I know there's a football thread, but thought this is a thread that can stand alone from the Football Thread and be a conversation on it's own...

Mods: If this is best in the footy thread, please move it...

What is you guys opinion on the the corruption at FIFA, I personally hope they find something on Sepp Blatter and he gets lifted, I cannot stand the man and why he won't step down I don't know, this has been going on, on his watch for years and the fact some of his closest allies have been pinched by the Polis says a lot about who his friends are.

One arrest I was happy to see, was Jack Warner, that man is as bent as a 9 bob note, I very rarely ever agreed with Roy Keane, but the day he called Warner a clown, I agreed with him 100%, I hope Warner is hung out to dry.

Seems like UEFA will consider pulling out of FIFA, bringing European Clubs amd National Teams with them, would that work, how would a pull out work, what happens with Russia who are a UEFA Member and 2018 World Cup hosts, with no UEFA, I reckon the World Cup is worth a little less than 20 Benson and Hedges as UEFA provides 40% of the World Cup spots and UEFAs members are among the biggest teams in the world.

I personally believe FIFA is no longer fit for purpose anymore, losing the support of UEFA could be catostrophic and maybe the final nail in the coffin...

People have been mentioning that the 2018 and 2022 vote should be re-run and some have said England should be awarded 2018...

I personally don't believe we should go for the 2018 tournament if it was re-run, I would prefer to win it fair and square and with the controversy around the next 2 tournaments, we should keep well away, the whole thing stinks to high heaven and we should not get involved...

One more thing, I see our government is talking about football, the FA needs to tread carefully if they think the government is sticking there noses in, we could be banned from International Competition

Over to you guys now

I too, don't like him, I think he's given football a bad name, I hope he gets found Guilty and sent down

Few things. I'll try and keep it brief.

FIFA is not going to change unless there's a top down reorganisation. The corruption is far too senior to just replace those posts. In my opinion, the entire governing body needs to go, and a new one elected only once a new and democratic structure is put in place. Is it right that the combined votes of Africa, Asia and South America can mean every UEFA country's vote won't make a difference to the end result?

What is FIFA without UEFA? The best and most watched leagues around the world are all in UEFA's remit. In my opinion, the feasibility of a complete UEFA carve-out from FIFA should be considered immediately.

(28 May 2015, 6:07 pm)Davie wrote I too, don't like him, I think he's given football a bad name, I hope he gets found Guilty and sent down

To get Blatter I reckon it would need somebody to turn states evidence and lay him in that way

(28 May 2015, 6:10 pm)aureolin wrote Few things. I'll try and keep it brief.

FIFA is not going to change unless there's a top down reorganisation. The corruption is far too senior to just replace those posts. In my opinion, the entire governing body needs to go, and a new one elected only once a new and democratic structure is put in place. Is it right that the combined votes of Africa, Asia and South America can mean every UEFA country's vote won't make a difference to the end result?

What is FIFA without UEFA? The best and most watched leagues around the world are all in UEFA's remit. In my opinion, the feasibility of a complete UEFA carve-out from FIFA should be considered immediately.

There is about 12 Leagues in the top 20 that is European, so yeah, a UEFA led pull out would probably be financially devastating, I am guessing UEFA members brings in the most income for FIFA, I wonder if anyone would follow UEFAs lead and pull out of FIFA, would South America follow an area that has Brazil and Argentina, there'd be nothing good left if there was no Brazil and Argentina among FIFAs ranks...

I also guess UEFA have nothing to lose by walking out of FIFA, with the rest of the world, they will all need UEFA long before UEFA ever needs them

How does voting work in FIFA, is it 1 Member, 1 Vote, First Past The Post or is some other system used in there elections

I have never been a big fan of Michel Platini, but agree with him on his 'We cannot go on like this' speech he made earlier...

Basically put Sepp Blatter is a clown would give Prince Philip a good run for his money in the art of saying stupid things

On Homosexuality
Homosexuals should refrain from any sexual activity for the duration[2022 World Cup in Qatar]

On Racism
Racism on the field can be dealt with, with a hand shake

I think Rio Ferdinand accused him of being racist, Blatter responded by posting a picture of himself with Tokyo Sexwale...Actually, is it just me or do people always, when accused of racism, always seem to say something like 'I have blacker friends' or 'how can I be racist, I always' as if that is solid proof of not being racist...

