02x03 - The Election

[bunniefuu]

Though this story is based on real events,
its characters are fictionalized

and not intended to resemble or discredit
any actual persons.

Hey, Sheila, how are you? I'm not well.
I'm exhausted. I'm stressed...

Telling Havelange's story is turning out
to be more demanding than I thought.

You understand? Yes, that's right.
So, I need a raise.

A salary increase, okay?

I don't know. That's your job.
It's not my problem.

You talk to whoever you need
to talk to, okay?

BERLIN


m*therf*cker.

Okay. So, while we fix this situation,

I'm going to tell you
how the hell we got here!

That's right. I'm here to announce
my resignation

from the Brazilian national team.
That's my final word.

The retirement of the best player
in the world was a problem for João.

But he quickly knew
how to use it in his favor.

Your career is not over, Edson.

And now you have the chance
to support a good cause like mine.

I need you with me in Germany.

Fine, Havelange. But it's not up to me.
You gotta talk to my agent.

Everything will be all right.

The excursion across Africa, of course,
was followed by more trips.

My love, my flight was delayed.

It's one thing to do it to me,
but you are hurting Vitória.

- You nearly missed her wedding.
- Calm down.

Castor, as usual, was
in trouble with the law.

I can't help you this time, Castor.

Your Honor, this is serious business.
We're talking about the FIFA elections.

You cannot leave the country.

Since you can't go,
take good care of CBD for me.

And don't screw up.

Don't worry, Marie. I'm your soldier.

For Havelange, another game
is also at stake, his marriage.

Honey, I'm aware of the situation, okay?
I know I let you down.

I wouldn't be here without you.
I need you by my side.

Don't leave me now.
I'm on the home stretch.

Only 20 more days, and then nothing
will ever keep us apart.

My love, which snow globe is missing
from your collection?

Is it Germany or Spain?

- Have a good trip. And good luck!
- Of course.

And make no mistake,
he was going to need it.

EL PRESIDENTE: CORRUPTION GAME

BERLIN


At the height of the Cold w*r,
João arrived at a wall-divided Berlin.

On one side, there was communist Berlin.
On the other, West Berlin,

where they sell Coca-Cola,
and the World Cup was about to take place.

João had no margin for error.

He'd gained many votes in Africa,
but was still short.

He also wasn't willing
to come back defeated,

and have to keep sucking
the dicks of Brazil's military.

ERNESTO GEISEL - MASS m*rder*r
ex*cuted DISSIDENT ACTIVISTS

So he had no choice but to win...

Excuse me.

...the FIFA's elections.

We're talking about the Great Fatherland.
You know what I mean?

All of Latin America, united.

I promise you an unforgettable World Cup
in Argentina.

ALDO PORRÚA
ARGENTINIAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

You can't imagine how excited
General Perón is about this World Cup.

I'll think about it. But I probably won't
decide my vote until the last second.

Excuse me.

A tough task for João, trying to get
an Argentine to commit to something.

Anyway, back to the vote count.

ROUS: 34 - JOÃO: 29 - UNDECIDED: 4

That's how things stand.

Tessema!

My friend, Havelange.

I'm here for you, whatever you need.
My reputation is also at stake.

Everything we've done won't be in vain.

We just need to convince four undecideds
and flip one Rous voter

to take him down to win this election.

That's one of them.

KITANA OÉ
JAPANESE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

We must sell this guy, somehow,
a position of football in his country.

- And we can do it, man!
- And is there anybody else, João?

MICHAEL LAND - AUSTRALIAN
FOOTBALL FEDERATION - FAMILY MAN

The Australians, for example, love Pelé.
But we cannot forget

- their country is still a British Colony.
- Yeah, that's right.

- Ashanti!
- Yeah! Ashanti, Haitian.

His only concern is restoring the stadiums
that were destroyed by a hurricane.

JACQUES ASHANTI
HAITIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION

Havelange!

Everything set for your victory?

- We're behind by only five votes.
- I mean in the World Cup, Havelange.

- Focus on the World Cup!
- Certainly, you can rest assured,

Teixeira here and I are all over it,
isn't that right?

Do you think you're here on vacation?
Keep your eyes on the team, got it?

