with portable goals.
FC United of Manchester: the success story that proves what fans can achieve – The Guardian
Ten years ago rebel Manchester United fans sat in a pub in Stretford talking about forming a new club. On Friday, after four promotions and a lot of hard work, they welcome Benfica to open their new £6.3m stadium. It has been quite a journey
Sepp Blatter confident of fifth term as Fifa grandees gather in Zurich – The Guardian
Just as Luis Figo, the former Portuguese world footballer of the year, lambasted the incumbent Sepp Blatter for failing to allow any light in on the debate over who might succeed him so the bloated grandees of world football circled their wagons on Tuesday.
Blatter brushes off Figo’s ‘dictatorship’ claims – Goal
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has brushed aside claims from Luis Figo that he runs football’s governing body as a “dictatorship” and is confident of winning a fifth term in office.