Fresh Fifa crisis over Qatar's 2022 bid
Official confirms email saying emirate 'bought' World Cup
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/1a1607aa-8ac0-11e0-b2f1-00144feab49a.html
Bin Hammam suspended
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/2aaa1fee-89bb-11e0-beff-00144feab49a.html#axzz1Np0CTswP
Fifa opens way for Blatter re-election
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/981ab1ec-8a42-11e0-beff-00144feab49a.html#axzz1Np0CTswP
Fifa 's own goal has changed the game
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/981ab1ec-8a42-11e0-beff-00144feab49a.html#axzz1Np0CTswP
And then, in football news, Barcelona win a match
Aww no,really hope Blatter isn't re-elected.He is so arrogant.
Doesn't he still stay as president if there is NO election?
Quote from: Denn Forever on May 30, 2011, 10:21:54 PM
Doesn't he still stay as president if there is NO election?
There's going to be an election with on one candidate, how does that work?
Will they actually go through the motions of voting or just say Blather is unopposed like a good old GAA club AGM?
Blatter reminds me of Frank Murphy
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/840e23a8-8b70-11e0-8c09-00144feab49a.html#ixzz1NwLryHJ3
Emirates and Visa add to Fifa pressure
By Roger Blitz in Zurich
Published: May 31 2011 12:35 | Last updated: May 31 2011 14:01
Two more World Cup sponsors have publicly voiced concern at the crisis in Fifa, as the English and Scottish Football Associations added to pressure on the sport's governing body by calling for the postponement of Wednesday's presidential election.
Emirates Airlines said it was "disappointed with the issues that are currently surrounding the administration of the sport" while Visa, a credit card company, said the "current situation is clearly not good for the game".
Its intervention follows similar statements by fellow sponsors Coca-Cola and Adidas. They called on Fifa to act swiftly to restore its damaged reputation in the face of the bribery allegations that have sparked an internecine struggle between the governing body's most powerful figures.
Emirates added: "We hope that these issues will be resolved as soon as possible and the outcome will be in the interest of the game and sport in general."
Visa called on Fifa to "take all necessary steps to resolve the concerns that have been raised".
There was no respite for Fifa, holding its annual Congress in Zurich where Sepp Blatter is due to be re-elected to a fourth presidential term.
The English FA issued a statement, saying Fifa should postpone the election to give the opportunity for "reforming" candidates to stand, and should also bring in an external party to assess its governance.
The Scottish FA said the election "should be rescheduled to facilitate a period of consultation to deal with the issues that have arisen in recent weeks" because the "events of the last two days, in particular, have made any election unworkable".
Mr Blatter is the only candidate following the withdrawal of Mohamed bin Hammam at the weekend in the face of bribery allegations surrounding his election campaign.
Mr Blatter said on Monday that there was no reason to postpone the vote of the 208-member Fifa Congress. Despite concerns from World Cup sponsors, Mr Blatter said there was no crisis at Fifa, only "some difficulties" which the governing body would resolve internally.
David Bernstein, English FA chairman, said the FA had earlier this month announced it planned to abstain at the election.
This was because of bribery allegations against four Fifa executive committee (Exco) members made in the UK parliament earlier this month relating to the 2018 and 2022 World Cups bidding process, and concerns over Fifa's lack of transparency and accountability.
Mr Bernstein said: "Events of the last few days have reinforced our views, and we call on Fifa and ask other national associations to support us with two initiatives.
"First, to postpone the election and give credibility to this process, so any alternative reforming candidate could have the opportunity to stand for president.
"Secondly, to appoint a genuinely independent external party to make recommendations regarding improved governance and compliance procedures and structures throughout the Fifa decision making processes for consideration by the full membership.
These measures were the minimum needed to improve confidence in Fifa at what was "a very damaging time" for the reputation of the governing body and football as a whole, Mr Bernstein said.
The Scottish FA made similar recommendations, citing that "the integrity and reputation of the game across the world is paramount".
The English and Scottish requests will almost certainly fall on deaf ears at Fifa, partly because the governing body views the English football authorities as sore at failing to secure the 2018 World Cup.
The FA compiled a report on the bribery allegations made by Lord Triesman, its former chairman, during a parliamentary inquiry into the state of football, and presented it to Fifa.
But Mr Blatter on Monday said there was nothing in the report to prompt Fifa to launch disciplinary proceedings against the named Exco members.
However, the FA report, drawn up by James Dingemans QC, was critical of the World Cup bidding process, Fifa's code of ethics and the lack of independence in enforcing its rules.
Mr bin Hammam and Jack Warner were suspended as Fifa Exco members over allegations of payments made at an election campaign meeting earlier in May to Caribbean football officials of $40,000 each in return for their votes. They deny the allegations.
Mr Warner retaliated by releasing an e-mail written by Jerome Valcke, Fifa secretary-general, in which he said Qatar had "bought" the 2022 World Cup.
Mr Valcke said he was merely referring to the financial strength behind the Gulf state's bid.
Mr bin Hammam is appealing against his suspension.
Jim Boyce is about to become one of the most powerful men in World football. I just heard that on Sky Sports. Is this the same one who was in the Irish FA ?
So the Qatar World cup axed & given to England?
It has to go some place in Asia.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/3/37005782-8c49-11e0-b1c8-00144feab49a.html#ixzz1O27HPHS9
Fifa: the not-so-beautiful game
Published: June 1 2011 13:25 | Last updated: June 1 2011 13:25
I'm a football fan; get me out of here. That should be the best reaction to the re-election of Sepp Blatter as president of Fifa on Wednesday. He is not the man to reform the administration of world football, which has been fatally undermined by, among other things, the way Qatar was selected to host the 2022 World Cup. However, Mr Blatter's reappointment does not mean that reform will not – or should not – be imposed from outside. With Fifa's sponsors getting restless, the cause is not lost.
The first challenge for reformers is diagnosing Fifa's problems correctly. Strictly speaking, it is a hugely successful organisation: the World Cup is a triumphant event. With $1.2bn in the bank, Fifa is in a position to distribute largesse worldwide. In principle, there is nothing wrong with that: football is the most aspirational of sports.
