Share

FIFA executive backs reforms

Zurich - FIFA's executive committee on Wednesday gave its backing to reforms aimed at leading world football's scandal-tainted governing body into a post-Sepp Blatter era.

The reforms to be put to a special congress on Friday include limits on terms for the president and other top officials, disclosure of salaries and greater checks on executive members.

FIFA has been reeling under corruption scandals after arrests of top officials at a congress in Zurich last May. Blatter won a fifth term but announced he would stand down shortly after and is now banned for eight years over separate ethics abuses.

"The FIFA Executive Committee today unanimously urged FIFA's member associations to approve the full slate of proposed reforms enshrined in the new draft FIFA statutes at the extraordinary congress on Friday," said a statement released after the meeting.

Friday's congress will also elect a new president with UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino and Asian football leader Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa the favourites.

"The eyes of the world are on us this week after one of the most challenging times in our history," said acting FIFA president Issa Hayatou.

"The approval of the reforms will send a strong message that we have listened and that we are taking the action necessary to regain trust and improve our performance."

Hayatou said "Each of these measures is critical for the future of FIFA and global football. We urge each of the member associations to support the reforms in full, and then to implement them in their entirety at home."

While debate about the reforms is predicted none of them is expected to be rejected.

US authorities have charged 39 individuals -- including top FIFA members -- and two companies over more than $200 million of bribes paid for football marketing and television deals.

Switzerland is in parallel investigating the award of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar. It is also investigating Blatter for criminal mismanagement.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
loading... Live
Sekhukhune United FC 0
Cape Town Spurs FC 0
loading... Live
Lamontville Golden Arrows 1
Royal AM 1
loading... Live
Sheffield United 0
Burnley 0
loading... Live
Luton Town 0
Brentford 1
loading... Live
Bulls 0
Munster 0
loading... Live
Benetton 36
Dragons 17
loading... Live
Lions 30
Leinster 12
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1819 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1781 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE