June 29, 2015

FIFA urged to clean out its stables by anti-corruption body

Football’s worldwide governing body has been the subject of intense media scrutiny over the past ten days following allegations of corruption, bribery and vote-rigging.

Last month the US Department of Justice indicted nine of FIFA’s most senior officials, several of whom were arrested in Switzerland.

Mr Blatter, who was re-elected president only days after the scandal broke, had originally dismissed calls to stand down as the head of the organisation.

But following sustained pressure, he finally announced his intention to leave the top job earlier this month.

Now Transparency International – set up to fight corporate and political corruption - has said that the footballing body must take decisive action to start to repair its tattered reputation.

Cobus de Swardt, managing director, said: “FIFA has overseen a sordid empire of corruption.

“Now is the time for reform, there should be no turning back, no obstacles, nothing that should any longer hang over this beautiful game.”

The seven steps suggested by Transparency International include the creation of an independent reform committee, greater openness and the introduction of a “code of conduct”.

FIFA is also being urged to consider re-running the contest to decide the hosts of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, which were previously awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively.

For legal advice on how businesses in the UK and overseas can meet their obligations under anti-bribery legislation, please visit or contact Claus Andersen.

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