As the corruption crisis engulfing FIFA shows no sign of ending, a doomsday scenario for the organization would mean having a large portion of its assets seized by world banks -- leaving it unable to run its operations, and potentially scaring off sponsors - according to lawyers in the UK and U.S.
In a blog headlined "Liquidate FIFA?," Guy Thomas, a British insolvency lawyer with an expertise in sport, speculates that a lack of leadership at FIFA - combined with the long arm of U.S. federal authorities -- could completely handcuff the organization.
"The basic operation of FIFA is to run world football," Thomas told CNN after we contacted him following the publication of his blog "and it needs money to do so."
Including its showcase World Cup tournaments, FIFA hosts 10 men's and five women's tournaments overall. They include youth tournaments, club tournaments, and even a beach soccer tournament scheduled for July in Portugal. The FIFA Women's World Cup is also underway in Canada, featuring teams from 24 countries.
Thomas pointed out that U.S. jurisdiction over money fraud can stretch far and wide. Not only that, but regulatory bodies in other countries may follow suit with their own investigations, he wrote.
