Menu
Leagues and Governing Bodies

FIFA Investigator Michael Garcia Resigns, Taking Parting Shots At Blatter, Organization

FIFA Chief Investigator Michael Garcia yesterday resigned his position, citing a "lack of leadership" within the organization and "months of frustration following his investigation" into the '18 and '22 World Cup bidding processes, according to Joshua Robinson of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. The reaction among FIFA Exec Committee members was "one of shock." U.S. Soccer President and Exec Committee member Sunil Gulati: "I am very disappointed that Mr. Garcia felt he had no alternative but to resign. It’s certainly a step backward in the process of trying to bring positive change to FIFA" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 12/18). Garcia: "For the first two years ... I felt that the ethics committee was making real progress in advancing ethics enforcement at FIFA. In recent months, that changed." In N.Y., Thompson & Vinton write Garcia’s departure "lays bare the conflicts inherent in FIFA’s effort to reform itself" under longtime President Sepp Blatter (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 12/18). Blatter: "I'm just surprised" (AP, 12/17). In London, Aaron Flanagan notes Garcia in his resignation statement "questioned how FIFA can truly change after years of scandals and criticism." He wrote, "No independent governance committee, investigator, or arbitration panel can change the culture of an organization" (London DAILY MIRROR, 12/18). Meanwhile, the BBC's Samuel Smith on Twitter reports, "Major sponsor Adidas confirms ... it will raise the issue of Michael Garcia's resignation 'directly' with FIFA" (TWITTER.com, 12/18).

FIFA-FO-FUM: In London, Watt & Rumsby write Garcia's resignation "will pile pressure on FIFA" (London TELEGRAPH, 12/18). Also in London, James Masters writes yesterday was an "embarrassing day" for FIFA (LONDON TIMES, 12/18). In N.Y., Jere Longman writes FIFA's credibility "took another severe hit" yesterday. Garcia in his statement made an "unnamed but pointed reference" to Blatter. He alluded to the desire for FIFA to "become more transparent and ethical in its behavior in the face of widespread international ridicule" (N.Y. TIMES, 12/18).

SBJ Morning Buzzcast: March 18, 2024

Sports Business Awards nominees unveiled; NWSL's historic opening weekend and takeaways from CFP deal

ESPN’s Jay Bilas, BTN’s Meghan McKeown, and a deep dive into AppleTV+’s The Dynasty

On this week’s Sports Media Podcast from the New York Post and Sports Business Journal, ESPN’s Jay Bilas talks all things NCAA. Big Ten Network’s Meghan McKeown shares her insight into the Caitlin Clark craze. The Boston Globe’s Chad Finn chats all things Bean Town. And SBJ’s Xavier Hunter drops in to share his findings on how the NWSL is making a social media push.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SBJ I Factor: Nana-Yaw Asamoah

SBJ I Factor features an interview with AMB Sports and Entertainment Chief Commercial Office Nana-Yaw Asamoah. Asamoah, who moved over to AMBSE last year after 14 years at the NFL, talks with SBJ’s Ben Fischer about how his role model parents and older sisters pushed him to shrive, how the power of lifelong learning fuels successful people, and why AMBSE was an opportunity he could not pass up. Asamoah is 2021 SBJ Forty Under 40 honoree. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards.

Shareable URL copied to clipboard!

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2014/12/18/Leagues-and-Governing-Bodies/FIFA.aspx

Sorry, something went wrong with the copy but here is the link for you.

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2014/12/18/Leagues-and-Governing-Bodies/FIFA.aspx

CLOSE