Yet all of this is overshadowed by swirling allegations of corruption, which points to Fifa's real flaw – its structure and governance. The organisation's 208 national members have allowed Mr Blatter to accumulate far too much power in his office. He wields this power shamelessly and largely unaccountably. Recent events suggest that he has over-reached. Fifa's woes are a direct consequence of that.
Four of Fifa's six main sponsors – Coca-Cola, Adidas, Visa and Emirates Airlines – are fretting about the reputational cost of being associated with an organisation that is slowly imploding. Money talks, as the International Olympic Committee, the Tour de France, and Tiger Woods have found. Fifa's sponsors should join forces with those members seeking reform, and push Mr Blatter to appoint an outside board of directors. Its first task should be to find a successor for Mr Blatter with the integrity and character to safeguard the integrity of the world's most important sport.
(http://i56.tinypic.com/14wasqo.jpg)
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on May 31, 2011, 08:17:02 PM
Jim Boyce is about to become one of the most powerful men in World football. I just heard that on Sky Sports.
Not quite; rather, he will get to share the same table as the most powerful men in World football.
Since bailing FIFA out of bankruptcy in 1947(?), the four British Associations have had the permanent right to elect a FIFA "Vice President" from amongst their own ranks.
However, whilst such a position was then very influential, as I understand it, its influence has been somewhat diluted since then.
For not only is the UK rep only one of 8 VP's, but real power within FIFA resides with the Executive Committee, which consists of the President (Blatter), the 8 VP's and 15 other Members appointed by their respective Confederations etc.
Therefore Jim will only be one of 24 and as we've seen all too often recently, the voice of the British VP is often a lone one. Therefore I don't expect Boyce to get appointed to any of the more important (or cushy) sub-committees etc!
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on May 31, 2011, 08:17:02 PMIs this the same one who was in the Irish FA ?
Yep, one and the same. The four British Associations are meant to rotate the position every four years; afaik, it was the IFA's turn last time around, but Boyce was edged out by England and Scotland, partly because they wanted their own man at the top table, and partly (I suspect) because he's a buffoon.
I imagine they couldn't deny the IFA again, so Jim finally got the gig. As for how well he'll do, on the basis that he's also well-meaning and honest, I don't expect him to get anywhere... ;)
FIFA is an absolute mess, worse tha the English FA could ever be:
FIFA's senior vice-president, Julio Grondona, has accused England of "always complaining" and said he voted for Qatar for 2022 because "a vote for the US would be like a vote for England".
GettyImages
Julio Grondona would only vote for England if the Falkland Islands were handed over
• John Brewin: Reform the only way
• Sponsors could force change
• Bernstein: FA took stand on principle
• DFB call for 2022 vote probe
• Grondona makes doping test admission
Reports had been published in the English press accusing FIFA of corruption ahead of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup votes, and former FA chairman Lord Triesman made a series of accusations against four FIFA executive members last month.
Current FA chairman David Bernstein has most recently led a bid to delay the FIFA presidential elections in which Sepp Blatter stands unopposed in the wake of the current crisis.
Grondona, president of the Argentinian FA and head of FIFA's finance committee, said: "We always have attacks from England which are mostly lies with the support of journalism which is more busy lying than telling the truth. This upsets and disturbs the FIFA family.
"To present such a project as David Bernstein presented is like shooting a penalty because it cannot be always from the same place that the insults and problems come from.
"I see it at every Congress. They have specific privileges with four countries having one vice-president. I don't know what our president has said, but we have seen the World Cup go around the world, to South America and Africa and it looks like this country does not like it.
"It looks like England is always complaining so please I say will you leave the FIFA family alone, and when you speak, speak with truth."
In an interview with a German press agency on Tuesday, Grondona called England "pirates" and added: "Yes, I voted for Qatar, because a vote for the US would be like a vote for England, and that is not possible.
"But with the English bid I said: Let us be brief. If you give back the Falkland Islands, which belong to us, you will get my vote. They then became sad and left."
:D :D :D
(http://arabnews.com/opinion/cartoons/article447876.ece/BINARY/large/0604Cartoon.jpg)
Apparently moving the World Cup from Summer to Winter isn't the only large-scale change being planned by FIFA:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2011/jul/07/qatar-world-cup-three-halves
From twitter: Jack Warner says he got World Cup TV rights for $1 in return for supporting Sepp Blatter in 1998 FIFA election. Link to full story soon.
"Once again there is a sort of storm against FIFA relating to the Qatar World Cup. Sadly there's a great deal of discrimination and racism and this hurts me." - Sepp Blatter
That guy will say anything to stay in power. Throw that word out there again (reminds me of rossfan on this board)
Quote from: seafoid on May 31, 2011, 10:41:40 AM
Blatter reminds me of Frank Murphy
I know this is from years ago but it's a very unfair comparison. Frank Murphy is not as bad as people make out and even if he were he's not in the same galaxy as that pond scum Blatter.
This is quite entertaining.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/hbo-s-john-oliver-hilariously-sums-up-fifa-s-corruption-and-his-conflicted-feelings-for-the-world-cup-143833344.html
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 09, 2014, 10:46:11 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 31, 2011, 10:41:40 AM
Blatter reminds me of Frank Murphy
I know this is from years ago but it's a very unfair comparison. Frank Murphy is not as bad as people make out and even if he were he's not in the same galaxy as that pond scum Blatter.
Frank could sue for that comparison.
But it should be noted that Blatter was not at all involved in the corruption around the Qatar vote, he voted for Australia. Probably Australia's only vote. It was Platini who manipulated the overwhelming UEFA based vote for Qatar. And it is public knowledge what Platini's connection is there.
Quote from: Main Street on June 09, 2014, 11:43:09 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 09, 2014, 10:46:11 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 31, 2011, 10:41:40 AM
Blatter reminds me of Frank Murphy
I know this is from years ago but it's a very unfair comparison. Frank Murphy is not as bad as people make out and even if he were he's not in the same galaxy as that pond scum Blatter.
Frank could sue for that comparison.
But it should be noted that Blatter was not at all involved in the corruption around the Qatar vote, he voted for Australia. Probably Australia's only vote. It was Platini who manipulated the overwhelming UEFA based vote for Qatar. And it is public knowledge what Platini's connection is there.
