Though this story is based on real events, its characters are fictionalized
and not intended to resemble or discredit any actual persons.
And here we are, on election day.
FIFA's future hung on one vote.
Fate had one more surprise in store.
-Paco! -What is it, honey? Do you want more?
You have to vote.
Der Wald Hotel, please.
It's time.
Close the door.
EL PRESIDENTE: CORRUPTION GAME
I've had battles more fierce, and I've always won.
I'm sorry if I went too far yesterday.
Unknowingly, someone had made a terrible mistake.
Goal by João Havelange!
An amazing last minute move! Absolutely amazing.
Impressive, ladies and gentlemen.
It will be a pleasure to bring some Brazilian heat to the Swiss winter.
Bring warm clothes, Mr. Havelange.
We are used to living there.
Acclimating might not be that easy.
From now on, I will be the face of a global FIFA.
Thank you very much.
Amazing. He's a genius.
This should be taught at schools.
He's more important than any national hero.
He's the real hero of the business of world football.
Our friend Käser still wondered if it had been right
to add the vote that made Havelange win.
Am I speaking to Her Excellency the First Lady of world football?
I'm the President!
Sivoca, champagne.
From now on, things will be like we dreamed, the way you wanted.
Paris is only two hours away. We can go on a weekend.
Did he win?
João Havelange was elected president of FIFA.
Do you know what that means?
It means you're looking at the CBD's next president.
Mr. Castor de Andrade!
I won the FIFA election!
The national team had lost the Cup.
However, Havelange had won FIFA.
And the news was everywhere.
Brazil finishes 4th. This is the end of selection
HAVELANGE IN FRONT OF FIFA
Let's celebrate!
A toast to my brother.
The new president of world football.
Wait! There is one thing that's even more important to celebrate.
Dad, I want to give you the best gift ever.
You're going to be a grandpa.
Yes, I did get the email. But I think it's stupid.
Because they sent a new contract,
but they are offering the same amount.
And I began narrating the story of a candidate,
but now it's the story of FIFA's President. It's not the same.
Terms and conditions have to be changed.
You see?
I don't know. You have to solve it. That's what I pay you for, right?
What? How come you did not get the check?
It was a online transfer.
Sheila!
I'll ask you something for our family, but especially for yourself.
As you know, I have a new position with great exposure.
Many people will try to attack me.
So, I'd like to ask you one thing, my little brother.
Don't do anything...
How do I put this? Extravagant.
At least not in public. Is it possible?
Now, behind closed doors is all right.
-Behind closed doors is fine? -Right.
Like when I helped you back in Berlin.
Before taking office and leaping into the international scene,
Havelange had to solve some issues at home.
You disobeyed our orders.
You lost our World Cup. You voted for the communists.
And you didn't use public money properly.
Just to be practical,
what do we get with your victory?
Having someone like me leading world football as an ally.
To make it possible, you need to appoint someone I trust for the CBD.
-Who? -Castor de Andrade.
General.
I appreciate your sense of humor, Havelange.
We have affection for him. He's a good partner in some projects.
But we can't make it public, right?
Who else?
There's a person in my family who's making progress.
Ricardo Teixeira.
A young man with an excellent reputation.
A good man.
Farid! Give this to the movers.
Hey, pal.
They wouldn't have it.
I begged them. I implored them.
When João Havelange wants something,
it always happens.
-It's clear to me you don't care. -Think whatever you want.
It's not up to me.
You can have anything you want. Anything.
But CBD? That's impossible.
Your word is worthless.
But I did not abandon you. I wrote a letter
to let everyone know Castor de Andrade and Havelange are one.
It may seem like a consolation prize,
but it's useful.
Why would I want this fucking letter?
I want the CBD.
I gave you the football pools.
I went to Africa with you on your trip.
I took care of the CBD and your family.
Don't worry. At some point, I will cash in those favors.
Stop thinking of yourself as someone's mom or wife.
Enjoy life.
Leave the guilt behind. It doesn't suit Europe.
Listen, did you talk to João about Barbosa?
No. I didn't want to bother him during this special moment in his life.
