FA fail to stop FIFA election (3 Viewers)

Would have held much more weight with those corrupt tossers if he had just bent over, trousers down, cheeks apart and shat at them all. They couldn't care less what he or the FA's stance is so they deserve treating with the same level of respect.

Surely if 16 other countries have agreed with us about FIFA, then if we get all of us to pull out, and start a new football business with the 17 teams. If the 16 other teams r big countries like- spain, Germany, USA, austrailia, which are all unhappy with FIFA. It will leave FIFA without any of the big teams. So eventually every1 will leave fifa. Well
I can hope

skyblue_rich said:

Surely if 16 other countries have agreed with us about FIFA, then if we get all of us to pull out, and start a new football business with the 17 teams. If the 16 other teams r big countries like- spain, Germany, USA, austrailia, which are all unhappy with FIFA. It will leave FIFA without any of the big teams. So eventually every1 will leave fifa. Well
I can hope

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I thought about this though it would take years to fully complete. It would be messy.

i said it b4 pull out of the world body and form another one.

It's one memeber one vote. I think the home nations were with us. The thing is that means the Caribbean nations get something like 25 votes. I heard someone on Talksport yesterday saying that they got twice as many votes as latin America which includes Argentina and Brazil. I know it's a world game now, but giving similar weight as those two nations when talking about football matters is astonishing. I'm not saying we shouldn't hear those views, but let nations in the top rankings decide how the game should be run.

It's only going to take 2 or 3 big footballing nations and the whole system will go, Lets say, us, Germans and Spanish all leave, thats Europes (possibly the worlds) 3 biggest leagues gone, the money will contiue to flow in those leagues and will carry on much the same, the game would be better all round as I think they would be more inclined to try things like goal line technology. I would like to know what other nations wanted the election postponed.

rob9872 said:

It's one memeber one vote. I think the home nations were with us. The thing is that means the Caribbean nations get something like 25 votes. I heard someone on Talksport yesterday saying that they got twice as many votes as latin America which includes Argentina and Brazil. I know it's a world game now, but giving similar weight as those two nations when talking about football matters is astonishing. I'm not saying we shouldn't hear those views, but let nations in the top rankings decide how the game should be run.

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and there in lies our problem. What gives us the right to more of a say than them? Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see us and other 'major nations' form our own version of FIFA, but I only ever hear about England complaining. Does anyone know who the other nations are?

We may be the laughing stock of FIFA right now but I am very proud of the stance that the FA and SFA made against the corrupt hoodlums that run our beautiful game. I couldn't care less what everyone other country thinks, it shows we still have strong morals and the interest of the game at heart. A strong advert for the British game i would say!

Sky Blue Sheepy said:

and there in lies our problem. What gives us the right to more of a say than them? Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see us and other 'major nations' form our own version of FIFA, but I only ever hear about England complaining. Does anyone know who the other nations are?

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Bigger nation, invented the game and the rules, have won the world cup, original members, have the most comercial international team with the exception of Brazil, the most watched, most supported richest and most well known league in the world ... surely even in the modern world of being overly pc in all aspects of life you can see that the vote and pull of England should carry more weight when it comes to footballing matters than that of Bermuda?

I can see your argument, but I don't know anywhere that does work like that - not off the top of my head anyway.

This all sounds fine...... the FA take the moral stance, do the right thing etc.......... but that isnt how many other nations view us, and just exactly how much money does England bring to the FIFA pot? Because this is what it is all about - the power to control money .... billions of it.

There is a long way between voting to delay a spurious election and opting out of FIFA....... not sure you would even get the FA to support that let alone the other 16.

Would they miss us ..... initially probably but I think opting out would leave us very isolated and i doubt many if any would follow us. Lets not forget the debacle of the world cup vote - we didnt get much support there for the best bid in the competition. Judging from the reaction to Bernstein at the conference and the delegates that followed England has been clearly marked as the villain in all this

Unfortunately we dont feel we can rely on the integrity of others in FIFA. Neither voting by the select few nor the entire 208 is without its problems. Select few and we have allegations of bribery and corruption - all 208 and you skew things to countries that actually bring very little to the global game despite perhaps great strides in their homeland.

Trouble is that for years the FA took a back seat, didnt engage with the functions of FIFA took a arrogant stance of always knowing better - well thats coming home to roost. We dont have the relationships and friends within FIFA we need, we have no real power base to challenge even a vote about a vote. We are strong in our own back yard but seen as an impotent irritant globally.

