FIFA arrests, an inside job?

Inasmuch as I am pleased by the actions of the relevant authorities in the United States and Switzerland over the past two days against the international football governing body, FIFA, I am also curious over its timing.

For the first time in years, a real tangible force has appeared to be able to finally unseat long-time FIFA president Datuk Seri Sepp Blatter – yes, he got his title in 2010 from the Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah Sultan Abu Bakar, whom we all know was a close ally as president of the Asian Football Confederation as well as a long-time FAM president – and suddenly, there is upheaval and senior FIFA officials find themselves in trouble over corruption and other nefarious practices.

Just two days before the key presidential elections in FIFA, and this much news and upheaval may result in one of two outcomes: 1) sole contender Prince Ali bin al Hussein of Jordan realises it may be more than he wants to contend with and pulls out in the last minute, or 2) Blatter wins with an overwhelming landslide as many of the delegates, especially outside Europe, realise that if anybody can get FIFA out of this mess, he can.

After all, FIFA did not get the reputation of being the perfect Mafia for nothing.

Yes, that is right. With FIFA at the helm, all football administrators around the world are virtually untouchable by any government or local authority as Blatter and his cohorts can invoke a rule that states affiliate organisations will be suspended for interference from the government, in actions such as removing the leadership of the federation and having a government-appointed one instead, among other things.

Basically, FIFA is a "nation" unto itself, governing in every sense of the word and with Blatter as its supreme ruler. Think Mugabe or some other despot leader of a nation, and one who is generous to the sycophants around them. Come to think of it, maybe one does not need to go beyond our shores, be it present or past leadership.

Watching the news over the past 24 hours, one cannot help but see the evidence of this simple analysis of the situation.

The FIFA delegate from Guinea-Bissau, Manuel Nascimento Lopes, was being interviewed by Sky News (Astro Channel 532) and he was going on about how he himself is incorruptible, and that he will vote for Blatter, adding: "all of Africa will vote for Blatter, because of who he is."

"Because of what he has done for us in Africa, for many years."

Doesn't that sound so close to home, when you watch a certain party's general assembly or like the locals at a recent gathering in Pekan.

And like the typical leader that he is, Blatter just washes his hands of any trouble that's brewing and simply says: "I cannot monitor everyone all the time. If people want to do wrong they will also try to hide it," as he did in his speech when opening the FIFA Congress in Zurich last night.

Yeah, right, you did not know all that was going around you, despite all the past allegations and constant alerts over the rampant corruption that was taking place involving affiliate regional organisations as well as affiliate nations, let alone at FIFA headquarters itself.

My conspiracy theory is that Blatter knew he might lose his bid to retain his presidency in today's vote.

Like the leaders we are oh so familiar with, he must have pulled up some files, then called in some favours with certain parties or authorities.

The objective: to rock the boat, scare some power players in FIFA who are leaning towards his rival, show the South American, Asian and African delegates they better know their place or more files will be coming out.

Then, after he wins the election, or just retains his seat uncontested, Blatter, with the help of the best lawyers (and judges, perhaps?) that money can buy, will get FIFA off the hook and everyone concerned will simply say, there was not enough evidence to nail those arrested, let alone the president.

And FIFA will continue to do as they please, and the sponsors will be pleased to get some added (negotiated) benefits for their continued support and everyone will just clamour for attention over the next three years leading to the next World Cup, in Russia.

Oh, and I might add here, that if you have Russian president Vladimir Putin on your side, defending you against unfair actions by the US, then you know you are the closest thing to a super-Bond villain, as anyone could be in reality. – May 29, 2015.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.