Again "his wife." Where is Isabel, my friend?
The one who bets and wins? The one who smiles?
There. See?
That's Isabel.
I think Zurich is probably what I need right now.
Fresh air.
It wouldn't look good for a grandma to hang out at casinos playing poker.
My grandma was a bicheira and she loved poker.
Of course she wasn't as beautiful as you.
Are you letting me win?
I got distracted.
I have a gift for your trip.
I'll miss you.
I learned something when gambling.
We can always play another hand.
So, when you get back here,
someday,
if you ever want to come pay me a visit,
I want you to know that the door is always open for you,
and that here, you'll have...
someone to play with
or...
dance with
cheek to cheek,
on a hot night.
I have to go.
After all the suffering,
João left warm Rio for a cold Zurich,
ready to realize his dreams.
He was eager to start his new life.
No one to pick us up?
If a FIFA executive arrives, someone should be there.
After two flights and taking a train there is no one here.
This is not normal in Rio. Is it so in Zurich?
-Zurich is not the problem. -Things will change.
Any news?
What? They don't see the need?
I find this quite unsportsmanlike.
I didn't even get a coat for Zurich.
It's fucking cold. You know?
If these fuckers don't give me a raise, even a dollar,
I'll go on strike as of now.
Sergio Jadue is on strike effective immediately,
until these fuckers learn to value and respect me.
Okay?
Are you sure it's here?
Keep in mind, no loud noises after 6 p.m.
And there is no laundry service.
Calm down, João.
We still have a lot to celebrate. It doesn't matter where.
You are the president.
The elevator's broken.
We'll find a way.
Look, I say yes to everything Adi Dassler asks me,
but also his children.
In time, I'm going to decide which team suits me best.
JOSEPH BLATTER ADIDAS MARKETING CONSULTANT
FUTURE PRESIDENT OF FIFA SUSPENDED FOR CORRUPTION
I could stay tied up all day if you want.
Faye!
I need a key for the door.
Starting today,
I want to have the same level of skills at the office
that you have riding a bike.
Käser sleeps here?
Fuck.
I see.
Faye, what time does the rest of the crew arrive?
And what does Farid do?
ADIDAS HEADQUARTERS GERMANY
Mr. Dassler.
-These are the new Adidas logos. -No.
Our daughter will be a mother soon.
We need space to accommodate them.
LIV, REALTOR ANOTHER ARROGANT EUROPEAN
Don't talk to me about coffee. I'm Brazilian.
One of the largest coffee producers.
Like with a football team, we need qualified personnel.
FIFA as it is doesn't work.
We need to bring people with drive for a facelift.
Faye, can you type this ad, please?
I will dictate, and you post it in the newspaper.
Speaking of accounting,
next week Teófilo Salinas, the president of CONMEBOL.
He will do a complete review of our accounts.
Where are they, Faye?
Those over there are Swiss bankers. They own the world.
It would be nice to use all that money to rescale the business of football.
Those are oil tycoons,
and that one, if I'm not mistaken, he's the CEO of Nestlé.
That one, honey, is the mayor of Zurich.
Yeah.
Wow, it's beautiful here.
And who is she?
My new assistant.
So assistants participate in events with their bosses.
Not in Brazil.
-Yeah, but... He's my worst nightmare. -Havelange.
Come. I'll introduce you to some friends.
Allow me to introduce myself.
Jean-Marie Havelange, president of FIFA.
AKE KARLSSON MAYOR OF ZURICH
I believe FIFA could be an ally to the city of Zurich,
becoming an attraction itself.
I'm thinking if we could have a new headquarters...
Excuse me.
No, I haven't lost my voice.
But I won't narrate any more until my conditions are met.
And you must know what is happening is serious.
Really important. Key to this story. But I...
Honey, are you okay?
-Is the baby okay? -Give it to me.
Hey, baby, how are you doing?
Put Ricardo on the phone. He can explain.
Ricardo, what happened?
I see.
If anything happens, call me.
She's fine. She had a little bleeding.
No big deal. She needs some rest.
