Global Soccer, Corruption, and FIFA As a Victim of Crime

FIFA – the organization that governs soccer worldwide – had much of its leadership indicted in 2015.  Indictments pointed to corruption, misappropriation, embezzlement, kickbacks and bribes.  Some FIFA officials pled guilty, promising to forfeit millions of dollars to the US criminal authorities.  In March 2016, FIFA came forward to claim some of that money.  It filed a “victim statement,” explaining how it was harmed and why it should get its money back.  This radio commentary looks at FIFA’s role as a victim of crime.