Review: FIFA Film "United Passions" Is Comedy Gold in Light of Current Scandal

06/03/2015 - 09h56

If anyone is in any doubt as to the vanity and arrogance of FIFA, they should see "United Passions", a film that football's governing body produced at a cost of USD$25 million to defend its reputation.

Directed by the Frenchman Frédéric Auburtin, the film stars Gérard Depardieu as Jules Rimet, Sam Neill of Jurassic Park fame as João Havelange and Tim Roth (Pulp Fiction) as Joseph "Sepp" Blatter.

In spite of the star-studded cast, the film is pathetic, a bland melodrama which, with the recent arrests and corruption accusations, begins to acquire an air of comedy.

One of the first scenes shows the pomposity of FIFA's founders. On May 21, 1904, they get together to celebrate the foundation of the organization, declaring, "From today, we're going to decide the rules of football throughout the world!"

Rimet, the "inventor" of the World Cup, appears soon afterwards. In a scene symbolic of FIFA's modus operandi, he discusses with a Uruguayan multimillionaire the organization of the first World Cup, held in 1930. "FIFA is poor," says Rimet. "Could you guarantee us a share of each ticket sold?"

Things only get worse with the arrival of Havelange and Blatter, who spend the film chasing money. In one meeting, Blatter beats the table with his fist. "Our accounts are a disaster! Call Brezhnev, Castro or Mao, whoever you need, but I need results!" Havelange refers to Blatter as "apparently good at finding money."

Brazil appears several times, with Havelange bathing in a pool on a roof terrace on the Avenida Vieira Souto, in Rio de Janeiro.

There is also a prophetic exchange between Havelange and Blatter. "Sepp, my friend, you will be FIFA president," says Havelange, "but listen to what I say: if you make the slightest mistake, you'll be out!"

It really has to be seen to be believed.

Translated by TOM GATEHOUSE

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	Divulgação
	Fifa's self-funded movie "United Passions"