+1 Platini is as dirty as anyone on this.
Quote+1 Platini is as dirty as anyone on this.
He's been spectacularly quiet in the past fortnight, for him.
Quote from: Main Street on June 09, 2014, 11:43:09 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 09, 2014, 10:46:11 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 31, 2011, 10:41:40 AM
Blatter reminds me of Frank Murphy
I know this is from years ago but it's a very unfair comparison. Frank Murphy is not as bad as people make out and even if he were he's not in the same galaxy as that pond scum Blatter.
Frank could sue for that comparison.
But it should be noted that Blatter was not at all involved in the corruption around the Qatar vote, he voted for Australia. Probably Australia's only vote. It was Platini who manipulated the overwhelming UEFA based vote for Qatar. And it is public knowledge what Platini's connection is there.
good one. Maybe Septic didnt directly vote for Qatar, he will have been involved in this carryon. (if not, he aint running a very tight ship). FIFA is corrupt to the core
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 10, 2014, 09:11:03 AM
Quote+1 Platini is as dirty as anyone on this.
He's been spectacularly quiet in the past fortnight, for him.
I did see this from him..
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/05/michel-platini-conspirators-2022-world-cup-bid-uefa
Quote from: Main Street on June 09, 2014, 11:43:09 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 09, 2014, 10:46:11 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 31, 2011, 10:41:40 AM
Blatter reminds me of Frank Murphy
I know this is from years ago but it's a very unfair comparison. Frank Murphy is not as bad as people make out and even if he were he's not in the same galaxy as that pond scum Blatter.
Frank could sue for that comparison.
But it should be noted that Blatter was not at all involved in the corruption around the Qatar vote, he voted for Australia. Probably Australia's only vote. It was Platini who manipulated the overwhelming UEFA based vote for Qatar. And it is public knowledge what Platini's connection is there.
Anyone can sue. But I don't think Frank would have much of a case for reminding someone of someone else. Platini on the other hand might have a case, unless there is proof of the bold above.
Quote from: Main Street on June 09, 2014, 11:43:09 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 09, 2014, 10:46:11 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 31, 2011, 10:41:40 AM
Blatter reminds me of Frank Murphy
I know this is from years ago but it's a very unfair comparison. Frank Murphy is not as bad as people make out and even if he were he's not in the same galaxy as that pond scum Blatter.
Frank could sue for that comparison.
But it should be noted that Blatter was not at all involved in the corruption around the Qatar vote, he voted for Australia. Probably Australia's only vote. It was Platini who manipulated the overwhelming UEFA based vote for Qatar. And it is public knowledge what Platini's connection is there.
Bertie Ahern voted for Albert Reynolds in the heave against Albert's leadership that saw Bertie elected leader. He even showed his vote to Albert in his sleeveen way. Albert said that was the moment when he knew his goose was cooked.
That was my first thought too Hardy.
The thought did cross my mind, but to be honest I'm not sure if Blatter could be arsed with that sort of reverse psychology.
Quote from: muppet on June 10, 2014, 12:22:19 PM
Quote from: Main Street on June 09, 2014, 11:43:09 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 09, 2014, 10:46:11 PM
Quote from: seafoid on May 31, 2011, 10:41:40 AM
Blatter reminds me of Frank Murphy
I know this is from years ago but it's a very unfair comparison. Frank Murphy is not as bad as people make out and even if he were he's not in the same galaxy as that pond scum Blatter.
Frank could sue for that comparison.
But it should be noted that Blatter was not at all involved in the corruption around the Qatar vote, he voted for Australia. Probably Australia's only vote. It was Platini who manipulated the overwhelming UEFA based vote for Qatar. And it is public knowledge what Platini's connection is there.
Anyone can sue. But I don't think Frank would have much of a case for reminding someone of someone else. Platini on the other hand might have a case, unless there is proof of the bold above.
Platini is the whip of the Uefa party and he holds the purse. You don't need proof when his UEFA underlings vote on block for the Qatari bid. There were 10 members from Uefa countries on the executive who voted for WC 2022 bid, 9 of them voted for Qatar, the 10th - Blatter voted for Australia. Is it Platini's son who's embedded in the Qatar football enterprises? and Platini has been the visible champion of all things Qatari for years.
Though insanity would be a fallback defence for voting to have a WC Finals being played in Gulf state summer heat.
However Platini would agree to a revote, he even calls for a revote if Qatar were found to be corrupting the original vote.
In the echelons of FIFA and UEFA, proven corruption is no grounds for dismissal/exclusion ::)
In that case, Platini says he would vote for them again in the 2nd vote.
This is planet Platini, where proven. exposed. brazen bribery gets his stamp of approval.
Yet again, he will vote for a WC to be played searing heat, however he makes some weak plea for the Finals to be switched to winter, which will not happen.
Here's a good account of the Qatar bid
http://www.newsweek.com/soccer-punch-how-qatar-came-host-2022-world-cup-224033 (http://www.newsweek.com/soccer-punch-how-qatar-came-host-2022-world-cup-224033)
How they voted for Qatar is a mystery.
They barely even play soccer in Qatar.
I was in Oman, down the road, a few years ago in June and it was impossible to walk outside at
2pm with the heat.
Even in the evening it was really hot.
It is absolute insanity playing the WC there.
Quote from: seafoid on June 10, 2014, 05:56:56 PM
How they voted for Qatar is a mystery.
They barely even play soccer in Qatar.
I was in Oman, down the road, a few years ago in June and it was impossible to walk outside at
2pm with the heat.
Even in the evening it was really hot.
It is absolute insanity playing the WC there.
It'd be great craic to watch in all fairness. Some quare team could even win the tournament.
Though the Gulf States are grand in winter, perfect temperature and to have a WC Finals in such a small confined area would be just brilliant for the travelling football supporters.
Since Italy 90 but more so USA 94, (Japan Korea excepted) the old tradition of having group games in a local area was ditched in favour of the insane spreading of a group across the length and breath of the host country. USA in particular was a farce, designed to have tens of thousands of supporters, travelling thousands of km, just to follow their team in the group games.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/sep/22/fifa-qatar-2022-world-cup-theo-zwanziger
The 2022 World Cup will not be held in Qatar because of the scorching temperatures in the Middle East country, the Fifa Executive Committee member Theo Zwanziger predicted on Monday.
