How Chuck Blazer Got Rich From And Sold Out The Most Powerful Cabal In World Soccer

American Huckster: How Chuck Blazer Got Rich From-and Sold Out-the Most Powerful Cabal in World Sports

by Sumeet Garg

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3996 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages

FREE

Chuck Blazer was a larger-than-life figure in the world of soccer. As the longtime general secretary of CONCACAF, the governing body for soccer in North and Central America and the Caribbean, Blazer was responsible for overseeing the region's most important soccer tournaments, including the Gold Cup and the CONCACAF Champions League. He was also a key figure in the FIFA Executive Committee, the sport's most powerful governing body.

Blazer's life took a dramatic turn in 2013 when he was indicted by the United States Department of Justice on charges of racketeering, wire fraud, and money laundering. The indictment alleged that Blazer had accepted bribes from sports marketing companies in exchange for his support for their bids to host major soccer tournaments. Blazer pleaded guilty to the charges and agreed to cooperate with the government's investigation into corruption in FIFA.

Blazer's cooperation led to the indictment of several other high-ranking FIFA officials, including Sepp Blatter, the organization's president. Blazer's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of corruption in sports. It is also a fascinating look inside the world of FIFA, one of the most powerful and secretive organizations in the world.

Blazer's Early Life

Chuck Blazer was born in New York City in 1945. He grew up in a working-class family and developed a passion for soccer at a young age. Blazer played soccer in high school and college, but his playing career was cut short by a knee injury. After graduating from college, Blazer worked as a teacher and a coach. In 1984, he was hired by CONCACAF as its general secretary.

Blazer's Rise to Power

Blazer quickly rose through the ranks at CONCACAF. He was a charismatic and ambitious leader, and he quickly gained the support of other CONCACAF officials. In 1990, Blazer was elected to the FIFA Executive Committee. This gave him a powerful voice in the world of soccer. Blazer used his position to promote his own interests and the interests of his friends and allies.

Blazer's Corruption

In the early 2000s, Blazer began to accept bribes from sports marketing companies. In exchange for his support, Blazer would help these companies secure the rights to host major soccer tournaments. Blazer also used his position to enrich himself. He diverted CONCACAF funds to his own personal accounts and used the organization's money to pay for lavish travel and entertainment expenses.

Blazer's Downfall

In 2013, Blazer was indicted by the United States Department of Justice on charges of racketeering, wire fraud, and money laundering. The indictment alleged that Blazer had accepted bribes from sports marketing companies in exchange for his support for their bids to host major soccer tournaments. Blazer pleaded guilty to the charges and agreed to cooperate with the government's investigation into corruption in FIFA.

Blazer's cooperation led to the indictment of several other high-ranking FIFA officials, including Sepp Blatter, the organization's president. Blazer's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of corruption in sports. It is also a fascinating look inside the world of FIFA, one of the most powerful and secretive organizations in the world.

The Aftermath

Blazer's indictment and subsequent cooperation with the government led to a major crackdown on corruption in FIFA. Several high-ranking FIFA officials were indicted and convicted of corruption charges. Sepp Blatter was forced to resign as FIFA president. FIFA has since implemented a number of reforms designed to prevent corruption in the future.

Chuck Blazer was a corrupt and ambitious man who used his position of power to enrich himself and his friends. His actions helped to undermine the integrity of the world's most popular sport. Blazer's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of corruption in sports. It is also a reminder that no one is above the law, not even the most powerful people in the world.

American Huckster: How Chuck Blazer Got Rich From-and Sold Out-the Most Powerful Cabal in World Sports

by Sumeet Garg

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3996 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages

FREE