It sounds simple to opt out but there are reprecussions of such a move. Marginalised globally then all FIFA has to say is to forbid members to play us and we are well and truly stuffed globally and nationally. We can play the home countries if we all opt out- well yes but how many times a year and can the smaller countries make up enough in finance to bridge the loss of such an action? We can get Brasil, USA, Italy, Germany to opt out ........ is anyone certain that they share the same concerns as the FA to the extent that they would jump ship. Playing England isnt the draw it used to be for other countries there are plenty of other big games.... Playing England is one game every few years. The biggest critic speaking today of Bernstein was the guy from Argentina, surely one of the major nations? FIFA know we would have to come back if we left because they would continue without us, point to reforms they are putting in, and not have the irritant of England rocking their cosy boat, point out to sponsors how rosey things are without the allegations. And when we have to crawl back ?...... really doesnt bear thinking of does it

The FA took the right stance...... they challenged the vote. They can keep challenging things and the only place to do that is from within. To change this self interested, arrogant, mis-managing possibly corrupt in some places, so called leaders of the global game and self styled protectors of the ordinary fan is going to be a long and rocky road. The FA can not cry foul at every opportunity because it will be drowned in the cries of "oh no not them again" .....they have to pick the right fights, get the facts and solid evidence, the sad reality is it has to be done within what is in my opinion a corrupt regime at FIFA

Blatter makes much of the essential reforms he is putting in place. Yet the vote for the world cup will be thrown to the 208 delegates based on the recommendation of the executive committee (no chance of undue influence there then - not!). He says it must reform..... well these are the rules that have been in place for 13 + years...... been in place whilst he led the circus called FIFA what makes them wrong now and not wrong 13 years ago? He presided over the system/rules yet did nothing to change them, that alone makes him responsible for not acting in the best interest of the game globally. Warner kicks off against Blatter because he got his wrists slapped then tells all and sundry to vote for him ..... how in gods name is that a consistent point of view and I wonder what changed his mind (make your own conclusions on that).

Blatter makes great use of the words like respect, unity, honour, family etc Berates everyone because they show none of these traits in daring to question things. Berates us for not showing respect..... but ignores that this is a two way street with respect earnt not simply given or expected! He is riled simply because he is challenged...... if he is so confident why doesnt he say ok check all this out I have nothing to hide - for that is the only way to shut up the calls for his head. Not once has he even suggested this as a course of action. What he and his cronies have done is to deflect the blame on to England - morally we are quite likely right but we have no power to change things, and our position in global football is weaker than ever

I am thoroughly frustrated and annoyed by the whole mess. I love my football with a passion, I spend much hard earnt cash on it, I want to see my club and country succeed - those in charge of the multi billion £ business both here and at FIFA are making a complete mess of it all. Non have the moral fortitude to make the changes required in order to turn Football into a shining light of how things can be done to benefit the most important commodity of all ....... the fans!



managed to say all that without swearing ....... better will power and self control than i thought i had!!!!!

Anyone got the balls to argue against that? I sure as hell haven't (also helps I agree with most of it.)

Cliff notes anyone?

can't agree with all that argument old sky blue.

Was it not the premier league that split from the league to form the most watched and backed league in the world?

The same can happen with FIFA. The argument that they would 'tell' other members to boycott games against us is a none starter. If we split then others would come with us the same way all the negotiations were done when the premier league formed. The football leagiue were left with little option. Because MONEY talks and the sponsors would play hell with FIFA if England departed and the Scots and as today showed the German's followed suit? Add to that the USA - no longer a sloth in world football and others too long to list.


The sponsorship and money in the game from media in the UK far surpasses the rest of the leagues in Europe and the rest of the world.

Nope with clever negotiations a new refined and answerable world body could be formed head quartered in the home nation of football with all the financial backing needed to succeed.....it would end FIFA as we know it. I also believe it will happen.

Think you underestimate the strength of feeling against England Paxman. And assume a level of support that isnt really there.

They wouldnt tell teams to not play us it would be in the regulations and probably already is - that games will be played between member countries.

This isnt like the premier league situation. That was about the rights to weekly football - international football only has that sort of pull during the major competitions. Sponsors dont get the same coverage in the average international and generally an England match is no great draw to the public in Spain, Brasil France etc unless that team is involved. The pull of the premiership is the pull of the best players from many countries not just those from England and that makes it very saleable in many countries.

I doubt that the England internationals make massive amounts of money for FIFA in comparison to the whole budget. Do you think the Spanish fans were concerned whether England were at the world cup or not? Of course they werent all they focussed on was winning the tournament. There are plenty of juicey international fixtures without England

As of now Blatter has made all the right noises..... better voting on World cup, more transparency, an independent ethics commitee, and a solutions or enforcement committee. That will keep many a lot happier for now and is the product of the questions raised by the FA and the pressure from sponsors. I think that will appease the likes of USA and Germany, even the head of the SFA said he was happy to see the reforms and hoped FIFA would go forward from it, plus that the SFA had no problem with Blatter himself - (radio 5 Live)There will not be the appetite for revolt. To unilaterally pull out would gamble all for our football and to then think that others will follow is very very high risk

The major growth areas for football is asia, africa, and the Carribbean that is where FIFA target things and they are major growth areas for all the current sponsors. Indeed thats where many Premiership clubs target their growth. Thats where the money is. We should not mix up the Premiership with the international team. The premiership will be just as saleable and needs to be for the FA to survive - Team England is not as saleable, what we see here when we look at England is not necessarily what those in other countries see. The money is with the clubs in this country not the national team. There have been world cups without England, they have still been successful and were still watched in this country

The importance of football in England is not that great to FIFA. Infact one of the reasons cited why we didnt get the Woirld Cup was the FIFA desire to open up new and developing markets. Yes the Premiership is a major finance package but not to FIFA and even that is a maturing product...... but that is not the England package which carries no more weight than many mid table European nations and as a product has been on a downward cycle for some time. FIFA could market a viable competition without us and keep the nations we would seek to take with us.

