FIFA Corruption Scandal: What to Know, Read, Watch

Vladimir Putin, Jon Stewart, Loretta Lynch, et al
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted May 28, 2015 7:19 AM CDT

It's FIFA corruption scandal, day two. Here's a guide to what you should know, watch, and read:

  • Vladimir Putin had strong words for the US regarding yesterday's FIFA arrests, which he framed as "yet another blatant attempt [by the United States] to extend its jurisdiction to other states." Among his comments, per the Guardian: "I suppose that someone broke some rules, I don't know. But definitely, it's got nothing to do with the USA. Those officials are not US citizens."
  • The AP notes that, in fact, of the 14 people charged (nine current and former FIFA officials, four sports marketing execs and an accused intermediary), at least two hold American citizenship.

  • Jon Stewart last night translated the scandal for a US audience in a segment flavored like this: "FIFA is so bad, they got arrested by the Swiss, a country whose official policy on Nazi gold was, and I quote, 'we'll allow it.'" Watch.
  • As for FIFA leader Sepp Blatter, the AP reports he today missed a scheduled speech—his third skipped appearance in 24 hours as many clamor for his resignation and for tomorrow's election (he's up for a fifth term) to be delayed. What he has done, per the BBC: chaired an emergency meeting. The New York Times takes a look at Blatter, who "has been dodging scandals almost from the moment he was elected president ... in 1998" in a piece worth reading.
  • Another New York Times piece worth a read: "Chuck Blazer, a Soccer Bon Vivant Laid Low." He's the former FIFA executive committee member who appears to have become a "cooperating witness." When indictments were unsealed yesterday, the feds revealed Blazer pleaded guilty a year and a half ago.
  • The AP looks at American and Swiss investigators' monthslong preparations for the raids' dramatic end point: FIFA's annual congress in Zurich. The AP puts it dramatically: "Any leak could have given the game away, allowing international soccer officials to scramble out of Switzerland or time to destroy important evidence." Read more.
  • At Politico, Josh Gerstein zeros in on Loretta Lynch, who has gone from being "known mostly as the woman who couldn't get an up-or-down vote on her nomination as attorney general" to making a "stunning debut" as the world watched. Read.
  • What's next, in terms of extradition, additional arrests, and the Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 World Cups? This CNN guide has you covered. Read.
  • Still confused? John Oliver broke down FIFA's corruption ... last year. Watch.
(More FIFA stories.)

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