FIFA: Shift in power and influence from West but money still rules

Fifa boss Blatter presents himself as a champion of developing nations to deflect from shady, most likely criminal dealings, writes Ian Buruma.

The only surprise about the arrest of Fifa officials is that it happened at all.

Most people assumed that these pampered men in expensive suits, governing the world’s soccer federation, were beyond the reach of the law. Whatever rumours flew or reports were made on bribes, kickbacks, vote-rigging, and other dodgy practices, Fifa President Sepp Blatter and his colleagues and associates always seemed to emerge without a scratch.