What this whole affair has emphasised is that England, despite its history and pedigree is not the international force many here believe. The Premiership is what is marketable and carries the financial clout in this country

I wouldnt read as much into Germanys request for an enquiry into 2022, it doesnt mean they are out of patience with FIFA - certainly doesnt mean they would jump ship. Go back but a few months and Beckenbauer was pretty scathing in his critism of England.

The FA have proven that they are not particularly gifted negotiators or political beasts. They are at the moment on the fringe of things. Other major players are not jumping up and down with annoyance at FIFA, in fact some are openly supportive. But above all I dont think you will find any appetite at the FA to go it alone or even set up in competition. The FA simply doesnt have the funds, is massively in debt in the midst of a recession..... and to be honest have proven pretty inept at running the national game let alone the global one. Nor do they have the courage or perhaps stupidity to put it all at risk, a very big risk

Just cant see there being an English based "FIFA" - sorry mate dont think it will happen

Oh I'm not suggesting the FA should necessarily do the work others could do instead. A new body could emerge.
I think you make great argument about the whole thing but in fairness you are looking from within the box.
I have lived and worked abroad for many years and the feeling towards England as the nation most revered in football is very strong indeed. Without England all competition would not be the same. If Usain Bolt was not in the 100m final at the Olympics it goes without saying it would reduce the 'prize'.
FIFA does need reforms yes and thank goodness they have now seen some light but to be led by the guy that has failed on his watch and admitted 'problems' with accusations flying everywhere is ludicrous.
It's undemocratic and a near dictatorship riddled with unfair play. I fear changes Blatter intimates will not change much how this corruptible body operate.
I know we could debate for ever but I for one wish FIFA could at least wake up and smell the coffee. It's not a government and not a charity but a football regulator for the game.

Oldskyblue58: there is little I can find to argue against in what you have said, except I don't think the guy from Argentina being a huge critic is a surprise - they'll always use any excuse to snipe England.

I think both the FA and the Premier League need to sit down and discuss a forward thinking approach in England and some sort of re-structuring of the FA perhaps? How does the head of the FA get his position, perhaps some sort of one club one vote situation here - model an example for FIFA to look at. The FA need to make friends in FIFA (in a transparent way), look at Hati, Congo and Cyprus - why did they speak out, what can we do to improve relations. We have another 4 years of Blatter so let's see the FA use that time wisely both at home and within FIFA.

That being said, I am disgusted that an organisation based in a democratic country with ideals of democracy, transparency and anti-corruption can hold an election with only one candidate.

Think we have some good exchanges Paxman and I enjoy the discussions we have

I dont doubt that the average foreign supporter has a certain amount of respect for England even if it is just the thought of winning at Wembley however it isnt them making the decisions. the FIFA "family" is in essence the 208 delegates who quite clearly are overwhelmingly not backing the FA. Many are clearly pee'd off by England, and we cant be certain of support from other major nations. I also think the small support we got on the vote was more about concern about the process rather than any allegiance to the FA cause

I see what you are saying about Usain Bolt but sooner or later his power will recede and he will be remembered but not missed as the next great runner takes over. The competition will still be there. FIFA can survive without us not sure the reverse case is anything like as strong

Have to say i find it difficult to disagree with your or bishbosh's summation of the "FIFA family". We can only hope that the fine words will be followed by the correct and thorough actions....... as so much we all discuss regarding the governance of the game here, it remains to be seen because words are cheap, actions take drive and clear & honest leadership

One thing I did see on the news this morning was Bernstein saying that the FA took credit for instigating the move for changes (a fair point because I doubt anything would have changed without the FA and newspaper reporting here) and that he/the FA looked forward to working with FIFA and improving things. Doesnt sound like they envisage any drastic action

Anyone read the report on BBC website.......

Just how patronising can Blatter be !!!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13625200.stm

plus one country voted for the delay in voting by mistake!

Usain Bolt will be more than simply "remembered" imo, not until the next runner takes over, but until someone beats his records and I can see those lasting a very long time.

one final thought on FIFA & Blatter.......

Assuming that the reforms are carried through........... how perverse will it be that in 4 years time Blatter will stand there giving his farewell speech claiming the glory of reforming the organisation and all the muppets will then praise him for doing so .........

when we all know that without the concerns raised by the FA and our own press which helped create pressure from the sponsors none of those matters would have been dealt with !

Teflon Blatter !!!