Poster of the controversial FIFA film, "United Passions" [Photo: agencies]

Football's governing body FIFA may currently be engulfed in a corruption scandal, but that isn't stopping the release of a controversial film the organization produced and financed.

"United Passions," which premiered at last year's Cannes Film Festival to critical ire, is due to be released in US theatres this week.

The 19 million US dollars project was 90 percent funded by FIFA.

It tells FIFA's origin story and details the rise to power of the organization's three longest-serving presidents.

Tim Roth stars as current president Sepp Blatter.

Gérard Depardieu plays Jules Rimet.

Sam Neill takes on the role of Jo?o Havelange.