Okay.

- Go.
- Now?

Yes, now. Go!

When I was a child,
I loved to play cards with my dad.

He taught me poker.

Listen, I was taking a look
at your succession of assets...

LARISSA
LAWYER AND FEMINIST

Did your father ever mention anything
about a company named Barbosa LTD?

That's the only asset in his name.
There's no office address, nothing.

Look, he wasn't right in the head anymore.

If he had anything of value,
he would have gambled it.

But he did mention something weird
before he died.

I think it's worth investigating.

- Would you like to dance?
- Excuse me.

The lawyer friend asked questions
Isabel had no answers for. What a mess.

For now, let's go back to Germany,

so I can introduce you
to some important people.

Don't genuflect on any of the athletes.
And, Lena, whenever you get

one of your brilliant ideas,
tell your brother, so he can bring it on.

No one came here to listen to a woman.
Just smile. And fix your hair!

HORST, LENA AND ADI DASSLER
ADIDAS - FOUNDER AND HEIRS

Give a warm welcome
to the Netherland's team!

With Pelé's retirement, there was a new,
"best football player in the world."

JOHAN CRUYFF - STAR OF NETHERLAND'S TEAM
PUMA'S NEW GLOBAL FACE

And their best player Johan Cruyff!

However...

Follow me.

...Adidas hadn't succeeded in signing him
to wear their cleats.

And they did everything they could
to hide it.

Where would FIFA be
without the honorable Dassler family?

For now, let's forget the Puma-Adidas w*r,
and focus on what's really important...

We're here to talk
about an intense election.

Pelé does miss his football jersey,
Havelange.

I thought it'd get easier over time, but...

Edson, your new game has just started.
I promise.

I just need you to lend me a hand first.

After his campaign in Africa,
Havelange learned that

with Pelé by his side, even in retirement,
he was always the center of attention.

we'll have a real FIFA election
between two different candidates,

with two different visions for football.

Here with me we have, "King Pelé,"

And my dear friend Tessema. Please.

And we don't believe we can speak
about FIFA as a family...

Unless it truly represents us all.

And all together here, I believe...

All the people here have the power to...

To change FIFA with our votes!
Democratically!

And democratically, as I was say...

m*therf*ckers!

You have to know how to move
in order to win an election.

The gauntlet was thrown.
For the first time ever,

the Europeans were afraid
of the rest of the world.

On the one hand, we have the red ballot,
which represents the English colonialist

who's been running FIFA for 15 years.

On the other, we have the green ballot,
which represents this quaint Brazilian

who wants to turn football into an empire.



João was clearly focused on the election.
But, with Pelé starting his acting career,

Brazil started this Cup on the wrong foot.

BRAZIL: 0 - YUGOSLAVIA: 0

That's it, my friends.
The first match of the 1974 World Cup,

and Brazil's team leaves with a tie.

This tie has a culprit.
Pelé, that b*stard.

And it's your fault too, Havelange.
After you took him to Africa,

he was never the same.

Listen carefully.

Winning is a matter of life and death,
do you understand?

That is why we're here, right? To win.

- And we have a great chance...
- Come on, Havelange. Don't give me that.

We don't believe in chances.
Here. Take it.

There is enough here to buy us
all the goals our people need.

But goals aren't for sale...

Isabel, what took you so long?
I kept getting a busy signal.

I took the phone off the hook.

- People didn't stop calling.
- All right. It's all right.

I feel better knowing you're safe.

- I'll call you in a bit, okay?
- Okay.

Love you.

- Castor.
- Bangu is more organized

than the mess we have here.

Keep your eyes on Vitória and Isabel.
The military is closing in.

- What do you mean?
- You need to protect them.

Stay close, please!

That's all I needed right now.
Castor de Andrade monitoring me.

- Pull over.
- We're blocks away.

I'll get off here.

Okay.

What brings you here, Isabel?

I don't know what's going on, you know.
I can't stand my house, my husband,

my daughter. I can't even attend church.
I don't know what's happening to me.

Thank you very much.
I'll call you if I need anything.



Thank you, Mr. Kitana, for dropping by.

You know how important federations
like yours are to FIFA.

