• Yesterday, Sepp Blatter was cleared by Fifa's ethics committee, while Mohamed bin Hammam and Jack Warner was suspended.

• Warner has begun to reveal his so-called "tsunami" of claims, starting with these:

"I indicated that at the Miami Concacaf Congress on 3 May Mr Blatter made a gift of $1m to Concacaf to spend as it deems fit. This annoyed [Uefa] president Michel Platini who was present and he approached secretary general Jerome Valcke complaining that Mr Blatter had no permission from the finance committee to make this gift to which Jerome replied that he will find the money for Mr Blatter. "I also indicated ... Fifa through Mr Blatter organised gifts of laptops and projectors to all members of the Caribbean and no objections have been made ... to date."

• Starting this afternoon: Fifa's executive committee meets in Zurich.

• At 5pm there will be a Blatter media conference.

Warner has also said that 13 federations had written to the ethics committee, backing him up.

Al Jazeera, the Qatari owned TV station, is reporting the news regarding Qatar's Bin Hammam straight here.

An independent Australian senator, Nick Xenophon, has stated his country should not spend on anymore World Cup bids until the Fifa sort their house out.

He says: "You wonder whether we should continue to invest millions of dollars in bids for events we'll never even be in the running to win.

"Until the investigation into FIFA has has been completed, Australia must hold off spending any more taxpayers' money on any future World Cup bids."

Oz's bill for their doomed 2022 bid was around £30m.

PA's Martyn Ziegler reports on Twitter:

FIFA secretary general, Jerome Valcke, confirms email he sent Warner suggesting the 2022 World Cup was "bought" was genuine. "It was a private email."

Michel Platini, Uefa's president, was Blatter's personal advisor for years at Fifa. Can't decide if this makes him expertly placed to head up any change, or...

He says:

I think that Fifa is like the International Olympic Committee was years ago, I think we are at the end of a system based on politics.

According to AP, Platini has now raised the prospect of a walkout by Asian members for Wednesday's vote of the 208 countries to re-elect Sepp Blatter as president.

Platini reminded Uefa members at a meeting of the potential to repeat Asia's protest at the 1999 Congress over World Cup places.

After the closed meeting on Monday, Platini said: "In '99 Asia left, I don't know if they will do that again. I think the election will go ahead but I don't know."

Blatter's responded to say: "I have already faced that once and the Congress went on. They will be there I am sure."

Where Valcke's admission that his email was "genuine" (see 11.04) leaves Fifa's general secretary is the latest rather important question this affair has thrown up

Matt Scott reports that: "Qatar 2022 has yet to comment as a spokesman said it is considering its next steps".

Valcke's suggestion/accusation that the 2022 World Cup was bought by the Qataris is hardly great PR for the country and will cause more questions to be asked about whether Qatar should/will host the event.

In this game of political/playground ping-pong currently being played MBH has unloaded his latest top-spin return.

Bin Hammam tell BBC Sport: "You would have to ask Jerome Valcke what he was thinking. I don't know why he has said that.

"If I was paying money for Qatar you also have to ask the 13 people who voted for Qatar."

Asked whether Valcke's allegation was true he dismissed it, saying: "What do you think?"

Matt Scott reports that:

Fifa has been rocked further as Sepp Blatter and Jérôme Valcke, its two most senior figures, were accused of a "politically motivated" subversion of the presidential election process by one of the men suspended in the ethics committee inquiry. Jack Warner was the vice-president who had spent almost 30 years on Fifa's executive committee until his provisional suspension on Sunday. Now he threatens to tear Fifa apart from within, challenging his suspension through the courts. As a first step he has opened a front on Valcke, who is Fifa's top mandarin as its general secretary. Warner has disclosed an incendiary email in which Valcke discussed the presidential election campaign of the Qatari Fifa executive-committee member Mohamed bin Hammam, who was suspended on Sunday. In the message Valcke appears to accuse Qatar of "buying" the World Cup.

