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[column size=”1/2″] Once again and with tedious regularity, stories of corruption in World Football crops up. The most popular sport in the world and by far the top money generator has been polluted for a long time. FIFA, football’s world governing body, has been engulfed by claims of widespread corruption. Icons of football such as Micheal Platini , Franz Beckenbauer, Joseph Blatter and a host of other influential football personalities have been indicted, suspended or jailed as a result.

It is foolish to think that after all these events and exposures; corruption in football has vanished or even subsided. There is far too much at stake, too much of interest, far too much money that fools like us spend to watch our cherished game. The criminal minds and Mafia’s of this world are always on the lookout for the source of money. What’s better than that rich and beautiful game of football.

This week was the FIFA day with most countries playing for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2018, in itself a dubious and controversial venue full of alleged corrupt practices. For most countries, the prestige of qualifying to the finals is prized enough to do everything possible, legally and honorably, but for some even going beyond ethics and letter of the law to ensure the that rich payout.

Mission possible

Saudi Arabia, a country that has invented the project of humongous expenditure on football using its petrodollars in the 70’s, has not qualified for the World Cup since 2006. It is a matter of honor for them because any success in football is attributed to the efforts of the ruling clan. Failure reflects badly on them, especially when things are not politically comfortable for them on the diplomatic scene. The despot regime is desperate for positive PR where it has little to show in the past few years with accusations of harboring Islamist extremist and involvement in 9/11.

The World Cup 2018 campaign was not going very well for the Saudis in the opener match at home against the resolute Thai team. It was heading for a goal-less draw. But by the grace of God , and a little compassion from the Chinese referee, the simplest of contact between a Thai defender and Saudi forward was called a penalty in the 84^th minute. The Saudi’s scored, the Thai were furious and heartbroken feeling betrayed.  Questionable call is quite simply a gross understatement.

Five days later the story repeated itself with the Saudi’s against Iraq in Malaysia this time. Iraq was leading by a goal when Qatari referee called two consecutive penalties in 81^st & 88^th minutes to ensure all 3 points goes in the rich Saudi’s bag.

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[column size=”1/2″] The Saudi haul

2 matches, 6 points, 3 penalty goals. Is it a coincidences?.

Not if you dig deep enough into the practices  of the highly influential Saudis , who have handpicked the current President of AFC Shaikh Salman Al Khalifa of Bahrain, a tiny island state that the Saudi dominate financially and politically.

AFC , time and again , has been influenced by the Saudi pressure and there is no doubt about that.

Nomination of Australian referee Williams is yet another cause of debate which AFC could have very easily avoided. Creating psychological pressure on Iran is one way that the Saudis, who are sworn enemy of Iran, will show its influence against its hated neighbor. Out of the hundreds of referees, they had to choose the one that the Iranian despise and have issue with. Even if there is no bad intent by the AFC, the IQ of the administrators in the Kuala Lumpur AFC HQ should be much higher than to create such controversy.

AFC of course is famous for the Bin Hammam affair whose ill repute made world headlines.

Of course, Asia , Africa  and Latin America are not the only culprits. The whistle clean Europeans are also as shady, however, they do seem to be doing it diligently , cunningly and artfully. TV deals are perhaps this biggest basis of corruption and a highly kept secret deals with no transparency on why certain broadcasters win, not necessarily on the basis of highest bids.

Europe does it better

But the corruption is not limited in the corridors of power in Europe. A few days ago a Slovakian defender has made a startling claim that England’s World Cup qualifier against his country was fixed.  England scored in the 96^th minute two minutes over the top of added time declared by the referee. It is fair to say that the Slovak Keeper was being treated in that added time.

Whether we like it or not, corruption is part and parcel of football, and most sports for that matter. Simply said, the stakes are too high and the money, easy money that is, is plentiful for the sharks.

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