The implosion of the worlds football governing body Fifa, continues unabated with the president publicly proclaiming, “Crisis? What is a crisis? Football is not in a crisis. We are not in a crisis. We are only in some difficulties.” This on a day which ironically is also the anniversary of the launch of the hull of RMS Titanic in Belfast, 100 years ago on the 31st May 1911.
The Titanic was well renowned for being the largest ocean liner in the world and was considered to be an engineering triumph of its time. The owners intended the Titanic to be the largest and most luxurious ship ever to sail, and the promotional literature from the ship's operators stated the Titanic, 'is designed to be unsinkable'. The vessel was pure opulence and was jammed full of ornate and expensive fittings. However, tragically the Titanic was sunk on its maiden voyage when it struck an iceberg, resulting in the deaths of over 1500 people, caused primarily by a lack of lifeboats.
Although the Fifa saga will never compare with the Titanic tragedy, there are some parallels with the luxury ship sinking after striking the iceberg. Fifa is a truly global organisation of great importance. It has more members than the United Nations, and enjoys annual revenues of $1.3Bn. It's well manicured and luxurious $100m headquarters is conveniently situated in the tranquil tax-haven of Switzerland.
However, Fifa like the Titanic, is in danger of losing its way, and ultimately sinking, due to poor navigation, direction and leadership. It is beset with allegations of cash for contracts, vote rigging, bribery and corruption. And yet its president insists in pursuing an opaque re-election voting process with him standing unopposed as the only candidate, in what can only be described as an outdated autocracy lacking transparency and accountability
Similarities between world events and the Fifa farce are there for all to see. Autocratic states around the world are experiencing the 'Arab Spring'; people rising up against unfair regimes who seek to control and persecute. There is however a burgeoning coalition of interested parties prepared to challenge the Fifa way of corporate governance. The suspended Fifa vice-president is threatening to tear Fifa apart from within, challenging suppression through the courts. Politicians and governments are also calling for change, and yet Fifa's president defiantly dismisses any such interference or intervention. Fifa’s very own corporate partners and global sponsors are also calling for the house of Fifa to be put in order. This leaves the rest of us, the true supporters of the beautiful game, who despite being bemused and bewildered of the continual in-fighting and deluge of corruption claims, are becoming increasingly angry.
This is a damaging time for the reputation of Fifa and therefore football as a whole. The delegates of the Fifa congress can't be naïve enough to not believe a sea of change is desperately required by carefully charting a course of correction and reform. Preventing the subversion of the presidential election process is just the beginning in stopping a titanic-like footballing tragedy.
Look out Fifa! You are not unsinkable, your modern day 'corporate iceberg' is fast approaching, and there may not be enough lifeboats to go around!
https://sites.google.com/site/sportzzdailytips/
The Titanic was well renowned for being the largest ocean liner in the world and was considered to be an engineering triumph of its time. The owners intended the Titanic to be the largest and most luxurious ship ever to sail, and the promotional literature from the ship's operators stated the Titanic, 'is designed to be unsinkable'. The vessel was pure opulence and was jammed full of ornate and expensive fittings. However, tragically the Titanic was sunk on its maiden voyage when it struck an iceberg, resulting in the deaths of over 1500 people, caused primarily by a lack of lifeboats.
Although the Fifa saga will never compare with the Titanic tragedy, there are some parallels with the luxury ship sinking after striking the iceberg. Fifa is a truly global organisation of great importance. It has more members than the United Nations, and enjoys annual revenues of $1.3Bn. It's well manicured and luxurious $100m headquarters is conveniently situated in the tranquil tax-haven of Switzerland.
However, Fifa like the Titanic, is in danger of losing its way, and ultimately sinking, due to poor navigation, direction and leadership. It is beset with allegations of cash for contracts, vote rigging, bribery and corruption. And yet its president insists in pursuing an opaque re-election voting process with him standing unopposed as the only candidate, in what can only be described as an outdated autocracy lacking transparency and accountability
Similarities between world events and the Fifa farce are there for all to see. Autocratic states around the world are experiencing the 'Arab Spring'; people rising up against unfair regimes who seek to control and persecute. There is however a burgeoning coalition of interested parties prepared to challenge the Fifa way of corporate governance. The suspended Fifa vice-president is threatening to tear Fifa apart from within, challenging suppression through the courts. Politicians and governments are also calling for change, and yet Fifa's president defiantly dismisses any such interference or intervention. Fifa’s very own corporate partners and global sponsors are also calling for the house of Fifa to be put in order. This leaves the rest of us, the true supporters of the beautiful game, who despite being bemused and bewildered of the continual in-fighting and deluge of corruption claims, are becoming increasingly angry.
This is a damaging time for the reputation of Fifa and therefore football as a whole. The delegates of the Fifa congress can't be naïve enough to not believe a sea of change is desperately required by carefully charting a course of correction and reform. Preventing the subversion of the presidential election process is just the beginning in stopping a titanic-like footballing tragedy.
Look out Fifa! You are not unsinkable, your modern day 'corporate iceberg' is fast approaching, and there may not be enough lifeboats to go around!
https://sites.google.com/site/sportzzdailytips/
No comments:
Post a Comment