This from Matt Scott, who is reporting the latest from Damian Collins, the MP who was on the House of Commons culture, media and sport select committee in front of which Lord Triesman made his claims:

Fifa risks being caught in a vice between two powerful outside forces after politicians joined their voice to sponsors' concerns about repeated allegations of corruption. Damian Collins, the Tory MP, is working to build an international coalition of parliamentarians to impose reform on Fifa. At a time when Michel Platini talks of football's world governing body undergoing its Salt Lake City moment - a reference to when the US government forced the International Olympic Committee to restructure — the development is potentially decisive. "I have been working with [the pressure group] Change FIFA to set an agenda for FIFA reform and I have included this below," said Collins. "We are asking members of parliaments and national assemblies to sign up to this agenda to demonstrate the growing concern about the leadership of Fifa. "When a global institution of great importance loses its way, it is the duty of those entrusted with its care to chart a course of correction. When the leaders of such an organisation lack the credibility that is required to do so, a valuable function of parliaments and governments is to offer sound and independent intervention and support." Collins's call to politicians follows the statement last week from Adidas, the sponsor with the longest association with Fifa. "The negative tenor of the public debate is neither good for the sport of football nor for Fifa as an institution and its partners," it said. At a time when Fifa faces turmoil within its own walls as its suspended vice-president, Jack Warner, and the suspended former presidential candidate, Mohamed Bin Hammam, mount an offensive, Sepp Blatter's organisation faces a war on several fronts.

Chuck 'whistleblower' Blazer has had this to say just now in Zurich:

On whether Fifa's corrupt: "I think individuals are."

Should Qatar still host the 2022 World Cup: "That's an entirely separate issue."

What's the future of Jack Warner: "Has to be a legal process but I don't think there is one."

On Blatter having no action taken against him: "There was no proper claim"

Probably more chance of Blatter resigning but will the Football Association now apologise for the "unpatriotic" and etc slamming of English media for daring to question probity of Fifa during its farcical 2018 World Cup bid...?

David Conn's analysis of Warner's allegations is coming soon: he tackles Valcke's accusation that Qatar "bought" 2022 W/C; the $1m gift to Concacaf "to spend as it deems fit" from Blatter; and Platini's claim that the Fifa president "has his own budget" from GOAL.

Matt Scott has just tweeted a link to the letter that is causing current storm:

See this from Sky News' Richard Conway: that explosive Valcke-to-Warner email in full lockerz.com/s/106152329 #Fifa

A live link to the snap of Valcke email.

Here is Qatar's official response to proceedings today:

"Qatar 2022 categorically deny wrongdoing. We are urgently seeking clarification from FIFA about statement from their gen sec."

David Conn's excellent analysis here, plus a flavour below:

His [Warner's] allegations attacked the personal integrity of Blatter and Valcke, and included the explosive revelation that Valcke had accused Qatar of having "bought" the hosting of the 2022 World Cup. Warner's accusation that Blatter handed $1m to Concacaf this month raises huge questions over the legitimacy of Fifa's processes, particularly how the money for the organisation's flagship GOAL development projects is handed out

Here is Jerome Valcke's email to Jack Warner in full:

Dear Jack, lots of questions ;) Firstly I got also a very, very good feedback about the draw, its organization and the media coverage. It is great the FWC Final Draw is not the only one getting such attention but now all including the U-17. Football is really big. For FICO, I perfectly understand your position about England. There is not a major point it is true to be discussed. I think MBH will try to attack us on various points but am prepared to answer. Nothing very new since Robben Island 2009 Exco! For MBH, I never understood why he was running. If really he thought he had a chance or just being an extreme way to express much he does not like anymore JSB. Or he thought you can buy FIFA as they bought the WC. I have a bet since day one, he will withdraw but on June 1st after his 10 min speech. By doing so he can say he push Blatter to make new commitments bla bla bla and get out under applause. Before means he is a loser. So … He will get some votes. Less than 60 today after CAF support. It will be the "coup de grace" if you would officially send a message as the CONCACAF President by saying CONCACAF supports unanimously. So am not giving you advice but just feeing about what I think is the situation. Finally just coming back to wives. You know Jack ruled are for the majority. Why? Because without a minority will always abuse! Some and a few members are given a special authorization to bring their partner at their coast and it is fine but we have a number of issues and that is why this regulation was decided a very long time ago before I was appointed for sure. Talking about the before I was told and it is confirmed, Linsi went with MBH to visit a few MA's. Was maybe the ex-future SG. Also one agency, Sportfive, has being very supportive and organized for MBH meeting with MA's they have under contract. Wow, just wake up, being in San Francisco for a few hours before flying at 1pm to Sao Paulo for the day. And am writing so much ;)). Enjoy your day

Jerome.