Don't you miss our life there?
We've been given the chance to do something unique.
Let's focus on our feelings and work.
I didn't fly all this way to hear that.
My bosses don't like hearing "no".
No one does, but we still need to address what's going on in Argentina.
The World Cup is an event meant to be a celebration of football.
I don't think that Argentina is in the mood for celebrating.
I will be keeping a close eye on this World Cup.
What's up? I wasn't told you were coming.
I voted for you thinking you were a capable man,
but you're irrelevant.
Calm down. Let's have a coffee.
This meeting was scheduled two months ago. I have to go.
According to that prick, we'll be seeing each other.
What was Juárez doing here?
Faye, why didn't you tell me?
Havelange, we can't all be in on everything.
You have your agenda, and I have mine.
I want a full report of that meeting.
I remind you I'm the President of this institution.
Argentina's tough political situation.
Hi, how are you doing, Zurich princess?
Do you know what I would really like?
-What? -To play a game with you.
Even better. Beat you.
May I suggest remote strip poker?
What do you think?
I'm getting ready for dinner.
We'll see about that later.
Honey, how are you doing? Who were you talking to?
Larissa.
That's too expensive, Bebel.
Too far from FIFA.
So you want to live in a hotel.
We could go play poker someday.
You know lots of people and places.
Sorry, honey. I have no time for poker right now.
HIGHER SALARIES HAPPIER PEOPLE!
Adidas' income, where is it?
Sheer love? So the next World Cup will be organized with sheer love?
We will need a lot of love, then.
A donation in exchange for their image in the World Cup logos?
That image is seen worldwide, and I believe it's worth more. Way more.
And I also believe we need money.
Let's see a contract of Adidas with another institution,
for example, the International Olympic Committee.
I can bet they're not being taken for fools.
When I look at you, I see an intelligent woman, eager to grow.
And we both know Käser will never treat you as an equal.
But remember, I can't wait forever.
HERZOGENAURACH GERMANY
Bigger than FIFA, right?
Not much else to see here, right?
Shall we go?
I'm appalled by your need to divide this place.
Faye didn't inform me.
-Where is she? -It's not dividing.
I'm the president, I need privacy. Besides,
you use it as your own house.
Privacy? While still able to keep an eye on others.
A president should be able to work.
Excuse me, I can't hear you.
I'd like to know where the money for these absurd investments came from.
My own pocket. I also fixed the step where you used to trip.
Tradition is one thing. Bad habits are another.
Faye, I'm surprised by your lack of punc--
Get your coat.
I have a meeting. I'll be back tomorrow.
So I'll decide about this housing deal.
I can't stay here anymore. I'm done.
By the way, I want the life we had before. I need a maid.
I'm tired. Tired of this bed, of ironing your clothes. I'm exhausted.
-Where are the real estate folders? -At the office.
We'll see when I get back. Love you.
I'm not stupid, Rocha.
I know Havelange's son-in-law is in charge of the CBD,
and you can't remove him.
-What do you want, Castor? -A position at the CBD.
Any position.
Tell me what you want in return.
I will run the CBD from behind the scenes.
The kid will be the CEO, but Castor will rule.
-I don't know if... -Havelange screwed you once,
imagine now that he thinks he is the boss.
What will he do?
With me there, we can prevent him from screwing us again.
What do we know about Adi Dassler?
Everybody knows him. Everybody respects him.
Especially, our friend Käser,
who seems to have an institutional friendship.
You know, smoking cigars together and that kind of stuff.
That's what I heard.
That son of a bitch.
I'll get to him somehow.
Look!
A message from Sheila.
I told you those fucking gringos would eat from my hand.
They say they understand I'm essential,
so they are going to think about it.
And they'll let me know. So we're going to wait.
Meanwhile, I'll resume narrating the story.
It's a good job after all.
I travel, get to see nice places.
And I don't want to miss this precise moment.
Sepp Blatter and João Havelange, first time together.
This is historic.
It was not love at first sight,
but let's say there were many interests in common.
So, we have a World Cup ahead of us.
