Sport
FIFA Whistleblower Launches Inside Story About FIFA World Cup Bids 2018 and 2022
The book lifts the lid on how a bid for the world's single biggest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup works from the inside -- an inside that involves what is recognised today as the murky goings-on of world football administration.
It's the inside story of a losing bid team and the characters around it, as well as a look at how the 'FIFA Way' -- a term dubbed by former US Attorney-General Loretta Lynch -- works.
Part memoir, part extensive research and investigation, Mersiades has spoken to many leading figures in world football including former FIFA President, Sepp Blatter , as well as drawn on her own experience, recollections and material.
The book dives deep into the murky role of consultants and officials. It is a first hand, personal account of the author's two years working on the Australian bid, and her efforts over the last eight years to further uncover the truth about this aspect of the not so 'beautiful game'.
The book brings to light for the international football community, many startling new revelations:
Speaking at the launch in London today, Lord Triesman, former head of the English FA and Chairman of the England 2018 bid until his departure in May 2010 , said:
Bonita Mersiades, the author, said:
Damien Collins MP was also in attendance at the launch and issued his support for the ongoing need for change within football.
All of the author's proceeds from the book will go towards the Pararoos,
Australia's Paralympic football team.
'Whatever It Takes' is published by Powderhouse Press and is available in good bookstores and online.
A series of clips suitable for online streaming, broadcast use, and radio are contained in the below links. The clips contain interviews with the author, Bonita Mersiades, and Lord Triesman.
Quality suitable for online streaming
1.) https://wetransfer.com/downloads/7b345c779c0c46e606c6f9667dae69f420180122153340/f020928d253ae8b61cf53aa15d23491020180122153340/e76f9b
Clips suitable for broadcast
2.) https://wetransfer.com/downloads/b1da421c876c98466c6af47001c0e58b20180122153506/47a428e60fe186cf7d66eb61f1c5677220180122153506/71e831
Audio files for radio use
3.) https://wetransfer.com/downloads/6932191f1dd2e9829656289573a51c3f20180122153626/f0e2cd15e7e5cc92b1e93c442116a93620180122153626/f577b7
Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/632833/Powderhouse_Bonita_Mersiades.mp4