Jack Warner's own political party has demanded he "steps aside" in an official statement published on The Congress of the People's website. The personal tsunami JW is facing gains a little more momentum

The Congress of the People (COP) notes with distress the decision of the FIFA Ethics Committee to suspend Mr. Jack Warner pending a full investigation into the allegations of bribery and corruption against him. The COP reiterates its view that a critical aspect of good governance is the maintenance of the highest standard of ethics and integrity among with those entrusted with high public office. In this context given the nature of the allegations and the decision of the Ethics Committee of FIFA we expect that the Honourable Minister of Works and Transport will do the right thing and step aside from his ministerial responsibilities pending the completion of these investigations.

"I am very pleased to be representing Qatar's 2022 World Cup Bid," said... Pep Guardiola, on becoming an ambassador for Qatar 2022 in Feb 2010.

How proud is Josep now...?

Matt Scott has filed that Qatar may take Jérôme Valcke to court:

Qatar's government-backed 2022 World Cup bid is threatening legal action against Fifa's general secretary over his claims that it "bought" the World

Cup. "Qatar 2022 categorically deny any wrongdoing in connection with their winning bid," it said in a statement released on Monday afternoon. "We are urgently seeking clarification from FIFA about the statement from their General Secretary. "In the meantime we are taking legal advice to consider our options."

Sepp Blatter is a "sly old fox" and is just like Hosni Mubarak, who was ousted as Egypt head honcho during the Arab Spring, according to newspapers in the country, where the Fifa president is taking a bit, according to AP, which offers the following round-up:

Newspapers in Egypt were especially critical of the 75-year-old Blatter, who is seeking a fourth term as leader of world football's governing body.

The Al-Dustour daily said bin Hammam had "surrendered to the tyranny of Blatter." Al-Gomhuria called the Swiss president a "sly fox who cannot be easily hunted" and compared him to the country's longtime president, Hosni Mubarak, who was ousted from office earlier this year.

AFC vice president Yousuf al-Serkal, an ally of bin Hammam from neighboring United Arab Emirates, said he didn't believe the charges and considered them part of a bid to remove bin Hammam from the presidential race.

"I think bin Hammam has been mistreated," al-Serkal said. "Bin Hammam is the right person who should have been elected to the presidency of FIFA from the point of view of change.

"The way he was treated, I think it was unfair. All the allegations were just from a report. There were no evidence as such. I feel sorry for the person I have known for long time as a decent person."

Al-Serkal and others around the region also complained that bin Hammam's rights were violated because he was suspended before any ruling had been issued on the bribery allegations.

After a day-long hearing Sunday, the FIFA ethics panel said there was sufficient evidence to further investigate allegations that bin Hammam and Warner, the CONCACAF President, offered the bribes to more than two dozen delegates at a Caribbean football association meeting on May 10-11 in Trinidad.

The payments were allegedly made to secure votes for bin Hammam in his campaign to unseat Blatter. If found guilty, bin Hammam and Warner, a FIFA vice president from Trinidad, could be expelled from FIFA and banned for life from all football activity.

"We believe it is a very disappointing decision by the ethics committee because so far they don't have solid evidence against bin Hammam," said Munem Fakhoury, Jordan Football Association (JFA) Operation Director and head of Jordan Professional League.

"Bin Hammam is a very professional individual with an excellent record and what is happening today is truly unfair for him and for the world of football."

Sports columnist Gamal Holail, writing in the Egyptian newspaper Al-Gomhuria, felt bin Hammam was a victim of Blatter's effort to sideline any challengers.

"This is Blatter, the jackal and the wicked who fears all those strong men," Holail wrote. "Blatter wants to defame the reputations of the honest people like Bin Hammam, so he can remain sitting on the presidential chair for life and rule the empire of the international football until death. But his dented reputation has revealed his false essence and it is time for him to leave."

