FIFA is facing the most serious crisis in the world governing body’s existence and there is an American at the center of it all.
CONCACAF General Secretary Chuck Blazer has now spoken publicly, saying “it was difficult” to report fellow senior soccer officials in the bribery scandal that has rocked FIFA.
The most stunning revelation to date, however, may be that of a FIFA senior official who confirms he sent Jack Warner an email that indicates that Qatar bought itself the rights to host the 2022 World Cup.
There’s a FIFA executive committee meeting today and president Sepp Blatter will hold a press conference later this morning which will be streamed on FIFA.com at noon ET. Given the latest revelations, it is sure to be the news story of the day. (VIDEO)
D.C. United had to face their own fair share of adversity in Sunday’s match in Portland, where they became the first MLS team to claim points at JELD-WEN Field with a 3-2 win. There was the rarely seen case of the Timbers penalty kick which was taken three times and DC manager Ben Olsen credits his players for staying composed, saying, “I couldn’t have regrouped.”
Another big result from the weekend was Seattle’s 2-1 win at Real Salt Lake, ending an impressive 29-match home unbeaten streak for RSL at Rio Tinto Stadium. How did they pull it off? Manager Sigi Schmid says his players reminded themselves of this: “We've got 'Seattle Sounders' on our jersey. We are the Sounders. We are the heart and soul.”
Ned Grabavoy became the latest player used by RSL manager Jason Kreis to attempt to fill the void of injured playmaker Javier Morales and he says that his club has to “will ourselves through this.” And RSL’s Will Johnson, who feels like he’s “jumping ship” by joining Canada for the Gold Cup, admits that “we’ve let ourselves down on numerous occasions.”
The Chicago Fire showed spirit in coming back on two occasions to equalize at home against an opportunistic San Jose Earthquakes side for a 2-2 tie. As they continue to fine tune their lineup, Chicago welcomes a Honduran midfielder, Carlos Casildo, who reportedly heads to the Windy City on a 10-day trial. (SPANISH)
There is talk that MLS clubs may have competition from their Colombian counterparts for the signature of Panamanian forward Blas Pérez, who led the Mexican second division in scoring. (SPANISH)
After a missed opportunity at home against a depleted New York Red Bulls side, the Vancouver Whitecaps next hit the road for a tough three-game road trip at Chivas USA, Real Salt Lake and Seattle. Following the 1-1 draw vs. RBNY, ‘Caps midfielder Davide Chiumiento admits “mentally it starts to be difficult.”
Staying in Canada, a 6-2 loss invites a good dose of criticism and Toronto FC manager Aron Winter is taking his lumps. One writer questions several of the Dutchman’s decisions in recent weeks, including the left back platoon situation, the Nana Attakora case and the use of TFC’s top forward.
Crew manager Robert Warzycha isn’t making much of his designated player’s reaction to be substituted after scoring two goals in a 3-3 tie vs. Chivas USA. Andrés Mendoza went straight to the locker and refused to talk to media but Warzycha says he caught the Peruvian rubbing his hamstring during the match.
Benny Feilhaber may be tending to an injury of his own after an ankle issue has placed the Gold Cup participation of the New England Revolution midfielder in doubt. USMNT manager Bob Bradley has already called in a potential replacement.
The defending MLS Cup champion Colorado Rapids are also trying to gut it out of late. “Fatigue” and “tired legs” are the order of the day for Gary Smith’s men, who tied Sporting Kansas City 1-1 over the weekend.
Other fellow Brits in MLS were talking UEFA Champions League. The LA Galaxy’s David Beckham and New England’s Steve Nicol both gave their analysis of the final which saw Barcelona beat Manchester United at Wembley. One of them thinks there was “a bit of a difference in class” between the two sides.
Finally, Brad Friedel is moving on from Aston Villa and getting the two-year contract he was hoping for but it’s not at Liverpool. Find out the colors of the club Friedel will be defending in England.
MLSsoccer.com Must-Reads:
Portland’s John Spencer: Timbers deserved zero points
Toronto FC’s Frei: Club has to learn from 6-2 defeat to Philadelphia
Unlikely sources lead Seattle Sounders to road victory at Rio Tinto
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