FIFA Clears the air

FIFA has thrown more light regarding its position when it comes to external

interference , intervention into the affairs of federations or associations

.This was the reply Ghana Broadcasting Corporation regional FM station RADIO

B.A.R 93.5 based in Sunyani received from FIFA following the EOCO GFA episode

about two weeks .

Dear Sir,

One of FIFA's duties is to ensure the independence of the Member Associations

from external interference and to ensure that the football family in each

country can have the best possible conditions to develop the game. That is the

reason why FIFA is directly monitoring the situation in each FIFA member

association which includes regular visits to the member associations.

That said it is also important to note that FIFA also considers the relationship

between the football national associations and the public authorities as a

partnership which is beneficial to all. Cooperation and understanding between

all parties is in the best interests of all. FIFA has seen this clearly for

example in the excellent cooperation around the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South

Africa .

With regards to the management of a national association, the independence and

autonomy of the sports movement is not only a principle implemented by the world

governing body of football, but it is something which is shared by the entire

sporting movement, lead by the International Olympic Committee.

As stipulated in its statutes, FIFA has to ensure that the independence of the

football association in any country is guaranteed. This is because national

associations are member associations of FIFA, which is an independent

organisation.

The leadership of each of FIFA’s member associations is democratically elected

by the representatives of the football family in each of the countries,

according to their statutes and regulations, which in turn comply with the

statutes and regulations of FIFA.

The finances of the federations, and in particular any financial support

received from FIFA, are audited by independent audit companies. If there is a

perceived case of mismanagement, it is the football family in the country that

has the task of addressing the issue, with the help of FIFA if required. If

illegal conduct is alleged, then it also becomes a matter for the country’s

judicial bodies.

Naturally governments do also have the right to monitor their fundings into

member associations as FIFA does monitor its funding into member associations.

FIFA's appointed autitors KPMG are auditing the finances each year of 20 member

associations which a drawn by lot.

Of course, just as with the governments of a country which are also elected, one

can understand that at some point some people may like to see a change in the

management of a national association or may ask for the resignation of a

president. However, as is the principle in any democratic movement, it is the

elected person (and those who vote for him or her) who decide if they resign or

not, and those who vote are the ones who have the possibility to change the

management.

What not only FIFA, but the whole sporting movement with the IOC in the lead

considers crucial is to defend the autonomy of sport and the independence of the

sporting bodies. What we have to avoid is the use and abuse of football and

sport for political purposes, campaigns, to place someone from a given party in

control of a national association, etc.

Kind regards,

FIFA Media Department

RADIO B.A.R SPORTS DWSK