Declan Hill is an investigative journalist who has worked for the CBC, BBC, and on several “PBS Frontline” documentaries. He has just written a book called “The Fix: Soccer and Organized Crime” which tells the story of an investigative journalist who sets out to examine the world of match fixing in professional soccer.

Several news outlets have reviewed the book and reported the more explosive allegations, including the author’s assersion that the Brazil-Ghana World Cup 06 match was fixed (Ghana lost 3-0). An article in today’s Toronto newspaper features the author responding to the paper’s doubts about his claims. Whether all his assertions can be proved or not, this guy has the cajones to wade into some very dangerous waters, showing the dark side of the game (crime syndicates, “fixers”, agents, FIFA) and he’s upsetting plenty of people (the Ghanian FA is suing him). Compelling.

Image via DeclanHill

Little was known about Geoff Sheard previous to recent reports of his buying up shares to take control of debt plagued Sheffield Wednesday. The source of the Lancashire-based businessman’s income has been described as “kit manufacturing” although specifics are hard to find and he has done few interviews. It is rumored Mr. Sheard is a front-man for a foreign group of businessmen living in England with ties to Asia, Italy and Russia. The group is using a bank out the Bahamas. One of the few pictures found online is the photo above and Sheffield Wednesday fans have struggled to find out more information.

But what about this quote to BBC Radio earlier this week from Mr. Sheard about the St. Louis MLS bid, “I was approached by Jeff Cooper, who is fronting the bid to have St Louis win one of the franchise slots, and I did have a lunch meeting with him three weeks ago,” he said. “That’s as far as it’s gone and nothing will progress with that until we’re finished with Sheffield Wednesday”

…Many questions…

Image via Bebo

On Showtime this month is a documentary called “Cocaine Cowboys”, about the city of Miami in the early to mid 80’s and the rise and fall of the drug culture along with the villains and heroes who inspired movies and shows like “Scarface” and “Miami Vice”.  Scary but truly fascinating; this is the real story.  Highly recommend.

I just came across this story on SI that says seven people have been arrested in a crackdown on an organized crime group that tried to buy Lazio football club with laundered money. What?! What is even crazier is that apparently former Lazio and New York Cosmos striker Giorgio Chinaglia is being sought as well and that he has been on the lam.

[Via SI]

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