The bold Hugh will get to the truth.
Thought I’d start with a chuckle.
Hugh couldn’t find his own arse with both hands and a flashlight.
World news first, and the FBI agent in charge of the corruption enquiry within the high offices of world football has released a statement.
” It’s all been a bit if a misunderstanding and Mr. Blatter has been extremely helpful in ascertaining the facts and we are pleased to announce that the enquiry is over and all charges have now been dropped. ”
Then he got into his new car and drove off.
I knew all along that Blatter was squeaky clean.
It’s no real surprise that FIFA are under investigation, but the fact that it’s the FBI doing the legwork is interesting. That means that it will be a proper investigation where, joking aside, new cars , brown envelopes and dirty hands won’t come into it.
And the investigation may lead to other instances of corruption being uncovered. The FBI like that sort of thing.
A glance at this chart from the Washington Post tells it’s own story, and just how serious the Qatari world Cup issue has become;
There is evidence that the shocking death toll was considered, amongst other things as a possible negative to hosting the tournament in Qatar, but it seems the positives outweighed these concerns.
Stewart Regan, who has blocked me on twitter after an exchange which was highlighted in the diary yesterday, operates a transparent and accountable regime at Hampden, and so surely has nothing to fear.
In fact, we have unearthed proof that Regan is absolutely disgusted with Blatter and felt ill at ease in the company of one so corrupt and intent on damaging the reputation of the game.
Without a hint of embarrassment, Regan declared;
“What has happened today underlines the need for fundamental change in how FIFA is governed, We will discuss the Scottish FA’s position with UEFA but also establish the position of all European national associations when we receive more information on what is a developing situation.
“We have stated before that we believe for the good of the game’s image, integrity and indeed future prosperity that Mr Blatter should stand down and allow FIFA to radically improve its governance and credibility. After today’s events, that position has crystallised still further.”
Fortunately, defibrillators and medical experts were on hand to deal with those who suffered severe shock and heart failure when they heard him say this.
What is not clear is if there is any truth that Regan rang Blatter and told him to claim that there would be ” social unrest, armageddon and the death of the game worldwide if his administration wasn’t allowed to run things the way he saw fit ”
Well, so far it’s worked for him.
Speaking to journalist Tom English, Regan elaborated, again without even the faintest idea that he could well have been talking about his own organisation…
“We need new leadership, we need to restore Fifa’s reputation, because it’s become tainted by the allegations of bribery and corruption.”
“We need to drive it, modernise it, restore faith in it. We need a new plan.
Of course, Regan will be delighted with the news from Zurich, as it deflects any attention away from his own shortcomings. Over the last few years he has adopted a Blatter like attitude towards criticism and has set himself apart from the real world of Scottish football in a way even Blatter would have been proud of.
World football might yet be cleaned up, and the game’s image restored.
But the investigation into FIFA shows that there’s still a job to be done by proper grown up investigative journalists who didn’t have lamb for dinner.
( how many hints do they need ? )
Although if you thought Regan was being a little brazen, have a look at this, from the lovable Chris Graham…
Chris GrahamIsn’t it nice to see people finally getting lifted for football related skullduggery? Let’s have more of that please…. #Rangers #FIFA
Astonishing.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, there’s a timetable of things to look forward to you might be interested in…
The first date on there is the new fixture list for next season. We have to wait that long for the information because as the play offs haven’t finished yet, the SPFL doesn’t know if it will be a 12 or 13 team league.
Three days later, there’s the draw for the qualifiers and then it’s off to St. Mirren Park to practice playing in dodgy wee grounds with hostile locals in time for the European games.
Look, wig and pen apart, it’s hostile. Especially in the court room opposite.
Well, alright, just the court room opposite.
The big one this summer is at Starks Park, where Celtic will honour the memory of a true Scottish football great, who passed away recently.
Raith will host Celtic as they name their stand in honour of the late Turnbull hutton, the man who stood up against corruption in Scotland , and stuck to his guns.
He deserves the accolade.
After his initial stand against the SFA when they tried to shoe horn New Rangers into the First division, the big man got a lot of flak from what he called “the forces of the darkside ” in an email to me when I asked him if he would honour us by taking part in a podcast.
We sent emails back and forth for a while, and it was enlightening and encouraging to see that there was at least one person who, not only was in a position to do something about the blatant cheating that was being proposed, but actually was doing it, and anyone who can make that game should, because his memory should live on, as an inspiration to all of us in the fight against Scottish football’s problems.
Mitchell Dijks, the man the Record said Celtic were desperate to sign and were the only club to bid for, has rejoined Ajax, according to de Telegraaf.
