Documents released by Wikileaks this week have uncovered evidence of collusion between football match officials and major clubs.
Of particular interest are transcripts of an email correspondence between Sir Alex Ferguson and referee Mike Riley, often accused by fans of showing bias towards Manchester United. In one email Sir Alec offers Riley - whom he addresses as "sugar plum" - a personal tour of his famous wine cellar, followed by a private candlelit dinner. In another exchange, two days after Riley himself scored the winning penalty against Liverpool in 2003, Ferguson congratulates Riley on his impartiality and asks him whether he likes the finest Belgian chocolates.
Other revelations include details of Robin Van Persie's controversial sending off for Arsenal at Barcelona in a Champions League return leg in 2011.The Dutchman was harshly sent off by referee Massimo Busacca for kicking the ball after the referee's whistle had blown. However, classified UEFA records show that false charges against Van Persie had been prepared in advance in the event of a possible Barcelona defeat; the charges included jaywalking, home-taping and possession of magic mushrooms with intent to supply. Barcelona went on to win the fixture after Van Persie's dismissal.
Both the FA and FIFA were today refusing to comment, but a secretary at FIFA's Zurich headquarters unofficially told a Footballs Today reporter to piss off and stop wasting everyone's time.
More details to follow.
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