Knowledge bank: When ISL sold on tv-rights for 60 million US to TV-Globo, FIFA was meant to get a share of 22 million. The money never came under FIFA control and after ISL's bankruptcy, FIFA reported ISL to the police alleging fraud and embezzlement. Three years later FIFA withdrew the complaint without giving any explanation.  

Horst Dassler built the world's most influential sport marketing company, ISL. But at the turn of the millenium, ISL lost market shares and began purchasing television rights on a large scale. This led to a cash flow crisis that ultimately felled the company which leaves a debt of 300 million dollars.

In 2003, the liquidator of ISL discovered that sports officials including FIFA officials had reeceved bribes from the company and demanded that they were paid back to the insolvent estate. A large sum of money was repaid but a court order from the Swiss Federal High Court prevents details of the deal from being handed over to the investigating magistrate.

FIFA does not have many comments on its problems with ISL. But since the collapse of the marketing company, FIFA has gone on the offensive with regards to governance and transparency by adopting a Code of Ethics and establishing a taskforce "For the Good of the Game."

The book ’Foul!’ draws a depressing picture of the decay taking place outside the fields in the world’s most popular sport, writes sports editor Søren-Mikael Hansen in a review of Andrew Jennings’ new book.

In the face of strong resistance from FIFA, investigative reporter Andrew Jennings published his book ‘Foul!’ on wrong-doings in soccer’s international governing body in May 2006. In this extract from the book’s chapter one, Andrew Jennings introduces the theme of bribery with a vivid description of a confrontation between himself and FIFA president Blatter at a press conference.

This week, the Swedish Equal Opportunities Ombudsman suggested that Sweden withdraws from the World Cup in football to make a statement against forced prostitution around mega sports events.

German authorities should set up telephone hotlines, safe houses and legal aid to help the many women expected to be forced into working as prostitutes during the upcoming World Cup in football.