If it’s not bad enough to lose out to one European giant with a reputation for developing youngsters it seems we might lose out on another….
Celtic and Rangers set for transfer tug-of-war over Hibernian midfielder Scott Allan
Well, it’s in the Daily Mail, at least.
With the Ibrox club set to take it’s place in the Scottish Premier, the champions League, and become the first European side to break the £500,000 per week wages barrier, it’s time for Lawwell to get the finger out and at least try to compete…
Allan will be out of contract next summer, and Celtic apparently were prepared to wait until January and get him on a pre contract, but the interest from south of the river means that Celts may have to fork out around £400,000 to stave off ibrox interest.
So, is this the first use of the fabled Dave King warchest ?
Is he about to splash the cash?
£400,000 is known in financial circles as “half a gardener ” and would be quite a considerable investment by King.
Sorry, I just wanted to use the words “investment ” and “King ” in a sentence that wasn’t bullshit.
It’s something no-one else has ever done.
The diary mentioned the poor quality of the new strips yesterday, and a glance across the web, onto other forums and messageboards shows that it isn’t an isolated problem.
It needs sorting, and needs sorting now.
Something else mentioned in the Diary, although a while back now, was the idea of cancelling Sky sports, which takes all of your menoey, gives it to the English clubs, and then they give it back to Celtic as they plunder our better players with it.
What we should do is simply cut out the middle man, and just give our money to Celtic by going to the games or subscribing to Celtic TV , whilst watching the game on a live stream if we can’t make it.
Anyway, the supporters affiliation has also decided that this is the way forward, with their own campaign.
A good poster, but not as good as ours;
The message is the same though, so you know what to do.
Finally, spare a thought for David Neilsen…
Ronny Deila’s former club have axed his successor after admitting he failed to live up to the Celtic manager’s standards.
Deila arrived from Stromsgodset last summer after leading the minnows to the Norwegian title.
The club appointed his assistant, David Nielsen, but the move has been a disaster and a 4-0 hammering at Haugesund last weekend was the final straw.
Sporting director Jostein Flo admitted the task of filling Deila’s shoes was simply too big for his successor. He said: ‘It was a very tough ask for David to take over from Ronny and try to emulate the success we had under him.’
I don’t know why, but that made me feel a little sad.
But at least we know who not to go for should Ronny move on one day. Every cloud and all that.
Right, can someone explain the thoughts of the chap in the bib for us ?
If Big Johan has the engine running, then wee Andres is heading for Celtic Park..!
Long time reader, first time poster. Didn’t take the SMSM long to fabricate an us v them transfer fable did it, and them not officially promoted till Sunday…
st midden man got wig and pen and changed the name to the two carts.but as the saying goes YOU CAN TAKE HORSE TO WATER BUT YOU CANT MAKE IT DRINK.HA IL.HAIL
You can take a horse to water but a pencil must be lead. HH
Is he wondering why Frank McAvennie is a cameraman?
Great diary as usual – and reminded me to cancel my Sky sports subscription – told them why and canonly hope it makes a difference – somehow,I doubt it.
Cancel sky..get Xbmc box and do what sky have done to Scottish football for years…watch their product and pay feck all..
He could be some player if he could only play a square baw back and forth across the midfield
Quality post Sammy.
Perhaps not the place to vent, but seeing how the etims have been singing the praises of Xavi (at least on twitter) there was a broad response to your Qatar comment above (see you did make reference to the issue in the diary, so there is my in) I wanted to share.
Sadly both Barca and Xavi have tainted themselves in their respective associations with the country and its attempts to legitimize 2022.
First Barca began an insidious exercise of familiarizing the world to a Barca top with a sponsor emblazoned across the chest. What a noble endeavor to offer Unicef free advertisement on the iconic jersey. Quickly, and quietly, however, the veil was removed and replaced with Qatar Airways. There have since been half arsed musings from the Catalan club about re-evaluating this relationship, in light of “new” political and social issues in the country. A claim which doesn’t hold any water…and I can only assume that when the cheque was dangled in front of the Barca hierarchy it obscured objective reasoning and common decency and now the club will suffer significant ‘buyer’s remorse.’
But if one can formulate a defense of Barca for entering into an agreement a number of years ago, sadly no such excuse can be made for Xavi’s decision upon retirement to become an ambassador for this blood bath of a world cup. Without dwelling on it here, I am sick that this great player has so naively associated himself with the 2022 World Cup. Again, a large sum of money has been paid in an effort to help enamour world football support to the cause of Qatar and 2022. It is saddening for a man who has given so much to football to not ask questions of those who seek to take so much from it.
