Ben Affleck and Warner Bros. are looking to bring the FIFA corruption scandal to the big screen and have picked Warrior’s Gavin O’Connor to direct. The film will focus on Chuck Blazer, an American FIFA executive who helped the FBI’s investigation into soccer’s international body.
News of the project was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter. O’Connor, who just directed Affleck in Warner Bros.’ The Accountant, will direct. Anthony Tambakis, who worked with O’Connor on Natalie Portman’s soon-to-be-released Jane Got A Gun, is writing the script.
Tambakis’ script will be based on Buzzfeed reporter Ken Bensinger’s Houses of Deceit, an upcoming book that will examine Blazer’s role in the FIFA scandal. Blazer helped make soccer popular in the U.S. to some degree and became general manager of CONCACAF, North and Central America’s soccer governing body.
His life started to unravel in recent years, as he was investigated for tax evasion and taking bribes. During this time, he started working with the FBI and was a cooperating witness. His testimony helped the FBI arrest several top FIFA officials. It also lead to FIFA President Sepp Blatter (maybe) resigning.
Bensinger’s book proposal caught the attention of O’Connor and he suggested to Affleck that he produce and take it to Warner Bros. The studio still had to win a bidding war, with smaller indie studios interested in the project as well.
Affleck will produce the film with his Pearl Street Films partner (and fellow movie star) Matt Damon.
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