{"id":7132,"date":"2015-05-28T10:34:35","date_gmt":"2015-05-28T09:34:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/etims.net\/?p=7132"},"modified":"2015-05-28T10:34:35","modified_gmt":"2015-05-28T09:34:35","slug":"celtic-diary-thursday-may-28-regan-faces-hard-nosed-investigation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/etims.net\/?p=7132","title":{"rendered":"Celtic Diary Thursday May 28: Regan Faces Hard Nosed Investigation"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The bold Hugh will get to the truth.<\/p>\n

Thought I’d start with a chuckle.<\/p>\n

Hugh couldn’t find his own arse with both hands and a flashlight.<\/p>\n

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World news first, and the FBI agent in charge of the corruption enquiry within the high offices of \u00a0world football has released a statement.<\/p>\n

” 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. ”\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

Then he got into his new car and drove off.<\/p>\n

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I knew all along that Blatter was squeaky clean.<\/p>\n

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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 \u00a0won’t come into it.<\/p>\n

And the investigation may lead to other instances of corruption being uncovered. The FBI like that sort of thing.<\/p>\n

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;<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Without a hint of embarrassment, Regan declared;<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat has happened today underlines the need for fundamental change in how FIFA is governed, We will discuss the Scottish FA\u2019s position with UEFA but also establish the position of all European national associations when we receive more information on what is a developing situation.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have stated before that we believe for the good of the game\u2019s image, integrity and indeed future prosperity that Mr Blatter should stand down and allow FIFA to radically improve its governance and credibility. After today\u2019s events, that position has crystallised still further.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

What is not clear is if there is any truth that Regan rang Blatter and told him to claim that there would be ”\u00a0social unrest, armageddon and the death of the game worldwide if his administration wasn’t allowed to run things the way he saw fit ”\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, so far it’s worked for him.<\/p>\n

Speaking to journalist Tom English, Regan elaborated, again without even the faintest idea that he could well have been talking about his own organisation…<\/p>\n

“We need new leadership, we need to restore Fifa’s reputation, because it’s become tainted by the allegations of bribery and corruption.”\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

“We need to drive it, modernise it, restore faith in it. We need a new plan.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

World football might yet be cleaned up, and the game’s image restored.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

( how many hints do they need ? )<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Although if you thought Regan was being a little brazen, have a look at this, from the lovable Chris Graham…<\/p>\n

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