On women's football
Let's get women to play in different and more feminine garb than the men, in tighter shorts for example.

On John Terry shagging Wayne Bridge's Missus
If this had happened in let's say Latin countries then I think he would have been applauded.

On a crisis in football(in 2011)
Crisis? What is a crisis? Football is not in a crisis.(Really Sepp, are you in a parallel universe)

It is a shambles.

Rather than brazenly refusing to take the blame, Blatter should fall on his sword, rather than fight to live another day.

How long has he been in charge and how many times have we seen him shrug off controversy? Seemingly all of these things going on, without his knowledge?
Surely not having his eye on the ball, is reason enough?

(28 May 2015, 9:10 pm)Andreos1 wrote It is a shambles.

Rather than brazenly refusing to take the blame, Blatter should fall on his sword, rather than fight to live another day.

How long has he been in charge and how many times have we seen him shrug off controversy? Seemingly all of these things going on, without his knowledge?
Surely not having his eye on the ball, is reason enough?

I have said in the past Me, You and Aurelion need to jointly as president, Andreos Fozzrelion would send shock waves round the world

Nah, seriously, I agree with everything you say, he has had the job now for 17 years on June 8th...

I think he should swallow his pride, admit to FIFAs failings, even if he isn't as bent as a nine-bob note, he should take responsibility for what has happened on his watch, also he quite old now, he will be 80 next year, he is becoming FIFAs version of J. Edgar Hoover it FIFAs Robert Mugabe, in that he wants power till he leaves in a wooden overcoat and will stop at nothing to get power he wants.

I personally think FIFAs constitution needs to change and change the amount/length of terms an individual one person can serve in elected positions...

Make the rules a person can only stand for 2 terms of 5 years or 3 terms of 3 years each, add age limits, Blatter, as I said is nearly 80, maybe it is time to say '60 is the upper limit to stand for election' but if your at the time of your first term you could stand again at 65 and see out two terms before retiring...

I see Comrade Putin has added his own 2 cents, I think he said this is all an American Conspiracy, them flexing there muscle and trying to extend there jurisdiction whereever they please...Course Big Vlad is gonna say that, because if the Russians lost there World Cup, the Americans would be among the favourites to get it.

The one that bothers me, who regulates FIFA, don't they police themselves pretty much, being a multi nation business who actually has jurisdiction over FIFA, do Interpol and Europol have jurisdiction?

I really hope UEFA walk out of FIFA, as Aurelion said UEFA have the best, exciting and most watched Leagues in the World and I think in the case of a breakaway, FIFA would need UEFA before UEFA ever needed FIFA, and it would a big, loud message if all of UEFA can unite, put pettiness to one said and sing from the same hymn sheet

#ANDREOSFOZZRELIONFORFIFAPREZ
#NEBhashtags

(28 May 2015, 9:10 pm)Andreos1 wrote It is a shambles.

Rather than brazenly refusing to take the blame, Blatter should fall on his sword, rather than fight to live another day.

How long has he been in charge and how many times have we seen him shrug off controversy? Seemingly all of these things going on, without his knowledge?
Surely not having his eye on the ball, is reason enough?

The people arrested are effectively his direct reports. There's gross negligence there at the very least.

(28 May 2015, 9:53 pm)aureolin wrote The people arrested are effectively his direct reports. There's gross negligence there at the very least.

Could he be arrested himself over this i.e. if it came out that he knew what was going on and deliberately turned a blind eye, I still reckon it will be hard to find shit that sticks to him and if allegations are made against him, somebody will turn states evidence. If he knew what was going on and covered it up would that make him accessory after the fact???

Jack Warner, was I am sure, for years and that idiot was on the take for years, I hope the lot of them get extradited to The States, get sentenced to join Bernie Madoff and Allen Stanford locked up with the keys thrown away so to speak

Counting has started for the results...

No doubt Blatter is going to remain.... i hope we pull out of the world cups.. like we said.

