Bonita Mersiades took the incredible step of calling out one of the most powerful and corrupt organisations in the world, the Federation International Football Association (FIFA). By her own admission she was never in possession of a “smoking gun”, but a wealth of experience dealing with football’s most influential characters provided Mersiades with the instincts to know when foul play was afoot.
The bidding process came into question when the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively. Whether it was consistent human rights violations, severe climate conditions or non-existent infrastructure, it became clear that FIFA were not voting on merit.
After a tidal wave of public outrage, FIFA commissioned Michael Garcia to independently investigate corruption within their organisation in 2012. In spite of uniformed skepticism, this was FIFA’s opportunity to admit guilt and begin a new chapter of transparency the game desperately needed.
However, the report was held back, with German judge Hans-Joachim Eckert releasing FIFA’s internal interpretation of the findings in September 2014. Eckert and FIFA cited legal reasons for the editing, but the process highlighted the body’s ability to manipulate and control external influences.
Whilst Michael Garcia disputed the final findings of his very own report, Eckert chose to name and shame two out of seventy-five interviewed witnesses – Phaedra Almajid and Bonita Mersiades, in a desperate attempt to discredit their testimonies.
After appearing on the ABC’s Four Corners program, Mersiades embodied David battling Goliath, shedding light on institutionalised corporate greed at the highest level of professional sport.
Mersiades on Frank Lowy’s leadership
A proud advocate of Australian football, Mersiades is uniquely placed to judge the merits of Football Federation Australia’s (FFA) role in the world of football, examining the legacy of chairman Frank Lowy’s 12-year reign at the helm of the code.
After involving questionable characters into the FFA inner sanctum during bidding, including Hungarian businessman Peter Hargitay, many would argue such a cynical ploy to win votes would overshadow Lowy’s previous achievements. So, should he be considered a success?
“On balance and in a word – yes,” she replied.
Mersiades was one of a collection of football administrators who urged Lowy to lead the sport in 2001. As the domestic competition (National Soccer League) and national team (Socceroos) faltered in their quest to gain credibility and recognition, the Westfield owner was sought to propel football into the mainstream Australian sporting consciousness. Lowy took the chairmanship in 2003.
“In the first instance, he gave the game the instant credibility it so desperately needed simply by the fact that one of Australia’s most successful business people was willing to take on the challenge,” Mersiades asserted.
“Since then, he has essentially put in place many of the factors for success that we presented to him in 2001 – and which any long-term football fan would be aware of – membership of Asia, multiple World Cup qualification and a re-cast national league.”
“However, as with anyone or any ‘reign’ in that timeframe, there have also been mistakes, mis-steps and miscalculations,” explained Mersiades.
Lowy, 84, is set to step down at the end of his current term. With rumours circulating that son Steven could be handed the role without any challenge, can more be done to ensure a transparent selection process is put in place?
“He is due to retire as chairman at the end of 2015, after 12 years in the role. That is long enough,” argued Mersiades.
“I am a firm believer in term limits for roles such as this.”
Starting from a low base, Mersiades understood that the organisation were desperate for his involvement, even though it came at a price. “The FFA Constitution has term limits but an exception was made for Lowy and his two closest colleagues on the FFA Board, Brian Schwartz and Phil Wolansk to give them 12 years,” she said.
Speaking frankly on the subject about the most coveted football position in the country, Mersiades left little room for interpretation, stating, “It is well and truly time for change.”
Mersiades on domestic football administration
The last 3 FFA chief executives have come from outside football – John O’Neill (rugby union), Ben Buckley (AFL) and now David Gallop (rugby league). While this might indicate a lack of talent or confidence in domestic football administration, Mersiades argues that the appointments were made with the best intentions given the circumstances.
“Just like Frank Lowy, John O’Neill was the right person at the time,” affirmed Mersiades.
“The sport needed someone without baggage of any kind to make the significant changes that needed to be made.”
“That is not to say some things could have been done differently and better.”