"I personally think that in the end the 2022 World Cup will not take place in Qatar," the German told Sport Bild on Monday.
"Medics say that they cannot accept responsibility with a World Cup taking place under these conditions," the former German football (DFB) chief, who is now a member of the world football's governing body Fifa that awarded the tournament to Qatar in 2010.
Although Qatar has insisted that a summer World Cup is viable thanks to cooling technologies it is developing for stadiums, training areas and fan zones, there is still widespread concern over the health of the players and visiting supporters.
"They may be able to cool the stadiums but a World Cup does not take place only there," Zwanziger said.
Unfortunately it will or Qatar will bankrupt FIFA with legal action.
Quote from: Zip Code on September 22, 2014, 03:18:09 PM
Unfortunately it will or Qatar will bankrupt FIFA with legal action.
That would be no harm either
Qatar vs Fifa would be like plague vs famine
Quote from: seafoid on September 22, 2014, 03:23:57 PM
Quote from: Zip Code on September 22, 2014, 03:18:09 PM
Unfortunately it will or Qatar will bankrupt FIFA with legal action.
That would be no harm either
Qatar vs Fifa would be like plague vs famine
;D
Had a good old LOLZ at Jim Boyce, when the FIFA reps were told to hand back their £16k watches he said he didn't even know he had it until he found it in a bag in his garage last week ;D
Would say he has some pension fund salted away
That was funny alright.
He said:
"A real watch? Holy fook, I thought that was a toy one."
Forget about the FIFA 20xx series football video games, I'd love it if they did a FIFA 2014 Administration video game.
Lie your way out of promises, hide that cash, hire henchmen to nobble opponents, avoid the press questioning your decisions, bribe other confederations and try stay chairman for as long as possible.
See if you can get to the golden 5 terms by any means possible.
FIFA's ethics investigator has resigned
http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/international/2014/1217/667511-michael-garcia-resigns-from-fifa-post/
Only because he didn't get a gold watch...
The Scottish, English and Northern Irish FAs all ignored FIFA's ruling about displaying poppies on their shirts. The Welsh FA abided their directive. FIFA are thinking about sanctioning the Welsh FA because some of their fans were wearing poppies.
FIFA as ever scoring own goals.
Should be pointed out that NI did not wear poppies on their shirts.
QuoteIt is understood that the wearing of poppies by supporters in the stands is not a charge that the IFA is facing, but investigations are being carried out into the holding of a minute's silence, the laying of a wreath and a poppy display by fans.
looks like were bringing it all back home
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/seven-footballers-are-among-those-arrested-in-connection-with-match-fixing-in-league-of-ireland-41662795.html
anyone surprised?
Brigin "soccer good gah bad" will be ::)
Quote from: rosnarun on May 18, 2022, 02:37:57 PM
looks like were bringing it all back home
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/seven-footballers-are-among-those-arrested-in-connection-with-match-fixing-in-league-of-ireland-41662795.html
anyone surprised?
Not at all. It's been happening in daylight for years but no-one had to balls to come out and say it. Estonians, Americans and Maltese owning 2nd division Irish soccer clubs should tell you all you want to know. The big surprise is that the bookies didn't stop giving odds years ago when all this was starting. Surely they seen the writing on the wall?
Quote from: trileacman on May 18, 2022, 07:27:06 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on May 18, 2022, 02:37:57 PM
looks like were bringing it all back home
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/seven-footballers-are-among-those-arrested-in-connection-with-match-fixing-in-league-of-ireland-41662795.html
anyone surprised?
Not at all. It's been happening in daylight for years but no-one had to balls to come out and say it. Estonians, Americans and Maltese owning 2nd division Irish soccer clubs should tell you all you want to know. The big surprise is that the bookies didn't stop giving odds years ago when all this was starting. Surely they seen the writing on the wall?
your assuming the bookies are innocent in all of this .
not a term usually associated with the profession. they dont sponsor everything in sports that moves for a reason. long may the GAA hold out against them but it must be costing them millions.
apart from the fact that it would be impossible to Stop, its hard to give one good reason Gambling is allowed.
Quote from: rosnarun on May 19, 2022, 09:21:09 AM
Quote from: trileacman on May 18, 2022, 07:27:06 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on May 18, 2022, 02:37:57 PM
looks like were bringing it all back home
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/seven-footballers-are-among-those-arrested-in-connection-with-match-fixing-in-league-of-ireland-41662795.html
anyone surprised?
Not at all. It's been happening in daylight for years but no-one had to balls to come out and say it. Estonians, Americans and Maltese owning 2nd division Irish soccer clubs should tell you all you want to know. The big surprise is that the bookies didn't stop giving odds years ago when all this was starting. Surely they seen the writing on the wall?
your assuming the bookies are innocent in all of this .
not a term usually associated with the profession. they dont sponsor everything in sports that moves for a reason. long may the GAA hold out against them but it must be costing them millions.
apart from the fact that it would be impossible to Stop, its hard to give one good reason Gambling is allowed.
Interesting opinion. I don't know much about bookies operation. How would a large chain (Paddy Power) etc, find a way to profit from the match-fixing?
Many ways
give over generous odds on a Favored team
such as one that 3 previous games by some thing like 4,4 and 5 goals and were certain to beat a lower team .
just a small adjustment to the odds which serious gamblers take advantage of such as 1/1 as opposed to 1/2
then make sure the favorites don't win. bobs your uncle.
and once you get into what the yanks call prop bets the world is their oyster such as ensure the player with the leat money on them causes first line ball or 1st shot at goal . doesn't affect over all outcome so no one really cares
Any comment from Brigin or did I miss it?
Quote from: rosnarun on May 18, 2022, 02:37:57 PM
looks like were bringing it all back home
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/seven-footballers-are-among-those-arrested-in-connection-with-match-fixing-in-league-of-ireland-41662795.html
anyone surprised?
