FIFA Uncovered is a Netflix docu-series that takes a look at the systemic corruption that existed within the football governing body and how it came to light in 2015. The series is now streaming on Netflix.
Story
FIFA is the world governing body of football which was established in 1904. In 1974, João Havelange was elected as the President of the federation what followed was decades of widespread corruption and abuse of power.
People like Sepp Blatter, Jack Warner, Chuck Blazer and Michel Platini among others continued to muddy the waters of world football while lining their own pockets and cementing their legacies.
Eventually, there were missteps and bruised egos as a combination of impatience and spite led to investigations being opened up that exposed the wrongdoing that many of the officials in FIFA were responsible for.
The decisions to host World Cups in South Africa, Russia and Qatar are all scrutinised for the questionable ways in which they received the honour, while Blatter’s continued re-election as the president pointed to a well-established network built on the back of bribes and favours.
Positives
The docu-series is extremely thorough in its research into the organisation. All the information is presented clearly and concisely with well-articulated accounts presented by members of the press.
Getting the perspectives of people like Sepp Blatter and Mohammed bin Hammam gives the audience a look at the other side of the coin and allows them to make informed decisions on who they believe to be the true culprits.
The series is well paced and the 4 episodes are split up ideally to make for a comfortable viewing experience. Sitting close to an hour, the episodes do not feel overtly long or arduous in any way.
The series shines a much-needed light on the issue of sports washing in the world and asks questions about the rightful place of influential sports in this complicated world and how they should use their power.
Negatives
While there was a lot of information regarding the South Africa and Qatar bids for the World Cup, there wasn’t much provided about the 2018 World Cup in Russia which felt like a minor oversight.
Verdict
FIFA Uncovered is an engaging docu-series that captures the attention of its audience by laying out all the information regarding FIFA and its dealings in an unbiased manner. It discusses the issues regarding sport and corruption and how they go hand in hand in a complicated world that requires a lot more brave and honest individuals to improve its integrity.
FIFA Uncovered
Director: Daniel Gordon
Date Created: 2022-11-09 13:30
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Also Read: FIFA Uncovered explained: What crimes were FIFA accused of?