David Beckham has a knack for diplomacy, but he didn’t mince words on the subjects of FIFA and crime.
Beckham expressed his profound disappointment with FIFA officials, who have been implicated in the ongoing scandal, in the Christmas issue of Radio Times, The Press Association reported Sunday. Thirty FIFA officials and sports marketing executives have been arrested and charged with committing acts corruption and bribery, and Beckham, one of the most famous former players in the world, expects more to follow.
“No — they are just hitting the bend,” Beckham said. “There’s a lot still to be done. It’s such a mess that it’s going to take a while to sort out.
“For me to see the game, the way it’s been treated and looked after, is devastating. It’s disgusting.”
FIFA awarded Russia and Qatar the rights to host the World Cups in 2018 and 2022, respectively. Although many believe corruption tainted those bidding processes, Beckham is against running them again or moving the tournaments elsewhere.
“Whether it’s corrupt or not, those countries have been chosen,” Beckham said. “People need to get behind that. It’s all about bringing football to new countries. I think they should stick with it.”
Beckham seems to not be taking England’s failed 2018 World Cup bid personally, but he doesn’t reserve the same forgiveness for those entrusted with administering the sport at the highest level.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@FOXSoccer