The Athlone thing was well known about and shut down. Seems some serious Italians got ownership and brought in lads (on explenses) from Estonia who had previously been banned for match fixing. A bizarre state of affairs Delaney never accounted for. You need to fill in fit and proper forms to be a director at a pub team, but they didn't know who owned Athlone?
The Limerick thing could be anything. I remain sceptical as the bookes have cried wolf more than once when tbey have been cleaned out mispricing games.
But I think this does go on in all sports. Especially when bookies are making a market on amateur sport and often dead rubber games. Was it not well known that the last game of tbe IL season used to be the holiday bonus, especially if nothing at stake?
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 19, 2022, 06:21:52 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on May 18, 2022, 02:37:57 PM
looks like were bringing it all back home
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/seven-footballers-are-among-those-arrested-in-connection-with-match-fixing-in-league-of-ireland-41662795.html
anyone surprised?
The Athlone thing was well known about and shut down. Seems some serious Italians got ownership and brought in lads (on explenses) from Estonia who had previously been banned for match fixing. A bizarre state of affairs Delaney never accounted for. You need to fill in fit and proper forms to be a director at a pub team, but they didn't know who owned Athlone?
The Limerick thing could be anything. I remain sceptical as the bookes have cried wolf more than once when tbey have been cleaned out mispricing games.
But I think this does go on in all sports. Especially when bookies are making a market on amateur sport and often dead rubber games. Was it not well known that the last game of tbe IL season used to be the holiday bonus, especially if nothing at stake?
So in summary folks...
1. The bad thing I simply can't defend is now over so don't talk about it any more
2. There's enough wriggle room to allow me to say the other bad thing might not be a bad thing
3. Look, there's maybe a bad thing happening over there!
;D ;D ;D
Laughable stuff - if this is the best the FAI's chief mouthpiece can produce, then they are deeper in the sh1t than I thought.
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 19, 2022, 06:21:52 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on May 18, 2022, 02:37:57 PM
looks like were bringing it all back home
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/seven-footballers-are-among-those-arrested-in-connection-with-match-fixing-in-league-of-ireland-41662795.html
anyone surprised?
The Athlone thing was well known about and shut down. Seems some serious Italians got ownership and brought in lads (on explenses) from Estonia who had previously been banned for match fixing. A bizarre state of affairs Delaney never accounted for. You need to fill in fit and proper forms to be a director at a pub team, but they didn't know who owned Athlone?
The Limerick thing could be anything. I remain sceptical as the bookes have cried wolf more than once when tbey have been cleaned out mispricing games.
But I think this does go on in all sports. Especially when bookies are making a market on amateur sport and often dead rubber games. Was it not well known that the last game of tbe IL season used to be the holiday bonus, especially if nothing at stake?
Apart fromRcing what evidence do you have that it goes on in other sports in anything other than a once off basis .
this and athone was a well organized Sting carrie owt on a wide basis with many people involved and requires a serious investigation no just a head on a plate.
Scoccer is corrupt to the core that people in general are ignoring this story .
there is a soccer special on tv to night not about this but about an incident beween 2 thick pricks 20 years ago
Quote from: Franko on May 20, 2022, 01:31:04 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 19, 2022, 06:21:52 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on May 18, 2022, 02:37:57 PM
looks like were bringing it all back home
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/seven-footballers-are-among-those-arrested-in-connection-with-match-fixing-in-league-of-ireland-41662795.html
anyone surprised?
The Athlone thing was well known about and shut down. Seems some serious Italians got ownership and brought in lads (on explenses) from Estonia who had previously been banned for match fixing. A bizarre state of affairs Delaney never accounted for. You need to fill in fit and proper forms to be a director at a pub team, but they didn't know who owned Athlone?
The Limerick thing could be anything. I remain sceptical as the bookes have cried wolf more than once when tbey have been cleaned out mispricing games.
But I think this does go on in all sports. Especially when bookies are making a market on amateur sport and often dead rubber games. Was it not well known that the last game of tbe IL season used to be the holiday bonus, especially if nothing at stake?
So in summary folks...
1. The bad thing I simply can't defend is now over so don't talk about it any more
2. There's enough wriggle room to allow me to say the other bad thing might not be a bad thing
3. Look, there's maybe a bad thing happening over there!
;D ;D ;D
Laughable stuff - if this is the best the FAI's chief mouthpiece can produce, then they are deeper in the sh1t than I thought.
Why wpuld I be defending this? A very, very dark thing happened at Athlone that absolutely should not have and the Gardai are investigating. A second club were implicated that may or may not be a thing - bookies have cried wolf before.
Mouthpiece?
If you think lads at other sports aren't throwing bets on themselves in irrelevant games I have a bridge for sale.
The reason this is being investigated is Athlone got taken over by the Italian mob specifically to jigger games. How did that happen is the actual story and needs a bigger investigation than just charging players who long since left the country.
Quote from: rosnarun on May 20, 2022, 02:23:42 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 19, 2022, 06:21:52 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on May 18, 2022, 02:37:57 PM
looks like were bringing it all back home
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/seven-footballers-are-among-those-arrested-in-connection-with-match-fixing-in-league-of-ireland-41662795.html
anyone surprised?
The Athlone thing was well known about and shut down. Seems some serious Italians got ownership and brought in lads (on explenses) from Estonia who had previously been banned for match fixing. A bizarre state of affairs Delaney never accounted for. You need to fill in fit and proper forms to be a director at a pub team, but they didn't know who owned Athlone?
The Limerick thing could be anything. I remain sceptical as the bookes have cried wolf more than once when tbey have been cleaned out mispricing games.
But I think this does go on in all sports. Especially when bookies are making a market on amateur sport and often dead rubber games. Was it not well known that the last game of tbe IL season used to be the holiday bonus, especially if nothing at stake?
Apart fromRcing what evidence do you have that it goes on in other sports in anything other than a once off basis .
this and athone was a well organized Sting carrie owt on a wide basis with many people involved and requires a serious investigation no just a head on a plate.
Scoccer is corrupt to the core that people in general are ignoring this story .
there is a soccer special on tv to night not about this but about an incident beween 2 thick pricks 20 years ago
How is it being ignored? It's in every paper and all over the tv.
