Warner reported to FIFA again by Blazer over allegations he has violated ban

By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich

May 31 – Veteran FIFA vice-president Jack Warner has been reported for allegedly violating the terms of his ban from all football-related activities.

Chuck Blazer, the FIFA Executive Committee member who blew the whistle on Warner’s involvement in the most serious bribery scandal in the world governing body’s history, claimed the CONCACAF President had breached the terms of his suspension by talking to Confederation officials and as a result had been reported to FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke.

In a remarkable new development, Blazer claimed his one-time colleague had been holding clandestine meetings with Caribbean members of CONCACAF in his downtown Zurich hotel less than 48 hours after being temporarily thrown out of FIFA.

“He has also been meeting with the members which is against the rules of the suspension,” Blazer told insideworldfootball.

“He had sent people to tell them that he would be looking to meet with them.”

Warner was conspicuous by his absence at the opening ceremony of the FIFA Congress but Blazer, who made his remarks beforehand, said there was no doubt the veteran Trinidadian had broken the terms of his temporary ban pending a full inquiry.

“He was suspended exactly so he cannot to the things he is doing right now,” Blazer added.

Asked how he knew about Warner’s apparent subterfuge, Blazer replied: “I have evidence he is actively participating in activities that he is not supposed to.”

Interestingly, in what appeared to be yet another breach in order to be involved in some way in tomorrow’s FIFA Presidential election even if not in person, Warner’s office then issued a statement asking Caribbean members to support Blatter.

“At our last meeting we agreed as a Union to support the incumbent Joseph Sepp Blatter in his quest to regain the Presidency,” Warner wrote.

“I wish to assure you nothing has changed – our mandate was set then and despite it all we must fulfil it.”

What was Warner trying to achieve, especially since the bribery scandal over which he was banned was all about allegedly securing votes for Bin Hammam who, of course, has also been suspended?

Could it be that it was a canny attempt by Warner to find favour with Blatter and reduce what seems likely to be a lengthy ban when the Ethics Committee completes its business in the next six weeks?

As the split in CONCACAF widened, with individual factions lining up behind Warner and Blazer, President and general secretary respectively, Warner’s rambling letter urged his Caribbean supporters not to cause trouble at the Congress.

Attempting to steal the moral high ground, he wrote: “I Jack Warner, a servant and believer in the principles of this beautiful game do humbly beseech you, my brothers and sisters from the Caribbean Football Union to desist from initiating any protest action at tomorrow’s FIFA Congress.

“My family, our foundation has been rocked and our strength is being tested but I urge you for the good of the game to attend tomorrow’s Congress and fulfill your duties in representing the Caribbean.

“I know many of you are hurting and it is only human nature that you would want to demonstrate your anger but despite all we must not fuel a fire set by others to incinerate all that we strive for.

“We are being chastised for our belief in fair play and freedom of speech but let not your heart be daunted.”

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