The only thing that can brighten me up is a good result across the next two legs – Come on Scott…the script has been written. Finally make amends for that dark day some ten years ago.
Hail hail
I dont think that wee pre season / CL table is correct. Sure we enter the competition in the 3rd qualifying round not the 2nd.
As for Scott Allan, he is a raging hun so he can fuck off to Sevco
Good to see we are helping out Raith with a good payday. Was hoping we would do the same for Hamilton, to thank them for giving Wee Jay a good day, plus generally being good neighbors. (Unlike another local side.)
p.s. If you are wondering what Big Sammi has been up to the past year, I put together a wee highlight video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79pfeeadvQ8
Jerseybhoy, suppose its an eyebrow pencil?
FYI the real anton rogan… Celtic start in the 2nd Qualifying round … See :-
http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/accesslist/index.html
^ OOPS Wrong link, but in essence it’s the same as last season.
I meant this link …
http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/accesslist/nextseason/index.html
Also, although i’s not a good idea to trust Wiki 100%, this list of potential opponents does seem to be accurate & up-to-date:_
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015%E2%80%9316_UEFA_Champions_League#Second_qualifying_round
Long FIFA post.
Be careful what you wish for when it comes to FIFA. A large proportion of the MSM are against Blatter and have been since he insisted that, while he is president, no FIFA tournament shall be broadcast on supscription or PPV TV. Blatter is portrayed as corrupt by the MSM while there are no allegations against him. Blatter is a football man that wants his legacy to be about a global-scale improvement of the number of participants and viewers of football and he believes that to achieve this, football must be affordable to the masses. FIFA is a registered charity and operates on a low cost basis and hospitality to FIFA delgates is provided by national associations and third parties as a way to keep costs down and this is where it gets murky. The 2011 reforms Blatter refused to implement would have provided oversight to cut corruption but would have massively increased the costs of running FIFA, costs which almost all national associations were unwilling to pick up. The money required to clean up FIFA would have almost certainly meant an end to free-to-view World Cups which Blatter refuses to allow.
The recent arrests are the result of a four year FBI investigation under Loretta Lynch, the FBI have been very forthcoming with the charges and evidence but have refused to disclose what prompted the investigation but we do know it was started just after the 2018/2022 World Cup hosts were announced. The cynic within me thinks this may be related to the US-sanctions-busting decision to award the tournament to Russia which ended large scale calls for a boycott of the Sochi Winter Olympics or the decision to host the 2022 in Qatar, snubbing the superior US bid. If you remember a while ago there was a huge story about HSBC being involved in money laundering, Loretta Lynch was the lead US investigator on that case and made deals which meant no charges we filed. She kept those who laundered money for the mafia and drug cartels out of jail but wants those taking kickbacks in football to be prosecuted to the highest degree, that aspect doesn’t add up to me. FIFAs US VP, Chuck Blazer, was investigated and caught red-handed then turned supergrass to avoid a 20+ years jail term. Blazer wore a ‘wire’ for four years, recording all his dealings within FIFA and this is where the current case comes from. Whether evidence of corruption was uncovered or whether Blazer went about trying to entrap his colleagues in an attempt to justify his ‘get-out-jail-free’ deal we will have to wait to the court case, though Blazer, who is in his 70s and seriously ill, is not expected to live till then after his health deteriorated.
Regan giving his views on Blatter was shameful, Regan gets his chance to do something about this every year at the IFAB but has always voted alongside FIFA. Governence, credibility and modernisation talk from the man who voted against every proposal to modernise the game and oversaw the 5 way aggreement and the LNS enquiry is beyond a brass neck. How this proven liar continues to operate in football is beyond me, from his selective hearing when it comes to sectarianism or operating in favour of one club. Wonder how Resolution 12 is getting along?
Theres been a battle for FIFA for over a decade and most of the MSM want Blatter gone. Owners, like Murdoch, are on record as saying that Blatter is an obstacle to getting the World Cup on subscription or pay per view. The MSM brief against Blatter and support his opponents, yet the last one they supported, Mohammed Bin Hammam, turned out to be taking kickbacks and bribing people for support and votes and was banned from football for life twice so the MSM have previous in backing corruption. Succulent lamb isn’t just Scottish, there are some who look at the World Cup and see pound signs and they will try their utmost to get rid of Blatter and support puppets who will grant them money spinning TV deals. Remember that some of those who gave Blazer and Warner bribes were broadcasters/MSM. The irony that the MSM are up in arms about bribery when bribes were paid by MSM isn’t lost as the MSM gathers support for Blatters next opponent, prince Ali. The next potential president isn’t a football man, when he was at Sandhurst he didn’t like the game and supported wrestling, he led a ‘Special Security’ military unit until being given a football job. As JFA president he has set up his own breakaway federation, the WAFF, which has splintered already. I want the FIFA president to be more Henrik Larsson and less Hulk Hogan but this is the guy the MSM want in the big seat. If you think that Sky, Murdoch, et al are bad for football then Blatter should be supported.