All I am saying is the Athlone issue was very much on the extreme end. It's not a group of players deciding to throw a dead rubber game. It was an orchestrated mafia scam. Of course that requires a big investigation but I haven't heard anything about how they bought the club and why the FAI allowed the purchase without knowing the identity of the new owners. Toe that is a glaring omission. But jumping to 'all soccer is corrupt' is a bit iffy.
Limerick could be anything but Athlone needs a full investigation
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 20, 2022, 02:53:12 PM
Quote from: Franko on May 20, 2022, 01:31:04 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 19, 2022, 06:21:52 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on May 18, 2022, 02:37:57 PM
looks like were bringing it all back home
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/seven-footballers-are-among-those-arrested-in-connection-with-match-fixing-in-league-of-ireland-41662795.html
anyone surprised?
The Athlone thing was well known about and shut down. Seems some serious Italians got ownership and brought in lads (on explenses) from Estonia who had previously been banned for match fixing. A bizarre state of affairs Delaney never accounted for. You need to fill in fit and proper forms to be a director at a pub team, but they didn't know who owned Athlone?
The Limerick thing could be anything. I remain sceptical as the bookes have cried wolf more than once when tbey have been cleaned out mispricing games.
But I think this does go on in all sports. Especially when bookies are making a market on amateur sport and often dead rubber games. Was it not well known that the last game of tbe IL season used to be the holiday bonus, especially if nothing at stake?
So in summary folks...
1. The bad thing I simply can't defend is now over so don't talk about it any more
2. There's enough wriggle room to allow me to say the other bad thing might not be a bad thing
3. Look, there's maybe a bad thing happening over there!
;D ;D ;D
Laughable stuff - if this is the best the FAI's chief mouthpiece can produce, then they are deeper in the sh1t than I thought.
Why wpuld I be defending this? A very, very dark thing happened at Athlone that absolutely should not have and the Gardai are investigating. A second club were implicated that may or may not be a thing - bookies have cried wolf before.
Mouthpiece?
If you think lads at other sports aren't throwing bets on themselves in irrelevant games I have a bridge for sale.
The reason this is being investigated is Athlone got taken over by the Italian mob specifically to jigger games. How did that happen is the actual story and needs a bigger investigation than just charging players who long since left the country.
Straw men and pathetic attempts at deflection.
There's a serious problem in the LOI with regard to match fixing.
I mean, in what other sport was a team "taken over by the Italian mob specifically to jigger games"? Seriously?? ;D ;D
I'm sorry, but the soccer problem is WAY bigger than in other sports. No amount of shit thrown is going to disguise that
If anything remotely close to this had gone on within the GAA you'd be pi$$ing yourself
You started a whole new thread about a few offaly U-14's not being allowed to play soccer
Quote from: Franko on May 20, 2022, 04:36:03 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 20, 2022, 02:53:12 PM
Quote from: Franko on May 20, 2022, 01:31:04 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 19, 2022, 06:21:52 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on May 18, 2022, 02:37:57 PM
looks like were bringing it all back home
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/seven-footballers-are-among-those-arrested-in-connection-with-match-fixing-in-league-of-ireland-41662795.html
anyone surprised?
The Athlone thing was well known about and shut down. Seems some serious Italians got ownership and brought in lads (on explenses) from Estonia who had previously been banned for match fixing. A bizarre state of affairs Delaney never accounted for. You need to fill in fit and proper forms to be a director at a pub team, but they didn't know who owned Athlone?
The Limerick thing could be anything. I remain sceptical as the bookes have cried wolf more than once when tbey have been cleaned out mispricing games.
But I think this does go on in all sports. Especially when bookies are making a market on amateur sport and often dead rubber games. Was it not well known that the last game of tbe IL season used to be the holiday bonus, especially if nothing at stake?
So in summary folks...
1. The bad thing I simply can't defend is now over so don't talk about it any more
2. There's enough wriggle room to allow me to say the other bad thing might not be a bad thing
3. Look, there's maybe a bad thing happening over there!
;D ;D ;D
Laughable stuff - if this is the best the FAI's chief mouthpiece can produce, then they are deeper in the sh1t than I thought.
Why wpuld I be defending this? A very, very dark thing happened at Athlone that absolutely should not have and the Gardai are investigating. A second club were implicated that may or may not be a thing - bookies have cried wolf before.
Mouthpiece?
If you think lads at other sports aren't throwing bets on themselves in irrelevant games I have a bridge for sale.
The reason this is being investigated is Athlone got taken over by the Italian mob specifically to jigger games. How did that happen is the actual story and needs a bigger investigation than just charging players who long since left the country.
Straw men and pathetic attempts at deflection.
There's a serious problem in the LOI with regard to match fixing.
I mean, in what other sport was a team "taken over by the Italian mob specifically to jigger games"? Seriously?? ;D ;D
I'm sorry, but the soccer problem is WAY bigger than in other sports. No amount of shit thrown is going to disguise that
If anything remotely close to this had gone on within the GAA you'd be pi$$ing yourself
You started a whole new thread about a few offaly U-14's not being allowed to play soccer
I don't think you know what the words strawmen and deflection mean. If you think my posts are defending soccer you are a loon.
The thread I opened was relevant and worth a discussion. Relevance?
Oh I know exactly what they mean. Here's an example where you manage to work both into a single sentence. ;D
If you think lads at other sports aren't throwing bets on themselves in irrelevant games I have a bridge for sale.
And I know you're not defending anything - you can't - it's an absolute farce
Deflection and mudslinging is all you have.
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 20, 2022, 08:57:44 PM
Quote from: Franko on May 20, 2022, 04:36:03 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 20, 2022, 02:53:12 PM
Quote from: Franko on May 20, 2022, 01:31:04 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 19, 2022, 06:21:52 PM
Quote from: rosnarun on May 18, 2022, 02:37:57 PM
looks like were bringing it all back home
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/seven-footballers-are-among-those-arrested-in-connection-with-match-fixing-in-league-of-ireland-41662795.html
anyone surprised?