I want my country to host
the next World Cup.

We have large companies
willing to invest fortunes...

- That would be embarrassing.
- You have your priorities. I have mine.

This is unheard of.
What is this as*h*le doing?

My logo has three stripes,
he pulled one off!

- Get him out of the match! Do something!
- Calm down, Papa.

Remember how I promised to tell you about
the joys of the Dassler family squabble?

ARMIN DASSLER
PUMA'S HEIR - ADI'S NEPHEW

Good. Let's get back to the story
of Adidas and Puma.

Let me introduce Adi and Rudolf Dassler.

Who, following their family tradition,
started their own sports shoe company,

even though they always had disagreements.

They got their big break when they signed

Jesse Owens to their brand
for the 1936 Olympics.

Those in which my dear João
also competed in.

When World w*r II began,
Rudolf left to fight with the Nazis,

while Adi kept working and helping Jews.
At least that's what he claims.

The thing is, they hated each other,
since always and for forever.

After the w*r, they never worked
together again.

Adi founded Adidas, and Rudolf, Puma.
And they each had their heirs.

Adi had Horst and Lena.

Rudolf had Armin.

And the rivalry was inherited as well,
obviously.

Gentlemen, is everything all right?

No, it's not. Do you see what's happening?

- How can you let this happen?
- What do you mean?

Cruyff ripped a stripe off of his shirt.
And his shorts too.

He's damaging my brand.
I demand an exemplary punishment for him!

- Now don't get angry.
- You think as you see fit.

Just remember that Adidas
is FIFA's main sponsor.

Exactly.

I'm sorry.

They don't have a vision for business.
You're not being valued as you should be.

João, I was talking to Kitana,
and he's not fully on board with Rous.

He asked to let Japan host the 1978 Cup,
and Rous refused. Now, that's crazy.

But this guy is totally obsessed with it.

You know the best tip I got
when Vitória was a baby?

- What was it?
- Never say no.

Say, "later," "in a while,"
"another time." Get it?

Get me a meeting with Kitana.
I might know how to flip him.

Another beer, please.

I think I know you.

I hope you're not resentful.

- What do you want?
- Nice to see you, João.

I'm busy now.

My brother said this is
his last favor, okay?



Tell this moron to substitute the players
I asked.

Ask him if he needs me as his striker too.

- Are you going to play, sir?
- What?

- Are you going to play?
- What are you, stupid? Go!

I want the 1978 World Cup.

I think that's not a good thing for you.
Organizing a World Cup

without a national team ready
would be a wasted opportunity.

If your federation starts working now,

you might have a competitive team
in a couple of decades.

Only then it would be worthwhile
to invest in a World Cup.

But, what we could do now,

is to start building the Japanese people's
enthusiasm for football.

In my FIFA, I will promote
a Youth World Championship.

We could do one in Japan. In 1979.

Lower investment, same exposure.
The world's eyes turned to Japan.

Football will start to grow, Mr. Kitana.

And who knows, you might host in...

ROUS: 34 - JOÃO: 30 - UNDECIDED: 3

What do you mean, "not home"?
Not even Vitória?

Tell her to call me,
and to stay home, please.

He's worried about the votes,
the national team, and his family.

Meanwhile, in Brazil, Isabel is about to,
once again, feel the joy in doing things

she had forgotten she liked.

I don't know what Jean-Marie
and you are thinking.

- Why would I need a bodyguard?
- It's no big deal, just a precaution.

- Thank you, Victor.
- No problem.

Where are you taking me?

Please.

- Nice hand!
- Castor?

Hey! How are you?

Hi, are you Isabel? My name's Amora.
Nice to meet you.

AMORA DIAMANTE
ACTRESS - FUTURE CONGRESSWOMAN

Do you play poker?

It's been a while since I played.
Maybe my luck's left me.

Luck? Don't worry. Luck's on your side.

Another round?

The CAF members are on their way.
I talked to Ashanti again,

he still expects FIFA's support
in rebuilding their ruined stadiums.

My friend, after everything we've done,
we must get these votes. No matter what.

Listen, I don't think this guy
deserves to win the election.

You should be the candidate, not him.
You do all the work.