Great post Doc. Lots of food for thought. 2 sides to every story and all that. I always thought the English media, spearheaded by a certain Mr Lineker, Greg Dyke and no doubt behind the scenes that living embodiment of Montgomery Burns – Rupert Murdoch, have really went to town with FIFA since the WC was awarded to Qatar. No sour grapes or bitterness there then eh?
PPV for the WC would really be the death knell of the ‘Beautiful Game’ as we know it. It’s bad enough missing half the games through work commitments without having to pay for the privilege of doing so (debates about license fees aside).
He’s a wank.
Well said. Loretta abd her troops might start looking at the head honchos of the “too big to fail” banks, mainly in the USA, before getting interested in FIFA. “What’s that resolution by the Palestinians FIFA’s supposed to be discussing this week”…
P.S. For those slagging off games in Qatar’s heat, emdy renember USA 1994?
To be fair the US do prosecute bankers, even jailing a few. Unlike the UK who just give them more tax havens!
Hi,
Reference Sky and its contribution to Scottish Football, I contacted them on this matter.
The attached emails make interesting reading especially the latest reply from Sky.
Regards,
Laurence Mcmahon
Hi Laurence,
Thank you so much for your reply.
I am sorry there is really nothing further I can add however I would like to thank you for taking the time to write to us your comments are appreciated and have been passed for attention of all involved.
Thanks
Carol
Sky Help Centre
http://www.sky.com
Original Message Follows: ————————
Hi Carol,
Many thanks for your comprehensive reply to my email. You make some valid arguments regards Sky’s coverage of Scottish sport.
My main argument was the differences in what is paid to the clubs in each football league; an EPL game broadcast live on Sky the clubs receive £5m to be divided between the clubs; for the Scottish equivalent, the sum is £300,000. The gulf in level does not indicate equality within the UK. You can argue that the EPL is the better league and I would have to agree with you but that is due to the large difference in the money broadcastors invest in the EPL such that better players are attracted to that league. If SPFL Premiership was provided with very large increase in income from the broadcastors then the player quality would improve immensely. That is not to say that there are not very good players playing in the SPFL Premiership because there are many but clubs have difficulty in retaining them as they want earn more money by playing in the EPL.
Also the comment from the chief executive of Celtic indicating that the club would have a better income from spectators attending games timed at 3pm on a Saturday than it does from having changes to kick off times and reduced numbers of spectators attending is a measure of how the current contract is viewed.
As for Celtic participating in the Champions League; from next season this will only be available on BT Sport as Sky have lost the contract.
I guess we may agree to disagree with regard to Sky’s ‘contribution’ to Scottish football.
Regards,
Laurence McMahon
From: All Viewer Relations [mailto:ViewerR@BSkyB.com]
Sent: 27 May 2015 14:14
To: Laurence McMahon
Subject: programme enquiries / sky sports /case id 5004661- cjf02 (KMM27640966I15977L0KM)
Hi Laurence
Thank you for your email in relation to Sky’s coverage of Scottish football.
The current TV deal as agreed with the SPFL is worth more than ever before and is split between Sky Sports and BT Sport running until 2017.
We are proud of our support of Scottish sport – through our on air coverage, our talent and support of grass roots initiatives in Scotland.
We are also proud of our partnership with Scottish football, having first shown matches since the beginning of Sky Sports in 1991.
Our on air coverage of sport in Scotland is extensive. In addition to international, league and cup football, we cover rugby union, golf, cricket, boxing, horse racing as well as a host of other events in Scotland including basketball, darts, snooker, ice hockey and greyhounds.
We follow Scottish sports stars and teams in competition in the UK and overseas – including following Scotland international football and rugby teams, Scottish golfers and many more. Thanks to our year round coverage of tennis, we show more of Andy Murray than any other broadcaster.
Finally we support British Cycling and Sky Sports Living for Sport which supports sports participation from grass roots to elite level.
Some additional points on our Scottish football coverage;
• 30 matches each season from the SPFL
• Scottish FA Cup
• Scotland’s home friendly international matches during seasons 2014/15 – 2017/18, as well as Euro 206 and World Cup 2018 qualifiers
• Coverage of Scotland Under-21 matches
• Scotland U-16s home fixtures in the Sky Sports Victory Shield
• Celtic feature in UEFA Champions League
Whilst I realise my email may not justify the differences in the amounts between the two mentioned leagues, I hope this is in someway shows our continued dedication to Scottish sport.