Said al-Mlaiki, sports analyst and reporter in Iraq, said he felt most Arabs would see the allegation as part of a Blatter smear campaign which would come back to haunt him in the Middle East.

"I think that Blatter has committed a mistake by targeting bin Hammam in such way because he will lose the support of some Arabic and Islamic football federations," he said. "The timing of the actions against bin Hammam ahead of the FIFA elections arouses questions and suspicions."

But there was at least one football federation that welcomed the investigation and would accept whatever ruling FIFA makes.

"I wish this didn't happen but also I am happy because there is accountability for all those who might breach the law," said Taj El-Deen Fares, the deputy head of the Syrian Football Federation. "I am afraid of the repercussions of this issue on the fame of the international federation and its unity."

Mohamed Bin Hammam will appeal his suspension by ethics committee. No great surprise there...

Today's poll is: Do you have any faith in Fifa? and can be found here and here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/poll/2011/may/30/fifa-football-politics

Mohamed Bin Hamman's statement is here

Mohamed Bin Hammam said:

"The way these proceedings have been conducted is absolutely not compliant with any principles of justice. I am punished before I am found guilty. I get the impression that the outcome of these proceedings had been defined from the very beginning as it has been made evident at the press conference on Sunday evening at which FIFA General Secretary Jérôme Valcke showed his bias very clearly. This is not acceptable as the FIFA Ethics Committee is supposed to be a fully independent body. Therefore, I also expect the further investigation to be influenced and manipulated."



the Daily Telegraph's @pkelso tweets intriguingly:

MBH wants appeal heard Tues, ban revoked before Congress. My hunch he will stand in the election. Has NOT formally withdrawn candidacy #FIFA

David Conn has just posted a fresh blog here about ChangeFifa calling for governments to back its agenda for reform

David begins:

An influential Conservative MP on the House of Commons select committee for culture, media and sport has intervened in Fifa's corruption allegation meltdown in Zurich by calling for Sepp Blatter's re‑election as president to be suspended, and a manifesto for change to be introduced at the organisation. Working with the campaign group ChangeFifa, Damian Collins has set out a five-part "reform agenda", inviting politicians from around the world to sign up to it. "We are asking members of parliaments and national assemblies to sign up to this agenda to demonstrate the growing concern about the leadership of Fifa," Collins says on his blog. "When a global institution of great importance loses its way, it is the duty of those entrusted with its care to chart a course of correction. When the leaders of such an organisation lack the credibility that is required to do so, a valuable function of parliaments and governments is to offer sound and independent intervention and support."

Here is a pic of the $40,000 cash that sparked the #FIFA bribery claims.

Good hackery work from PA's @martynziegler

PA's Martyn Ziegler reports:

The money, as the picture clearly shows, was delivered in a brown envelope with the name of the Bahamas FA on it.

Inside the envelope was 40,000 US dollars in crisp, new 100-dollar bills - four packs each of 10,000 dollars.

For many officials from the Caribbean's smaller islands this would be the equivalent of several years' salary.

The date was May 10, the place the Hyatt Regency hotel in Trinidad where the members of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) had been invited to a special meeting to listen to FIFA presidential candidate Mohamed Bin Hammam present his manifesto.

Afterwards, the 25 associations - whose flights and hotel costs for two officials each were being covered by Bin Hammam - were asked to attend a conference room to pick up "a gift", according to an affidavit sent to FIFA's ethics committee.

Fred Lunn, the vice-president of the Bahamas FA, was one of the first to go up to the room where he was handed a large brown envelope. When he opened it "stacks of US 100 fell out and on to the table. I was stunned to see this cash," he said in an affidavit which was presented to FIFA's ethics committee yesterday.

Lunn said he was not authorised to accept such a gift but was urged to do so by a CFU official. He decided to hold on to the money and contact his association's president Anton Sealey, which he did by text message.

Copies of these text messages were also sent to the ethics committee which yesterday suspended Bin Hammam and FIFA vice-president Jack Warner pending a full inquiry. CFU officials Debbie Minguell and Jason Sylvester have also been suspended.

Sealey then called Lunn and told him "under no circumstances would the Bahamas FA accept such a cash gift" and that he should return the 40,000 dollars. He texted Sealey saying "a lot of the boys taking the cash, this is sad given the breaking news on the TV CNN... I'm truly surprise its happening at this conference" [sic].

less than an hour now until Blatter speaks to the press where he is apparently going to take questions from the media...

