CUP CORRUPTION

18th November 2009 The Republic of Ireland was eliminated from the 2010 World Cup in the most controversial of circumstances. The match was all square during extra time of their play off, second leg against France in Paris. 

Thierry Henry handled the ball twice before passing to William Gallas who headed the ball into the net. The 'goal' was allowed and France had won their place in the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. 

Thierry Henry was widely branded as a cheat but attempts to get the match replayed were rejected by FIFA. In June 2015 it emerged that FIFA had made a €5million payment to the FA of Ireland to prevent any legal action being taken against them over the incident. FIFA would quickly "earn" that "fee" back by one way and another, to balance the coffers! 

The curious decision by FIFA where to stage this year's World Cup Finals, would certainly have seen a few back handers...I suspect!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QNHlFDbxvY and you could try THESE too....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siJQZs2Sbho

The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010. The bidding process for hosting the tournament finals was open only to African nations. In 2004, the international football federation, FIFA, selected South Africa over Egypt and Morocco to become the first African nation to host the finals.

Bribery and corruption

On 28 May 2015, media covering the2015 FIFA Corruption case reported that high-ranking officials from the South African bid committee had secured the right to host the World Cup by paying US$10 million in bribes to then-FIFA Vice President Jack Warner and to other FIFA Executive Committee members.

On 4 June 2015, FIFA executive Chuck Blazer (yes that's his name) having co-operated with the FBI and the Swiss authorities, confirmed that he and the other members of FIFA's executive committee were bribed in order to promote the South African 1998 and 2010 World Cup bids. Blazer stated, "I and others on the FIFA executive committee agreed to accept bribes in conjunction with the selection of South Africa as the host nation for the 2010 World Cup."

On 6 June 2015, The Daily Telegraph reported that Morocco had actually won the vote, but South Africa was awarded the tournament instead.