I hope this information has helped, If you require any further assistance, you can respond to my email.
Kind regards
Carol
Viewer Relations
Original Message Follows: ————————
Hi,
I was attempting to find a suggestions area that may accommodate the following.
As an existing Sky subscriber for the sports package especially football, in my opinion Sky has concentrated more and more on the English Premier League resulting in the detriment of Scottish football. The recent announcement regards the large increase in Sky sponsorship of the Premier League does not help the game in general but more importantly encourages a them and us thinking within the UK. The election just passed is now indicating the fruits of this strategy with a very large number of SNP MPs elected to the House of Commons.
The prime minister has often indicated that all countries within the UK are the same and everything should be more equal. Unfortunately with regard to football especially between Scotland and England it is not the case.
To encourage more equality within the UK, may I suggest that Sky reviews the value of current sponsorship of Scottish Football with a view to increasing this value substantially. At the present time, the CEO of the largest club has stated that he would prefer kick offs to be at 3pm on a Saturday; the estimated increase in spectators of around 5,000 for a few games would offset the income received from television to the club. This is a damning indictment of the failure to apply a more even handed broadcasting strategy by Sky.
May I suggest that Sky investigate this failure and perhaps either encourage the English footballing authorities to admit larger Scottish teams to the English system, or substantially increase the fees paid to Scottish football.
As Sky have lost the Champions League football for next season and are no doubt looking for ways of filling this void; perhaps the following could be considered in addition to that above:
·
Information in this email including any attachments may be privileged, confidential and is intended exclusively for the addressee. The views expressed may not be official policy, but the personal views of the originator. If you have received it in error, please notify the sender by return e-mail and delete it from your system. You should not reproduce, distribute, store, retransmit, use or disclose its contents to anyone. Please note we reserve the right to monitor all e-mail communication through our internal and external networks. SKY and the SKY marks are trademarks of Sky plc and Sky International AG and are used under licence. Sky UK Limited (Registration No. 2906991), Sky-In-Home Service Limited (Registration No. 2067075) and Sky Subscribers Services Limited (Registration No. 2340150) are direct or indirect subsidiaries of Sky plc (Registration No. 2247735). All of the companies mentioned in this paragraph are incorporated in England and Wales and share the same registered office at Grant Way, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 5QD.
Information in this email including any attachments may be privileged, confidential and is intended exclusively for the addressee. The views expressed may not be official policy, but the personal views of the originator. If you have received it in error, please notify the sender by return e-mail and delete it from your system. You should not reproduce, distribute, store, retransmit, use or disclose its contents to anyone. Please note we reserve the right to monitor all e-mail communication through our internal and external networks. SKY and the SKY marks are trademarks of Sky plc and Sky International AG and are used under licence. Sky UK Limited (Registration No. 2906991), Sky-In-Home Service Limited (Registration No. 2067075) and Sky Subscribers Services Limited (Registration No. 2340150) are direct or indirect subsidiaries of Sky plc (Registration No. 2247735). All of the companies mentioned in this paragraph are incorporated in England and Wales and share the same registered office at Grant Way, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 5QD.
The real issue is how many exploited foreign workers must die to make Qatar’s bid possible, not the Qatari heat. The bodies are piling up. Quite a few Russian workers died building Sochi but Qatar is off the charts.
Football is a “beautiful game” but that’s as far as the beauty goes. Morally, Scotland should boycott both 2018 and 2022 until the mess is sorted. Putin’s treatment of the Ukraine and Russia’s own substantial gay community would be reason enough. Also, 20,000 women a year are murdered in domestic violence in the Russian Federation—the family (anti-gay) values Putin promotes? The Qatari Royal Family obviously don’t care about the lives of mere foreign workers.
Blatter is part of all that. The MSM may sometimes get it right!
And, well done Motherwell.
I imagine building from scratch, as opposed to giving current stadiums a facelift, would result in a much higher risk to workers but what is happening in Qatar is a global disgrace.
Blatter voted for USA. Who voted for Qatar is public knowledge and the MSM are free to ask them why or investigate but they were too busy going on about Blatter and the big story has passed them bye, to be revealed by the authorities. Where have we seen that before?
My understanding of Ukraine is that it was kicked off by Fascist coup? Eastern Ukraine then voted democratically to (re)join Russia?
Despite MSM telling us (‘alleging’) so, Russia did not actually invade.
The other stuff is clearly abhorrent but lets fight using the sword of truth, not bits Murdoch-esque lies, half-truths and spin.