What will he say?

Be splendiferous to be in Zurich now...

The man who will temporarily replace Jack Warner as the president of CONCACAF is... Lisle Austin of Barbados.

He is a member of the FIFA Appeals Committee.

Jerome Valcke has issued an explanation for his claim that Qatar "bought" 2022 World Cup:

@DanRoan tweets:

"what I wanted to say is (Qatar) used their financial strength to lobby for support..I have at no time made any reference to any purchase of votes or similar unethical behaviour."

Valcke on bin Hammam statement:

"it is fully incorrect and disappointing to say I have am [sic] influence on Ethics Cttee"

Valcke's full statement:

FIFA's Secretary General statement



Following the statements made by Mr Mohamed bin Hammam and Mr Jack A. Warner yesterday evening, FIFA's Secretary General Jérôme Valcke has reacted as follows today, 30 May 2011:



On Mr Mohamed bin Hammam's statement:

"It is fully incorrect – and quite disappointing - to say that I have an influence on the FIFA Ethics Committee and its proceedings. I have never attended any of the meetings of this committee, and the first time I have met Deputy Chairman Petrus Damaseb has been shortly before the press conference yesterday evening at the Home of FIFA. I fully respect and highly appreciate the independence of this committee and have no intention whatsoever of influencing their work. As is clearly written in the FIFA Code of Ethics, I have the duty to report to the FIFA Ethics Committee any evidence of violations of conduct reported to me by officials."



On Mr Jack A. Warner's statement:

"Mr Warner has published an email which I sent to him. I'd like to clarify that I may use in an email – a "lighter" way of expression by nature - a much less formal tone than in any form of correspondence. Having said that, when I refer to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in that email, what I wanted to say is that the winning bid used their financial strength to lobby for support. They were a candidate with a very important budget and have used it to heavily promote their bid all around the world in a very efficient manner. I have at no time made, or was intending to make, any reference to any purchase of votes or similar unethical behaviour. I would also like to clarify that there is, as I said yesterday, no investigation open at FIFA regarding the 2022 FIFA World Cup host election."



In general:

"In these challenging times for FIFA, my commitment and dedication for the world governing body is as high as ever. This implies looking for ways to improve the governance of FIFA and provide the organisation with tools and procedures which will help it face the challenges which may come. FIFA is a great association, organising the most popular single-sport event on earth – the FIFA World Cup, developing football worldwide and using the power of the Game for positive social change. That is FIFA."

Some Chuck Blazer "news" here and here: http://chuckblazer.blogspot.com/2010/10/blog-post.html

Prepare yourself for a pic of our Chuck with Nelson Mandela, and dressed as Chuck Obi-Wan Kenobi who "prepares for Halloween..."

Coca-Cola and Adidas have criticised the Fifa farrago, which may cause more of a stir in HQ than any moral/procedural concerns.

PA say:

Two of FIFA'S major sponsors have expressed their concern about the on-going claims and counter claims surrounding key figures in world football's governing body.

FIFA vice-president Jack Warner and Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed bin Hammam were yesterday suspended by the ethics committee of football's governing body, pending the outcome of a full inquiry into allegations they paid officials 40,000 US dollars each in bribes.

Warner responded by making claims against FIFA president Sepp Blatter and general secretary Jerome Valcke.

Coca-Cola and adidas are united in a belief that the bickering has to stop.

A Coca-Cola spokesperson said: "The current allegations being raised are distressing and bad for the sport.

"We have every expectation that FIFA will resolve this situation in an expedient and thorough manner."

An adidas spokesman said: "Adidas enjoys a long-term, close and successful partnership with FIFA that we are looking forward to continuing.

"Adidas will be an official sponsor of FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil.

"Having said that, the negative tenor of the public debate around FIFA at the moment is neither good for football nor for FIFA and its partners."

@pkelso tweets:



Podium is out, we are getting a presidential address. This is as much pressure as Blatter has faced

15 minute delay for Blatter's presser...

Starting to wonder if anything will actually change given the path of today's events...

There will surely have been all kinds of horse trading done...

