Houston Chronicle: “FIFA arrests good for future of soccer in U.S.”
Article excerpt:
The U.S. Justice Department indicted 14 current and past FIFA officials – including the current and former leaders of CONCACAF, the region’s FIFA body – on charges that included money laundering conspiracy, wire fraud and racketeering.
“I think it’s disappointing,” said Ching, who was a member of the United States’ 2006 World Cup team. “But to be completely honest, I can’t say that too many people in the soccer world are surprised.”
In other words, most have long suspected FIFA of corruption.
Although FIFA says the 2018 and 2022 World Cups will go on as scheduled in Russia and Qatar, soccer would truly thrive in America if the bidding process were reopened and the 2022 World Cup were held in the United States.
“It’s disappointing we didn’t get the bid for 2022,” Ching said. “Having a World Cup in the United States would allow more fans to learn about the game. If you look atthe impact of the last World Cup, it really launched MLS. If we have it in 2022, it would really help grow the game even more.”
The Justice Department handed out indictments, and the Swiss Attorney General opened a criminal investigation. Wednesday was a good day for folks who love soccer.