RALPH LIVINGSTON
SWISS FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION, KÄSER'S COUSIN

If you want East Germany's vote...

It is vital that you vote
for China's incorporation into FIFA.

The Communists are a bloc.

Right now, the election has a clear loser.
But, as we know, João doesn't care

about the ideologies of any vote.

Football and politics have always gone
hand in hand.

As for me, I might quit this project
if Sheila doesn't get me that raise.

Let me check on that...

Well... I can wait a bit longer.

- Do the Chinese even care about football?
- They don't. It's a display of power.

If I vote for China,
I get East Germany's vote.

Which was a Rous vote.

Jacques Ashanti, from Haiti.
Listen, I need to meet with Mr. Rous.

Extremely busy? I can imagine.
But Mr. Rous...

Havelange was in his element.
And, like a good shark,

he could smell blood in the water.

Without anyone knowing,

João took a step towards
flipping the German vote...

For.

Simply by endorsing
China's incorporation to FIFA.

ROUS: 33 - JOÃO: 31 - UNDECIDED: 3

- How are you doing?
- Hey.

- How was the way down here?
- It was fine.

- The military are skulking about...
- Hi, my queen. Enough of that.

- Let's have fun?
- Let's go.

Thank you very much.

Sivoca, hold onto this for me, will you?
I'll be right back.

- Take it easy, man...
- Let go of me! Take your hands off!

Let go! You have no idea who I am,
and you don't want to find out.

You tell him! That's how I like my women,
with spunk!

Hey, calm down. What the hell?

Come on, Castor! You gotta get this casino
legalized someday.

They want money. We made a deal,
$20,000, plus my 20% fee.

- I'm not falling for that, Mazona.
- Take it or leave it.

Tell the judge it's settled, then.
Except for one problem.

The money's in a safe in the casino,
we need to open it.

They want money now.

Going inside could take too long.
Do you have money elsewhere?

- Sivoca... You know what to do.
- I'll handle it, boss.

- João!
- I'm here!



The bad one, we didn't consider
about the whole China issue.

The Chinese k*lled my father
during the w*r!

ROUS: 34 - JOÃO: 30 - UNDECIDED: 3

Someone approached me with information.
I think it was a spy.

"Any federation that disaffiliates itself
from FIFA, and then it affiliates again,

"will be fined two thousand dollars
in order to recover their right to vote

"in the presidential elections."
m*therf*ckers!

So we need three-two thousand dollars.

And the deadline to register to vote
is Monday at noon.

UNDECIDED: 3
VOTES FOR ROUS: 34

VOTES FROM CAF ON HOLD: 16
VOTE COUNT FOR JOÃO: 14

This is only half of what we need.
What can we do? The banks are closed.

What do you want me to tell you?
In the end, it's always about money.

Get it? Like my raise,
João's new problem, and Isabel.

Who, of course, got addicted to gambling,
and is now having serious money issues.

You should place higher bets.
You can make a lot more profit.

- You're damn good at poker, queen.
- But I don't have any cash.

I'm sure your husband does.

- Hey! Get out of my way!
- Hey!

Hello? How may I help you, Mrs. Isabel?
Yes, I hear you well.

No, your husband didn't leave
any money here. Not for you either?

- Didn't he mention we keep no money here?
- How difficult.

Should I call my husband
so he can explain it to you?

I bet he'll be annoyed, and not at me.

Did your father ever mention anything
about a company named Barbosa LTD?

Honey, listen.

I need the money from the CBD's safe.

What do you mean? What money?
I don't know anything about...

I'll explain later. Our future's at stake.
Just do as I say.

In my drawer, you'll find a copy
of the key to the safe.

Go to CBD, grab the money,
give it to Cédric and he'll bring it here.

He'll fly to Berlin at 7 a.m. tomorrow

Go there at 6:30 p.m. during shift change.

That's where Pereira steps in.
Take Cédric with you.

Isabel, did he really want me to help?
I doubt it.

- You're his favorite brother.
- I'm his only brother.

Everything is up to you, got it?

- Four.
- One.

No!

Would you mind telling me what happened
to the $20,000

that were in the CBD's safe?

