The recent arrest of top managers of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) at U.S. request has not only exposed Uncle Sam's arrogance as "world police," but also set a bad precedent for international relations.

The U.S. Department of Justice has recently indicted nine top FIFA officials and five corporate executives for alleged fraud, bribery and money laundering.

Seven of those officials were arrested by Swiss police on May 27 at the request of U.S. authorities. According to the Swiss Federal Office of Justice, six out of the seven have contested their extradition to the United States.

Although the anti-corruption storm may help the world football governing body accelerate reforms in some way, it is more like a well-designed plan to achieve some geopolitical objectives.

It is noteworthy that the U.S.-led campaign was launched at a time when Sepp Blatter, who blasted the tactics used by U.S. anti-corruption investigators, secured a fifth term as FIFA president and Russia is gearing up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Blatter, who backs Russia World Cup 2018 and cares more about football in the developing countries and regions, surprised the world by announcing resignation four days after his election.

In an article posted on its website on June 3, the Financial Times said the United States will be the biggest beneficiary in the campaign.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)