We all want it to be big, broadcast in color,
and that it benefits all of us, right?
To do that, I need to speak to your father
and share my vision with him.
Do you want to place a bet?
It ends when someone is thrown into the river.
Well, I bet on Adidas.
Let's arrange a meeting with Puma before Adidas.
How did you know I would ask you to arrange a meeting with Armin?
Sponsoring FIFA is not in our plans.
At Puma, we prefer not to link the brand to institutions, but to real heroes.
The best football players.
I'm sorry, Mr. Havelange,
but the last thing I need is for the old fart to think
I want something he has.
I totally understand you.
You know,
to me, you are
a role model of a sports businessman.
Do you mind if I take a photo with you?
No problem.
My husband left me for a younger woman.
I left him with a lot of money in my bank account.
Why do you ask? Are you tempted?
I wonder what it's like to be a Brazilian woman loose in Zurich.
So the hostess doesn't gamble?
You go, Isabel! Beat this sucker.
Damn!
I see a beautiful future together.
Working together, I mean.
It's already too late.
Imagine if we added more countries to the World Cups.
FIFA will be the container. Stadiums, cups.
And Adidas will be the content. Shirts, balls.
Football is FIFA and Adidas.
There isn't one without the other.
Your sales increase during the World Cups,
am I wrong?
You almost managed to sweet talk me,
but I already see where you're headed.
I appreciate your sharing the request, Mr. Havelange.
It seems Faye has chosen what team she'll play for.
Using her connections with the press,
together with João, they did what all good teams do…
plan their strategic moves ahead.
You have your agenda and I have mine.
She's staff. All decisions are made by the president.
Fucking pig!
Find out if this is true or just a bluff from the Latino.
Dear cousins!
What a surprise!
Is that for me?
-Yes. -Thank you, Horst.
Is any of this true?
Come on.
Would I ever partner with a Brazilian parvenu?
I leave that to minor companies.
Thank goodness.
Papa will be relieved.
No.
You're not thinking about this correctly.
We need to tell Papa the deal is real
to force him to make an agreement with FIFA.
We know the future is there, don't we?
Future or no future, we can't lie to him.
Sooner or later, he'll find out.
With that kind of thinking, you'll never get anywhere.
Would you like to order or keep waiting for the gentleman?
No, I'm ready to order.
A large salad, and a steak with fries for him.
And a bottle of red wine, please.
Adi Dassler called.
He knows about Puma.
He has a higher offer to present.
And he wants to sign a contract the traditional way.
I think it's great that he's doing well
and achieving things.
But neglecting such an extraordinary woman is something I can't understand.
I just can't.
Bebel, sweetheart.
I have amazing plans for tomorrow. You'll love it.
A hunting day in the field with Adi Dassler. What do you say?
Hey.
Unbelievable that, after so much effort, João is about to fall in such a foul trap.
It's unacceptable that the fucking Europeans regain control of football.
Get it? Do you know what that means?
Goodbye to Havelange.
Goodbye to businesses, bribes, goodbye to ANFP
Copa América, god damn it!
I can't just sit back and do nothing.
I can't. Something has to be done.
Honey, make an effort, just one more time.
Try to have some fun.
I'll be right back.
She has edges.
Do you do jigsaw puzzles in Brazil?
One can turn from hunter to prey in an instant.
Ake, did you shoot anything?
Unscrupulous, disrespectful parvenu.
And, on top of that, a little naive.
I would never sign a contract with you,
not even to humor my daughter, who is a little...
I think this has gone too far.
I know I'm just a narrator,
but I think it's time I change history.
The new world of football, with its bribes,
the cameras, the show, all that shit...
is at Havelange's grasp.
However, I consider this gentleman an obstacle, right?
I can't sit back and do nothing.
I have to do something.
Good night, Helmut. Always a pleasure doing business.
Good night, Adi. The pleasure was mine.
It's said that Adi Dassler died of a heart attack.
I'm not so sure.
Well, we have to bury the past
and welcome the future.
Get it? It's here!
And now, we're going to have lots of fun. Thanks to whom?
Well, to me. To me.