Doug Casey on the Real FIFA Scandal
By Doug Casey, The Casey Report
Soccer, or “football” as it’s known outside the U.S., captivates billions around the globe, representing more than just a sport; it’s a cultural phenomenon. While many Americans may not resonate with the game deeply, the recent accusations surrounding FIFA, the international governing body, have drawn significant attention and concern.
The current headlines revolve around allegations of corruption within FIFA. Rather than reiterating the details of who was involved and the financial transactions that occurred—information widely available online—I prefer to focus on a more significant issue: the relevance of this scandal to Americans.
Why is it largely inconsequential for us? FIFA has operated as a Swiss association for over a century, with almost all of its officials and players originating from outside the United States. Yet, despite this disconnect, the FBI has taken steps to prosecute at least 14 US-bound FIFA officials.
Is FIFA Corrupt?
Were FIFA officials compensating themselves with lavish salaries and handling millions to influence World Cup hosting decisions? Without a doubt. But does that constitute corruption? The answer lies in the definition of “corruption.” I’ve discussed this topic in detail, which you may find insightful. In essence, corruption involves a breach of trust—acting against the interests of those you are meant to serve.
When we assess whether FIFA officials are corrupt, their conduct certainly raises eyebrows. However, it might be important to consider: are they really more culpable than many American corporate executives who siphon millions while leading their companies to ruin? Or politicians who barter contracts with public funds? Unlike corporate entities, FIFA doesn’t have shareholders. Its accountability lies mainly with the nations that elect its officials; it operates more like a political organization.
What about the fans? As long as games happen, they often display loyalty to the sport regardless of who’s at the helm. FIFA’s leaders may appear opportunistic in their dealings, but absent an obligation to a fiduciary standard, they are less corrupt in a legal sense.
If we look for true corruption, we might need to scrutinize the presidents of FIFA’s member countries, as many leave office as billionaires. In this context, FIFA might be more of a collaborator—potentially even a victim—rather than the primary wrongdoer. A hypothetical scenario where an altruist like Mother Teresa led FIFA would probably yield similar outcomes, albeit with a focus on charity rather than gala events.
The underlying issue is the politicization of sports, with FIFA and the Olympic Committee transforming athletics into platforms for nationalistic pride, where corruption and politics are often intertwined.
A Tempest in a Toilet Bowl
Yet the greater issue isn’t the alleged corruption itself but the response from the US government. Questions surrounding the legality of extraditing foreign individuals for actions that may not even qualify as crimes in their own countries go unasked.
This silence closely parallels a sentiment captured by Pastor Martin Niemöller’s poignant poem about passive complicity:
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
In today’s context, how might the poem flow?
First they dispatched a SWAT team to New Zealand to detain Kim Dotcom, a German national, for activities legal in both Germany and New Zealand, and I did not speak out—because I was not in tech. Then they enacted drone strikes and targeted assassinations globally, and I did not speak out—because I didn’t fit the profile. Then they invaded several nations, and I was quiet—convinced of their righteousness. Then they prosecuted the FIFA officials, and I ignored it—disinterested in wealthy individuals profiting from soccer. And so the cycle continues.
The specific charges against FIFA officials—wire fraud, racketeering, and money laundering—are rooted in laws such as the RICO Act, a controversial legal framework. This raises another question: why are these charges even valid if they don’t reflect common law crimes?
“Wire fraud” refers to using electronic communication in a supposed crime, so why does that amplify the offense? “Racketeering” implies a system of extortion, which inherently involves threats. Did FIFA issue any threats? Likewise, “money laundering” is a relatively modern crime focused on concealing fund origins—why is that even illegal?
These allegations exist largely to facilitate prosecution. The controversy over these charges suggests a much larger issue at play.
One might rightfully wonder why the US government exercises such authority in international soccer matters. An Orwellian justification from FBI Director James Comey stated, “If you touch our shores with your corrupt enterprise, whether through meetings or using our world-class financial system, you will be held accountable.” This assertion implies the U.S. has jurisdiction based on international dealings that merely initiate on American soil.
It’s telling that these circumstances unfold with minimal scrutiny, reflecting a concerning moral decline in worldwide governance.
To liken the situation, it would be as absurd as the Haitian government arresting an American baseball player for violating a local law regarding equipment—the far-reaching implications are indeed alarming.
Looking ahead, this situation pales compared to the pressing threats of ISIS in the Middle East, China’s territorial ambitions, or unrest in Ukraine. The potential for a financial crisis in Europe looms, and more details will emerge in future issues of The Casey Report.
Sincerely,
Doug Casey
for Economic Prism
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