The Men Who Sell Football (2021)
In this eye-opening documentary, Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit delves into the shadowy domain of football finance, ownership, and governance within the English Premier League—the wealthiest and most popular football league globally. The film sheds light on how criminals can infiltrate English football clubs, using them as vehicles to launder illicit proceeds.
The narrative unfolds as undercover reporters posing as representatives of a fugitive criminal known as Mr. X, who faces bribery and money laundering charges in China. Their mission is to explore how corrupt money can be hidden behind opaque offshore trusts, fraudulent due diligence reports, and other deceptive tactics. The stakes escalate when they come close to striking a deal to purchase Derby County, one of England’s oldest football clubs.
Enter Christopher Samuelson, an offshore trust expert and seasoned football dealmaker. Samuelson reveals step-by-step methods for concealing our criminal investor’s identity and funds using offshore trusts. His associate, Keith Hunter—a former Scotland Yard detective—proposes obtaining a new passport for the criminal investor, complete with a new name, to deceive football authorities. The intricate web of enablers extends to Cyprus, where contacts offer assistance in securing a passport and a fresh identity.
The documentary draws parallels with Al Jazeera’s previous investigation, The Cyprus Papers Undercover, which exposed the scandal surrounding Cyprus passports. High-level resignations and anti-corruption demonstrations followed its release in October 2020.
In response to the revelations, Samuelson’s lawyers claim he was unaware of Mr. X’s criminal convictions, emphasizing that he would have terminated discussions had he known. Hunter, on the other hand, disputes most of the findings but maintains his exemplary record from his time in the police force.
As the football world grapples with recent controversies, The Men Who Sell Football serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities within the sport’s financial ecosystem. It uncovers the intricate web of corruption and deception that threatens the integrity of English football clubs