The Athlone thing was well known about and shut down. Seems some serious Italians got ownership and brought in lads (on explenses) from Estonia who had previously been banned for match fixing. A bizarre state of affairs Delaney never accounted for. You need to fill in fit and proper forms to be a director at a pub team, but they didn't know who owned Athlone?
The Limerick thing could be anything. I remain sceptical as the bookes have cried wolf more than once when tbey have been cleaned out mispricing games.
But I think this does go on in all sports. Especially when bookies are making a market on amateur sport and often dead rubber games. Was it not well known that the last game of tbe IL season used to be the holiday bonus, especially if nothing at stake?
So in summary folks...
1. The bad thing I simply can't defend is now over so don't talk about it any more
2. There's enough wriggle room to allow me to say the other bad thing might not be a bad thing
3. Look, there's maybe a bad thing happening over there!
;D ;D ;D
Laughable stuff - if this is the best the FAI's chief mouthpiece can produce, then they are deeper in the sh1t than I thought.
Why wpuld I be defending this? A very, very dark thing happened at Athlone that absolutely should not have and the Gardai are investigating. A second club were implicated that may or may not be a thing - bookies have cried wolf before.
Mouthpiece?
If you think lads at other sports aren't throwing bets on themselves in irrelevant games I have a bridge for sale.
The reason this is being investigated is Athlone got taken over by the Italian mob specifically to jigger games. How did that happen is the actual story and needs a bigger investigation than just charging players who long since left the country.
Straw men and pathetic attempts at deflection.
There's a serious problem in the LOI with regard to match fixing.
I mean, in what other sport was a team "taken over by the Italian mob specifically to jigger games"? Seriously?? ;D ;D
I'm sorry, but the soccer problem is WAY bigger than in other sports. No amount of shit thrown is going to disguise that
If anything remotely close to this had gone on within the GAA you'd be pi$$ing yourself
You started a whole new thread about a few offaly U-14's not being allowed to play soccer
I don't think you know what the words strawmen and deflection mean. If you think my posts are defending soccer you are a loon.
The thread I opened was relevant and worth a discussion. Relevance?
But you were very quick to claim "unsourced whataboutry" when someone started discussing soccer on the Offaly thread.
Now I'll be honest, I've never had a big issue with whataboutary in general as it helps to build a wider picture and provides more context. But you don't get to cry whataboutary on one discussion and then try and use it in another. Obvious hypocrisy in doing so.
Quote from: Franko on May 21, 2022, 09:19:58 AM
Oh I know exactly what they mean. Here's an example where you manage to work both into a single sentence. ;D
If you think lads at other sports aren't throwing bets on themselves in irrelevant games I have a bridge for sale.
And I know you're not defending anything - you can't - it's an absolute farce
Deflection and mudslinging is all you have.
So you are stating as a fact there isn't an issue with players gambling in the GAA?
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 21, 2022, 11:03:35 AM
Quote from: Franko on May 21, 2022, 09:19:58 AM
Oh I know exactly what they mean. Here's an example where you manage to work both into a single sentence. ;D
If you think lads at other sports aren't throwing bets on themselves in irrelevant games I have a bridge for sale.
And I know you're not defending anything - you can't - it's an absolute farce
Deflection and mudslinging is all you have.
So you are stating as a fact there isn't an issue with players gambling in the GAA?
;D
This has to be a wind up. Nobody could be this stupid.
Quote from: Franko on May 21, 2022, 11:53:47 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 21, 2022, 11:03:35 AM
Quote from: Franko on May 21, 2022, 09:19:58 AM
Oh I know exactly what they mean. Here's an example where you manage to work both into a single sentence. ;D
If you think lads at other sports aren't throwing bets on themselves in irrelevant games I have a bridge for sale.
And I know you're not defending anything - you can't - it's an absolute farce
Deflection and mudslinging is all you have.
So you are stating as a fact there isn't an issue with players gambling in the GAA?
;D
This has to be a wind up. Nobody could be this stupid.
Yes or no?
The Athlone thing was unprecedented. Mobsters used the club soely to launder money. Huge questions need to be asked of the FAI, CRO and Gardai as to how it happened. It's much to simplistic to just say 'Irish soccer is corrupt'.
Then we go to why hookies are let offer odds on amateur games in all sports. The tempation is overwhelming and that's where Limerick may or may not be implicated. But the bookies have claimed this before with no merit.
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 21, 2022, 01:39:13 PM
Quote from: Franko on May 21, 2022, 11:53:47 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 21, 2022, 11:03:35 AM
Quote from: Franko on May 21, 2022, 09:19:58 AM
Oh I know exactly what they mean. Here's an example where you manage to work both into a single sentence. ;D
If you think lads at other sports aren't throwing bets on themselves in irrelevant games I have a bridge for sale.
And I know you're not defending anything - you can't - it's an absolute farce
Deflection and mudslinging is all you have.
So you are stating as a fact there isn't an issue with players gambling in the GAA?
;D
This has to be a wind up. Nobody could be this stupid.
Yes or no?
The Athlone thing was unprecedented. Mobsters used the club soely to launder money. Huge questions need to be asked of the FAI, CRO and Gardai as to how it happened. It's much to simplistic to just say 'Irish soccer is corrupt'.
Then we go to why hookies are let offer odds on amateur games in all sports. The tempation is overwhelming and that's where Limerick may or may not be implicated. But the bookies have claimed this before with no merit.
1. It happened almost 5 years ago. You're still at the "questions need to be asked" stage ffs. Definitely being taken seriously ::)
2. More deflection, another mention of "other sports" and a cut at the bookies.
LOI/FAI fanboy has his head well and truly buried at this point.
Quote from: Franko on May 21, 2022, 07:56:29 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 21, 2022, 01:39:13 PM
Quote from: Franko on May 21, 2022, 11:53:47 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 21, 2022, 11:03:35 AM
Quote from: Franko on May 21, 2022, 09:19:58 AM
Oh I know exactly what they mean. Here's an example where you manage to work both into a single sentence. ;D
If you think lads at other sports aren't throwing bets on themselves in irrelevant games I have a bridge for sale.
And I know you're not defending anything - you can't - it's an absolute farce
Deflection and mudslinging is all you have.
So you are stating as a fact there isn't an issue with players gambling in the GAA?