Edit: ny bad... they're voting not counting... not like it matters...

So it went to a round 2 of voting BUT Ali Bin al-Hussein has pulled out... so we have Blatter the fucking nob for the next 4? years...........

He was bribed with millions and virgins! 

Another 4 years of Blatter is like waking up to another 5 years of Tory government... oh wait...

(29 May 2015, 5:21 pm)aureolin wrote Another 4 years of Blatter is like waking up to another 5 years of Tory government... oh wait...

No doubt more corruption during that time!

Well let's hope the Euro decide to pull out of the world cup.......... 

(29 May 2015, 5:21 pm)aureolin wrote Another 4 years of Blatter is like waking up to another 5 years of Tory government... oh wait...

That made me laugh...

That auld bastard is gonna be FIFAs version of J. Edgar bastard Hoover, staying in the job for life

Come on Michel Platini, call for the boycott

(29 May 2015, 5:23 pm)Michael wrote No doubt more corruption during that time!

Well let's hope the Euro decide to pull out of the world cup.......... 

Where would it leave Russia if a UEFA walk out goes ahead, Russia are UEFA members and it is obvious they won't boycott there own World Cup...

Take England, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Holland, Turkey out and FIFA are nothing, I am sure the US would support a boycott and if we could get the backing of some CONMEBOL countries, FIFA is in real trouble...

Personally I hope that if UEFA pulls out, they can create and organise an alternative, hosted right here in Blighty in 2018...

It is disgraceful to be honest, as has been pointed here before it needs to be re-organised from the top down.

I wonder what FIFA would do in the case of a mass boycott, will Blatter dig his heels in and claim 'all is well' while saying to UEFA 'There's the door, don't let it smack your arse on the way out'...

I find myself not liking football recently, if those at the top don't give a monkeys toss, why should I give a monkeys toss about them...

I hope some resolution can be found soon, I want us to stay involved on World Level, but when a lot of the world wide authorities are as bent as a nine bob note, then I would rather have us nowhere near it...

As I said last night I reckon there should new rules brought in for there elections, maximum 2 terms of 5 years each or 3 terms of 3 years and an upper age limit, 60 at the time of the election...

This will rumble on, and I don't think we will get anywhere with it...

Never in my life did I think I would agree with anything the Conservatives, but Mt Cameron was right when he said 'Blatter must go now'...

We should all start letter writing campaigns and keeping it the all put there and not let people forget just bent this whole thing is

He made me laugh during his speech he said 'Age is nothing, not a problem, there are some 50 yr olds out there who look old' and going on to say 'I didn't realise we had so many 50 yr olds in attendance'

I see the government are wading into the Sepp Blatter debate now...

They need to be careful about how much 'help' they give the FA, if it looks like the government are too involved, FIFA could suspend the FA from World Football...

I personally think we, all, as fans should start writing letters to newspapers, our MP'S(as long as they won't interfere too much) and the FA need to be a loud voice in the Corridors of UEFA to get a boycott together...

(01 Jun 2015, 3:41 pm)MrFozz wrote I see the government are wading into the Sepp Blatter debate now...

They need to be careful about how much 'help' they give the FA, if it looks like the government are too involved, FIFA could suspend the FA from World Football...

I personally think we, all, as fans should start writing letters to newspapers, our MP'S(as long as they won't interfere too much) and the FA need to be a loud voice in the Corridors of UEFA to get a boycott together...

Any boycott is pointless unless those involved are prepared to either go through with their threat or accept the consequences the boycott may bring. 

This whole thing is political. While FIFA could suspend the FA from world football, the same result is achieved by any proposed boycott, if enacted, irrespective of whomever leads the charge unless compromise can be reached. The boycott won't work unless those involved accept the possible consequences of withdrawal or suspension from world football. Withdrawal is the threat and suspension is the consequence. If no compromise is possible, those are the terms. 

(01 Jun 2015, 7:04 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Any boycott is pointless unless those involved are prepared to either go through with their threat or accept the consequences the boycott may bring. 

