A Las Vegas museum devoted to the exploits of Tommy gun-wielding mobsters opened a permanent display yesterday (1 September 2015) that explores what it calls the rampant corruption of global footballs scandal-rocked governing body, which has drawn comparisons to organised crime. The new exhibit follows a corruption scandal that has created the worst crisis in Fifas 111-year history. The Mob Museum, which showcases some of the most brutal and exploitative criminal activity in US history, unveiled the display of photographs, news articles and original narratives entitled The Beautiful Game Turns Ugly.
In a statement, the museum said, The display provides an incisive and eye-opening look into the rampant corruption that plagues Fifa. In late May of this year, US prosecutors in New York indicted nine football officials, most of whom held or had held Fifa positions, and five sports media and promotions executives in schemes involving $150m (£98m) in bribes over a period of 24 years.
Prosecutors said their investigation exposed complex money laundering schemes, millions of dollars in untaxed income and tens of millions of dollars in offshore accounts held by the football officials. The scandal has triggered calls from leading Fifa sponsors as well as labour union and anti-corruption groups that the football entity agree to be monitored by a fully independent reform commission.
The Mob Museum, which is more formally known as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, offers exhibits that piece together the story of organised crime in America and how it came to shape Las Vegas.