More back tracking as...

@danroan tweets:

New Qatar statement: "Mr Valcke's statement was clearly taken out of context but again Qatar's name has been dragged through the mud...for absolutely no reason. We would like to reaffirm we won the WC bid with the best campaign & without breaching the rules.

"

@pkelso tweets:

Times flying. Warner says Triesman allegations rejected (do try & keep up) "Today I regained some hope in power of truth and transparency"

Sepp Blatter on now.... apologises for delay

Blatter: "i want to repeat what i said yesterday. i have no right to comment on Ethics Committee... great damage to image of Fifa...disappointment for football fans...meeting of ExCo today but not a lot of details [will i give]"

Blatter, fudging so far: "pleased to receive the FA report... we were happy we can confirm no elements in this report that would even prompt any proceedings..."

Blatter: "world cup 2022 not touched by that nor world cup 2018 [media claims by sunday times et al]"

Blatter, now speaking in French, now appears to have finished any direct addressing of the events... He may go back to it, but if not let's hope he takes questions...

Blatter: "i went to 4 meetings -- [including] uefa, conembol, concacaf, -- showed solidarity concerning fifa

Asked for a reaction to Warner's statement that he should be "stopped" Blatter: "No reaction"

Latest question to Blatter re how will he as the "goalkeeper" reform Fifa smells a little of a plant : "thank you kind lady for the question"

Blatter: "a unity in solidarity for the next 4 years -- we shall solve the problems if there are any in the Congress.

"Crisis, what is a crisis? Football is not in a crisis. We are not in a crisis, only in some difficulties."

The Guardian's Matt Scott just been disallowed from asking a question to Blatter by Blatter

Asked if Fifa's Wednesday presidential election should be postponed, Blatter: "If somebody wants to change something these are the members of Fifa -- cannot be done by the ExCo or any authorities. Only the congress itself..."

Bin Hammam has laid out his conditions here for his reinstatement

His demands are:

The FIFA Ethics Committee shall declare the accusations of alleged

infringements of the FIFA regulations by Mr Bin Hammam as unfounded.

2. The FIFA Ethics Committee shall issue a public media release on the

finding that Mr Bin Hammam has not violated any FIFA regulations. Any

finding of the Ethics Committee shall be notified to Mr Bin Hammam at

least one hour in advance of any written or oral communication to the

public.

3. Mr Bin Hammam shall be granted an award for costs.

4. Mr Bin Hammam reserves the right to submit witness statements and to

present witnesses at the Hearing of the Ethic Committee who confirm

that no cash payments were offered at the extraordinary meeting of the

CFU on 10 – 11 May 2011.

Blatter's presser ends in him asking for "respect" from hacks who want to ask more questions and are frustrated at his determination NOT to ask a question directly...

Pretty predictable, really...

Tomorrow is when he, and we, will find out if he might be able to pull this off...

6. The first picture appeared of the $40,000 alleged bribe appeared and can be seen here

After...

2. Jerome Valcke denied he meant Qatar literally "bought" the 2022 World Cup in his email to Jack Warner

3. Qatar threatened legal action against Valcke and later appeared to back-track by accepting his email to Warner had ben mis-interpreted.

4. Jack Warner's own political party has demanded he "step aside". Whether he will is doubtful.

5. The next major development may hinge on whether Bin Hamman can get himself reinstated, and back in the presidential race in time for Wednesday's Fifa Congress vote.

I'm signing off now-- thanks for following our coverage and, so, after a fast-moving day this is what we know:

1. In his late afternoon presser Sepp Blatter was as defiant as ever, and a little arrogant, refusing to answer any awkward question directly while offering a vague: "Great damage has been done to Fifa in recent days... Football is not in a crisis. Football is in some difficulties and they will be solved inside our family."

He claimed the FA's own report into Lord Triesman's allegations of wrongdoing cleared Fifa and so vindicated the body...

And that: "There is no issue for the World Cup 2022"

According to Fifa's website Castrol, Budweiser, Sony and Mcdonalds are also among their title sponsors. So will they feel emboldened by Coca-Cola, Emirates and addidas to join suit and criticise them? This could be the only way Sepp B and his merry band actually start to listen and engage with any of this...