Mersiades on Australia’s failed World Cup bid
A major blow to Lowy’s legacy came during the failed 2022 World Cup bid. The devastation of the loss caused grief, acrimony and a desire for answers as Australians reflected on a process shrouded in secrecy.
The Garcia report detailed a promise made by the FFA to dedicate $4 million in payments to the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) in return for their World Cup vote. Mersiades admits that this level of systematic corruption undermines the sport.
“The point about the $4m given to Oceania is not about whether it’s inherently worthwhile or not,” she argues, “It’s about whether there was a vote attached to it.”
Viewing the issue from an alternate perspective, she adds, “Some people don’t have a problem with that, they see something as wonderful as hosting the World Cup from a ‘whatever it takes’ perspective.”
“However, other people do have a problem with it and I think it was one of the implicit flaws in the bidding process that this type of largesse was sought, expected and given – regardless of who did it,” said Mersiades.
Mersiades on football ownership
Alternatively, Lowy’s greatest achievement as chairman can be encapsulated by the creation of the Hyundai A-League in 2005, coinciding with the Socceroos qualifying for their first FIFA World Cup since 1974, signifying a long-awaited golden period for the sport.
Yet the A-League continues to experience growing pains, with ownership issues remaining at the forefront. As Newcastle Jets owner Nathan Tinkler has his license revoked by the FFA amidst allegations of failing to pay staff, should the administration regulate their franchises more stringently to ensure clubs like the Jets are able to thrive?
“When you have a majority individual owner,” said Mersiades, “the culture and operations of that club is very dependent on the whim of the individual.”
“At this point, FFA need a fully functioning Newcastle Jets because the television deal is based on a 10-team competition.”
The Bundesliga, Germany’s highly successful top flight domestic football competition, acts as a case study in fan driven ownership. Mersiades agrees that such a model could be viable in the future for the A-League.
“Supporter ownership has been an option that football in Australia has looked at since at least 1997 with the NSL, and is an option worth exploring further.”
“A model constitution for a club with supporter-based ownership already exists. It would probably be more feasible in some areas better than others.”
Although comparisons drawn between the FFA and FIFA are tenuous, the flaws of both organisations are clear for all to see. What remains true to both is a public desire for change, and for the stakeholders of the beautiful game, the fans, to take back control.
Mersiades on New FIFA Now
Mersiades is currently involved as a campaigner for New FIFA Now, a body created to pressure the sports powerbrokers to enact tangible change. Whilst the campaign is driven by the best of intentions, she is not naïve enough to underestimate where the true mechanisms for power lie – major sponsors, governments and powerful lobby groups.
“The three (sponsors, governments and lobby groups) should be working if not together at least in parallel,” responds Mersiades.
“Sponsors and broadcasters are those who can have the most direct influence on FIFA,” she admits, “but fans have the potential to influence sponsors by letting them know how they feel.”
“Likewise, governments do have a role in sport and they should be concerned about how such a major sport is run; in most countries, fans can also influence and lobby governments.”
“What New FIFA Now is doing is attempting to bring these forces and influences together to get the ultimate outcome of a FIFA in which all stakeholders can have confidence.”
What can the average football fan do to support New FIFA Now? Where can people go?
“In the first instance, fans can support New FIFA Now by going online to www.newfifanow.org and signing the petition for change, and taking whatever other action is recommended from time-to-time.”
In May this year, journalists from the BBC were arrested in Qatar for investigating and reporting the deaths and inhumane conditions workers were facing to build the appropriate stadia and infrastructure in time for 2022.
Qatari officials offered an insight into the story, before they baited the journalists in question, placing them behind bars for 48 hours. As British reporter Andrew Jennings states on the New FIFA Now website, the only reporter in the world to be banned by the organisation, a dozen workers are expected to die every week as cheap labourers toil away in 50 degree heat until a ball is kicked at the 2022 tournament.
Mersiades’s official twitter account is accompanied with a quote from German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who said, “No price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.” Without question, she is one of the few who can attest to earning that privilege. Hopefully one-day football supporters around the world can say the same about the game they love.
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