This whole thing is political. While FIFA could suspend the FA from world football, the same result is achieved by any proposed boycott, if enacted, irrespective of whomever leads the charge unless compromise can be reached. The boycott won't work unless those involved accept the possible consequences of withdrawal or suspension from world football. Withdrawal is the threat and suspension is the consequence. If no compromise is possible, those are the terms.

Whilst FIFA may threaten expulsion or suspension, I imagine the glare from sponsors may tie their hands a bit.
Imagine Nikes reaction if Brazil are suspended?
Adidas if Germany boycott?

Money talks

(01 Jun 2015, 7:09 pm)Andreos1 wrote Whilst FIFA may threaten expulsion or suspension, I imagine the glare from sponsors may tie their hands a bit.
Imagine Nikes reaction if Brazil are suspended?
Adidas if Germany boycott?

Money talks

Eggssaaaccccctly (said in my best scouser accent).

(01 Jun 2015, 7:09 pm)Andreos1 wrote Whilst FIFA may threaten expulsion or suspension, I imagine the glare from sponsors may tie their hands a bit.
Imagine Nikes reaction if Brazil are suspended?
Adidas if Germany boycott?

Money talks

Much as I would like to see a boycott, I just don't think it is going to happen anytime soon, it would need to be led by UEFA by Platini himself, but going by what I have read in the last few days, The French and Spanish will have something about that, they voted for Septic, also, the Russians ain't going to boycott there own World Cup...

England leaving on there own will do nothing, actually Sepp would rub his hands with Joy if England broke on there own...But get, as you, point out, Germany, Brazil, possibly Holland, Argentina and Italy and that may put the wheels in motion for change.

I don't know why I am so bothered to be honest, I couldn't reall give a monkeys toss about International Football anymore

Now 2014/15 is now finished, we should look to 15/16...

How will the North East teams do next season...

Will SAFC and NUFC stuck in a relegation battle that has become a yearly tradition

Whether you support Sunderland, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Gateshead, Darlington, Blyth, Spennymoor or some other Semi Pro team, discuss here...

Sunderland = Rubbish like always..

Admin can you please lock last seasons thread?

I will start by posting Darlington related news of our Pre Season Friendlies and dates for our cup draws and Fixture release

Darlo Uncovered wroteThought it might be useful to put some dates down as we did last year to save on countless threads of when is this etc.

So if a mod feels worthwhile please sticky this thread.

I have looked back at last summer and obviously as others seen information from Twitter/Websites etc.

League Placing’s

Announced on Thu 14th May http://www.thefa.com/~/media/files/pdf/l...ashx?la=en.

Signings

Rob Youhill from Harrogate RA - 14th May
Adam Nowakowski from Harrogate Town - 26th May

New Contracts

Hatch, Brown, Portas & Dowson

Friendlies

Below are all confirmed

Sat 4th July - Durham City - Away
Thu 9th July - Sunderland - Home (Heritage Park)
Sat 11th July - South Shields - Away
Tue 14th July - York City - Home (Heritage Park)
Tue 14th July - Consett - Away
Wed 15th July - Seaham Red Star - Away
Sat 18th July - Billingham Synthonia - Away
Tue 21st July - Harrogate Town - Away
Wed 22nd July - Marske United - Away
Fri 24th July - Harton & Westoe - Away
Sat 25th July - Harrogate RA - Away
Sat 25th July - Redcar Albion - Away (Probably Redcar Town/Athletic as not sure Albion exist
Tue 28th July - Northallerton Town - Away
Sat 1st Aug - Whitby Town - Away
Tue 4th Aug - Bishop Auckland - Away
Fri 7th Aug - Spennymoor Town - Away

Some fixtures will be split between the 1st Team, Reserve Team and U18 Team and all further details regarding our pre-season fixtures will be confirmed on http://www.darlingtonfootballclub.co.uk

League Fixtures

Season to start on Saturday August 15th and likely to be announced on Thursday 16th July, although league secreatary has suggested it may be Friday 17th July to manage expectations.

FA Cup Draw

Draw likely to be made on Friday 3rd July, where 3 rounds will be drawn and we will enter at the 3rd round (see below). Fixture dates are now confirmed.