;D
This has to be a wind up. Nobody could be this stupid.
Yes or no?
The Athlone thing was unprecedented. Mobsters used the club soely to launder money. Huge questions need to be asked of the FAI, CRO and Gardai as to how it happened. It's much to simplistic to just say 'Irish soccer is corrupt'.
Then we go to why hookies are let offer odds on amateur games in all sports. The tempation is overwhelming and that's where Limerick may or may not be implicated. But the bookies have claimed this before with no merit.
1. It happened almost 5 years ago. You're still at the "questions need to be asked" stage ffs. Definitely being taken seriously ::)
2. More deflection, another mention of "other sports" and a cut at the bookies.
LOI/FAI fanboy has his head well and truly buried at this point.
What are you on about?
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 21, 2022, 01:39:13 PM
Quote from: Franko on May 21, 2022, 11:53:47 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 21, 2022, 11:03:35 AM
Quote from: Franko on May 21, 2022, 09:19:58 AM
Oh I know exactly what they mean. Here's an example where you manage to work both into a single sentence. ;D
If you think lads at other sports aren't throwing bets on themselves in irrelevant games I have a bridge for sale.
And I know you're not defending anything - you can't - it's an absolute farce
Deflection and mudslinging is all you have.
So you are stating as a fact there isn't an issue with players gambling in the GAA?
;D
This has to be a wind up. Nobody could be this stupid.
Yes or no?
The Athlone thing was unprecedented. Mobsters used the club soely to launder money. Huge questions need to be asked of the FAI, CRO and Gardai as to how it happened. It's much to simplistic to just say 'Irish soccer is corrupt'.
Then we go to why hookies are let offer odds on amateur games in all sports. The tempation is overwhelming and that's where Limerick may or may not be implicated. But the bookies have claimed this before with no merit.
Whether its amateur sports or professional the bookies are willing to take odds on most sports, in fact they bet on ESports ffs! Two lads that are playing FIFA on their playstation in their bedroom!...
I think they shouldn't lay odds on gaa club championship games tbh (my opinion), maybe if they are televised or finals possibly, but group games and the like, no.
Though in this thread (though it happens with every thread) stick to the topic and deal with that and debate it. throwing mud hoping it will stick at other sports looks like you have an agenda against other sports...
I don't think my three core points are unreasonable
1. The Athlone thing was ridiculous and we still haven't gotten to the bottom of it. We still don't know who owned them and I think we need to. Or at least ensure it cannot happen again. The mafia shouldn't be able to buy anything, never mind sports clubs.
2. Bookies call foul too often with nothing of substance to it. They are given way too much leeway to complain when they lose. Which leads to
3. Bookies are offering odds on stuff they shouldn't. The tempation is too much at the level they offer at. I know it was England but remember that non league goalkeeper who used to eat a pie at half time? The bookies run a book for a televised game on will he won't he, he does, and gets a fine and ban, ending his career. Why are the authorities protecting them over even novelty bets gone wrong?
Any objections to that?
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 24, 2022, 01:51:15 PM
I don't think my three core points are unreasonable
1. The Athlone thing was ridiculous and we still haven't gotten to the bottom of it. We still don't know who owned them and I think we need to. Or at least ensure it cannot happen again. The mafia shouldn't be able to buy anything, never mind sports clubs.
2. Bookies call foul too often with nothing of substance to it. They are given way too much leeway to complain when they lose. Which leads to
3. Bookies are offering odds on stuff they shouldn't. The tempation is too much at the level they offer at. I know it was England but remember that non league goalkeeper who used to eat a pie at half time? The bookies run a book for a televised game on will he won't he, he does, and gets a fine and ban, ending his career. Why are the authorities protecting them over even novelty bets gone wrong?
Any objections to that?
Yes, quite a few actually.
1.
The Athlone thing happened years ago. The fact that the footballing authorities still haven't dealt with it tells me that they are either a) incompetent or b) corrupt.
Also, have you ever stopped to wonder why 'the mafia' selected Ireland as their place of business? And not only Ireland in general, the LOI specifically? Did 'the mafia' just throw a dart at a wall and it landed on Lissywollen? Did they fcuk. These people spotted lax oversight and corrupt officialdom and filled their boots.
2 & 3.
Now that you've been called out on your 'other sports' bullshit, the focus has moved to the bookies. There are questions to be asked about what bookies offer markets on. But there are quite a few more pertinent questions which should be dealt with first. Anything but point the finger where it should be pointed ::)
0/3
Quote from: Franko on May 25, 2022, 10:53:34 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on May 24, 2022, 01:51:15 PM
I don't think my three core points are unreasonable
1. The Athlone thing was ridiculous and we still haven't gotten to the bottom of it. We still don't know who owned them and I think we need to. Or at least ensure it cannot happen again. The mafia shouldn't be able to buy anything, never mind sports clubs.
2. Bookies call foul too often with nothing of substance to it. They are given way too much leeway to complain when they lose. Which leads to
3. Bookies are offering odds on stuff they shouldn't. The tempation is too much at the level they offer at. I know it was England but remember that non league goalkeeper who used to eat a pie at half time? The bookies run a book for a televised game on will he won't he, he does, and gets a fine and ban, ending his career. Why are the authorities protecting them over even novelty bets gone wrong?
Any objections to that?
Yes, quite a few actually.
1.
The Athlone thing happened years ago. The fact that the footballing authorities still haven't dealt with it tells me that they are either a) incompetent or b) corrupt.
Also, have you ever stopped to wonder why 'the mafia' selected Ireland as their place of business? And not only Ireland in general, the LOI specifically? Did 'the mafia' just throw a dart at a wall and it landed on Lissywollen? Did they fcuk. These people spotted lax oversight and corrupt officialdom and filled their boots.
2 & 3.
Now that you've been called out on your 'other sports' bullshit, the focus has moved to the bookies. There are questions to be asked about what bookies offer markets on. But there are quite a few more pertinent questions which should be dealt with first. Anything but point the finger where it should be pointed ::)
0/3
1. Is my point. Lagging a few players, who have long since moved on is not a sufficient response. You agree with me!!
2. If you think this isn't happening in other sports you are deluded.