I spent it buying off a judge.

João needs that money.
I already secured a chunk.

- What about the rest?
- Don't worry, we can get it...

By winning at poker.

We can get it all in one night
if we lure in the big players.

And leave João's future to chance? No way!

That's where you're mistaken. Poker is not
about chance, it's about intelligence.

And you're intelligent.
We just need a place.

Somewhere squeaky clean that no one
would suspect is a gambling den...

- CBD headquarters.
- Are you insane, Isabel?

Your turn, ma'am. Please.

- Teixeira!
- Mr. Havelange, Dirceu got injured.

So? Do you want me to massage him?
This victory depends on you, okay?

I know. Calm down. I bought the newspaper
for your entertainment.

My...

Thank you.

- Cédric!
- Brother!

I can't believe it! Give me a hug!

You freaking did it!

Who's this?

Aldo, I am sorry...

Hey, Porrúa, I warned you,
and still, you cry?

They f*cked you over, right?

You shouldn't marry politicians.

Let me warn you, if you're not careful
with that b*stard Juárez,

you'll wake up in the devil's bed.

Hello, Sheila. How are you?

Listen, have these guys called you
with a counteroffer yet?

Me neither.

I don't know if it's a roaming issue
and I don't have coverage in Germany...

I'll leave you two alone,
so you can get to know each other.

Thanks.

AUGUSTO RAÚL JUÁREZ
HEAD OF THE COMMITTEE - 1978 WORLD CUP

The political situation in my country
is a bit unstable. But I'm certain

that we need to make a big World Cup.
Something huge, unforgettable.

- And I'll make sure that's how it happens.
- I agree with you. This FIFA thinks small.

- We have to go further.
- If you and I become friends,

this FIFA won't exist for very long.
Listen, I'll vote for you now.

And you'll owe me one. Is that clear?

It's clear.

ROUS: 34 - JOÃO: 31 - UNDECIDED: 2



Finally, you're taking care of the team,
instead of this whole FIFA debacle.

I hope the money works it's magic.
I don't want any surprises.

Tell him.

We had quite a scare.
Vitória called me all worried.

If we lose today, you know what's coming,
for you and your family.

The money has been duly invested, right?

Isabel, listen. Pick up Vitória
and stay with Castor.

I'm getting scared. What have you
gotten us into?

Nothing, honey.

Just do as I say, please.
Go to Castor's house.

Don't you boss me around now.

Don't worry, we're not alone.
Sivoca is here with us.

Just promise you won't go anywhere.
Can you do that?

I promise. Now, about something else...

Have you heard of this Barbosa company?

It's listed on my father's estate.

We'll talk about that later, okay?

Isabel, just don't leave the house, okay?

I love you both.

It could be a uniform violation.
In Switzerland...

Well, If you'd like, I can play along

and talk about the stupidity
of men running after a ball. But...

We have to focus on...

- I'll speak with you later.
- Okay.

Well, you know I admire your father.
Send him and your brother my regards.

I have a more elegant solution.

In exchange, I want you to get me a vote
for the FIFA election.

ROUS: 34 - JOÃO: 32 - UNDECIDED: 1

How much do you value being able
to give your child the gift of a dream?

Pelé has the ball. He shoots. Goal!

Brazil, Australia, all playing together.
Isn't that marvelous?

ROUS: 34 - JOÃO: 33 - UNDECIDED: 0



Jean-Marie, what happens
if the election is a tie?

We'd need to have another election.

More opportunities to bargain
means more chances of winning.

So, if one voter for Rous doesn't show up,
everything changes?

That's right.

- Are you sure, Larissa?
- Absolutely sure.

Your father was a front for Jean-Marie.
Now that he's dead, you became the front.

You're the owner of Barbosa LTD.
In other words, you own Wesbra.

I'm just one hit away
from getting knocked out.

I'd rather you gave me that hit.

Come on. Hit me.

FIFA'S ELECTION DAY

sh*t, I'm late to the vote!

No, just stay here...

I told you, the trick is to stand firm.
Sheila? Yes?

What do you mean, "No"?
Not even a counteroffer?

What's going to happen?
This fight will be settled by love.

Lots and lots of love.