15th August - Extra Preliminary Round - Steps 5/6
29th August - Preliminary Round - Step 4 enters
12th September - 1st Qualifying Round - Step 3 enters (Evo Prem and Equivalent - Darlo Enter)
26th September - 2nd Qualifying Round - Step 2 enters

FA Trophy Draw

Draw likely to be made on Friday 3rd July, where 2 rounds will be drawn and we will enter at the 2nd round (see below). Fixture dates are now confirmed.

3rd October - Preliminary Round - Step 4 enters
31st October - 1st Qualifying Round - Step 3 enters (Evo Prem and Equivalent - Darlo Enter)
14th November - 2nd Qualifying Round
28th November - 3rd Qualifying Round - Step 2 enters
12th December - 1st Round Proper - Step 1 enters

As and when dates and information is confirmed I will update.

We will be starting the season at Heritage Park, moving to Blackwell Meadows at some point once it is brought up to standard for the League we are in...

Some tasty friendlies there, looking forward to the Sunderland game, as last year, I hope SAFC bring the 1st team...

All in all I expect us to be around the Play-Offs, when we get back to Blackwell Meadows it could be make or break for our season

Who does everyone think the top four, and bottom three will look like next season?

I reckon Arsenal could win it, but only if they can get a decent striker, Benzema for example would be great.

I think it will look like:

1. Arsenal
2. Chelsea
3. Man City
4. Man United
-------------------------
18. Aston Villa
19. Watford
20. Sunderland

I really can't see Sunderland doing well at all, and I think they could get relegated. Same with Villa, if they loose Benteke, and can't replace him, they will be in trouble.

Who will be managing SAFC, NUFC and Gateshead

Mista Fozz's Turf Accountancy offers odds of a 1,000,000,000/1 double on Bazza Houston becoming Sunderland Head Coach and Lee Calder becoming Gateshead Manager

Blatter has gone

(02 Jun 2015, 4:53 pm)aureolin wrote Blatter has gone

What a cock he is, the whole election has been for nothing, wonder why he has gone now, is something about to happen to him i.e. am imminent arrest warrant with his name written all over it or will it be the kinda situation being forced to resign with immunity from arrest???

I have said it loadsa times Andreos Fozzrelion for FIFA prez

Do you think the 2022 World Cup host will be changed?

I know it's too late for the 2018 Russia one, but surely not for the 2022 one?

(02 Jun 2015, 4:51 pm)Tom wrote Who does everyone think the top four, and bottom three will look like next season?

I reckon Arsenal could win it, but only if they can get a decent striker, Benzema for example would be great.

I think it will look like:

1. Arsenal
2. Chelsea
3. Man City
4. Man United
-------------------------
18. Aston Villa
19. Watford
20. Sunderland

I really can't see Sunderland doing well at all, and I think they could get relegated. Same with Villa, if they loose Benteke, and can't replace him, they will be in trouble.

My top 4:
1. Chelsea 
2. Manchester City
3. Arsenal 
4. Liverpool 


Bottom 3:
18. Sunderland 
19. Crystal Palace 
20. Aston Villa 

(02 Jun 2015, 4:59 pm)Tom wrote Do you think the 2022 World Cup host will be changed?

I know it's too late for the 2018 Russia one, but surely not for the 2022 one?

Not really too late for 2018, there are countries out there who have the infrastructure to host a World Cup tomorrow and would not need much work to add to the present infrastructure...

1. England
2. United States
3. Australia
4. China(?)

Personally I would prefer The FA and the Yanks to stay away from it as we are already being viewed as bitter and bad losers and would give World Football more reason to hate us...

Surely it would cost FIFA a small fortune in legal fees to strip Qatar, unless the evidence of corruption is so heavily stacked against them

(02 Jun 2015, 5:09 pm)Davie wrote My top 4:
1. Chelsea 
2. Manchester City
3. Arsenal 
4. Liverpool 


Bottom 3:
18. Sunderland 
19. Crystal Palace 
20. Aston Villa 

1. Chelsea
2. Arsenal
3. Man Utd
4. Man City
------------------------------------
18. Aston Villa
19. Watford
20. Bournemouth