Accra June 1, GNA - Transparency International (TI), an anti-corruption organization has called on FIFA, the governing body of world football, to postpone its presidential elections so that an independent investigation into all allegations of corruption against its executives could be carried out. "Free and Fair elections cannot take place when there is a suspicion that voters may have been swayed. Two major figures in football politics have been suspended recently for alleged vote-buying. FIFA delegates know that they must clean the house if their vote is to have legitimacy," said Sylvia Schenk, Senior Advisor on sport to TI. A statement issued to the GNA Sports in Accra said: 93All eyes in world football are upon the FIFA delegates. FIFA should be setting a better example to its billions of supporters and especially to young fans that look to the sport for inspiration and role models," said Schenk. Schenk said because the proceedings of FIFA's Ethics Committee have thus far been shrouded in secrecy, the investigation should be carried out externally to guarantee impartiality, transparency and accountability. The TI is calling for FIFA to bring on board clear rules on how to deal with allegations of corruption, as well as transparent reporting and accounting rules and to appoint an empowered Ombudsman. TI is further pushing for the launch of a review of the existing code of ethics including the competences of the Ethics Committee and an introduction of compliance clauses for all contracts, including FIFA's financial support for member federations. Additionally, TI is calling for the review of the tender and awarding procedure of events as well as TV-rights and sponsorship contracts.
Accra June 1, GNA - Transparency International (TI), an anti-corruption organization has called on FIFA, the governing body of world football, to postpone its presidential elections so that an independent investigation into all allegations of corruption against its executives could be carried out. "Free and Fair elections cannot take place when there is a suspicion that voters may have been swayed. Two major figures in football politics have been suspended recently for alleged vote-buying. FIFA delegates know that they must clean the house if their vote is to have legitimacy," said Sylvia Schenk, Senior Advisor on sport to TI. A statement issued to the GNA Sports in Accra said: 93All eyes in world football are upon the FIFA delegates. FIFA should be setting a better example to its billions of supporters and especially to young fans that look to the sport for inspiration and role models," said Schenk. Schenk said because the proceedings of FIFA's Ethics Committee have thus far been shrouded in secrecy, the investigation should be carried out externally to guarantee impartiality, transparency and accountability. The TI is calling for FIFA to bring on board clear rules on how to deal with allegations of corruption, as well as transparent reporting and accounting rules and to appoint an empowered Ombudsman. TI is further pushing for the launch of a review of the existing code of ethics including the competences of the Ethics Committee and an introduction of compliance clauses for all contracts, including FIFA's financial support for member federations. Additionally, TI is calling for the review of the tender and awarding procedure of events as well as TV-rights and sponsorship contracts.
