Tell Us Something We Don't Know

Wow! It has recently emerged that there may be an element of bribery and corruption among the Executive Committee (ExCo) members of the world governing body for football, FIFA. Surely not, these people run world football, surely they can’t be dealing with backhanders and black mailing whispers?

Tell us something we don’t know.

Truth is, FIFA has been this way since 1974, when Englishman Sir Stanley Rous was ousted as FIFA President by the younger, more driven Brazilian Joao Havelange. In FIFA’s first ever presidential election, it was alleged that Havelange threw money at the African nations to gain their vote. Closer to the truth, Rous had already lost Africa by this point due to his pro-European attitude to the World Cup. Havelange, during his long election campaign, had promised an extra eight spaces would be available for forthcoming World Cups, with strong hints that the extra spaces would go to “members of the developing world.” In contrast, Rous’ World Cup only had 16 teams, with nine of those coming from the continent of Europe and a further four coming from South America. With the prospect of a better chance of qualifying for a World Cup, the majority of Africa was already on Havelange’s side.

Enter Horst Dassler, son of the founder of sports brand Adidas. The German business man kept his cards close to his chest, sensing a lot of money to be made through marketing and sponsorship. He wanted FIFA to endorse his product, to get members of their association to wear the famous three stripes. Already a wealthy man, Dassler was not particularly interested in the extra money, rather the power that he would gain from having the President of FIFA indebted to him. Many knew just how influential Dassler could be, not least the two candidates, who both - not knowingly to each other - asked for his help. With a foot in both circles, he got wind that Havelange was making up ground on Rous, and so turned his attention to ensuring a win for the 59 year old Brazilian. It was he who allegedly “bought” the Presidents role, offering Adidas’ money in return for votes in favour of Rous’ challenger. Sure enough, Havelange won the election.

To be continued…