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📜intro to political science review

FIFA Corruption Scandal

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The FIFA corruption scandal refers to the widespread bribery, money laundering, and racketeering charges brought against top officials within the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer. This scandal has had significant implications for the media's role as a political institution.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The FIFA corruption scandal came to light in 2015 when U.S. and Swiss authorities indicted several high-ranking FIFA officials on charges of corruption.
  2. The investigation revealed a decades-long pattern of bribery, kickbacks, and money laundering related to the awarding of World Cup hosting rights and the marketing of FIFA tournaments.
  3. The scandal has had a significant impact on the media's coverage of FIFA and international soccer, as it has exposed the complex web of political and financial interests that shape the sport.
  4. The media's role in uncovering and reporting on the FIFA scandal has highlighted the importance of investigative journalism and the media's ability to hold powerful institutions accountable.
  5. The fallout from the scandal has led to the resignation of FIFA's long-time president, Sepp Blatter, and the implementation of various reforms aimed at improving the organization's governance and transparency.

Review Questions

  • Explain how the FIFA corruption scandal relates to the media's role as a political institution.
    • The FIFA corruption scandal is directly relevant to the media's role as a political institution because the media's investigative reporting and coverage of the scandal has had a significant impact on the governance and power dynamics within FIFA, a major international sports organization. The media's ability to uncover and expose the widespread corruption within FIFA has highlighted the media's influence in shaping political and institutional outcomes, as the scandal has led to the resignation of FIFA's president and the implementation of reforms aimed at improving the organization's transparency and accountability. This demonstrates the media's power as a political institution that can hold powerful entities accountable and influence the course of events.
  • Analyze the ways in which the media's coverage of the FIFA corruption scandal has affected public perception and trust in the organization.
    • The media's extensive coverage of the FIFA corruption scandal has had a significant impact on public perception and trust in the organization. By uncovering and reporting on the widespread bribery, money laundering, and racketeering charges against FIFA officials, the media has eroded the public's confidence in the organization's integrity and leadership. The media's ability to shine a light on the complex web of political and financial interests that shape international soccer has led to increased scrutiny and skepticism towards FIFA's decision-making processes and governance. This, in turn, has put pressure on FIFA to implement reforms and rebuild public trust, further demonstrating the media's influence as a political institution that can shape public opinion and drive institutional change.
  • Evaluate the long-term implications of the FIFA corruption scandal for the media's role in monitoring and holding powerful organizations accountable.
    • The FIFA corruption scandal has important long-term implications for the media's role in monitoring and holding powerful organizations accountable. The media's investigative reporting and coverage of the scandal have highlighted the vital importance of a free and independent press in uncovering and exposing corruption and wrongdoing at the highest levels of power. The scandal has demonstrated the media's ability to influence political and institutional outcomes, as the revelations of corruption within FIFA have led to significant reforms and changes in the organization's leadership and governance. This, in turn, has strengthened the media's position as a crucial political institution that can hold even the most powerful entities accountable. Looking forward, the FIFA scandal may serve as a model for the media's continued role in investigating and reporting on corruption and misconduct within other influential organizations, further solidifying the media's position as a watchdog and gatekeeper of the public interest.