INTRODUCTION -

The recent indictment of senior FIFA officials as part of an FBI investigation into corrupt activities at the world football governing body has made headlines and brought corruption in sport back to the top of the international agenda. Charges relate to payments made by sports marketing companies to secure lucrative broadcasting and sponsorship deals. Two Brazilian nationals are implicated in the FBI probe, and on 28 May, Brazilian police opened a formal inquiry into alleged bribes paid to obtain contracts with the Brazilian Soccer Federation. A separate investigation by the Swiss authorities is investigating the bidding process for the World Cup tournaments in 2018 in Russia and 2022 in Qatar.

The UK and Brazil will host high-profile international sporting events in 2015 and 2016. The 2015 Rugby World Cup will commence on 18 September 2015 with twenty international teams competing in games held in England and Wales. The 2016 Rio Olympic Games will commence in August 2016 as the eyes of the world return to Brazil. Massive construction and infrastructure projects are underway to prepare for the influx of athletes and spectators.