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Give Back the Game – How to Fix FIFA

Latest developments:

In the wake of growing corruption scandals and Sepp Blatter’s resignation, FIFA’s executive committee is set to discuss fresh elections for FIFA’s president. Transparency International, Avaaz, the International Trade Union Confederation and #NewFifaNow have joined forces to call for independent reform of FIFA.

It is time FIFA listens to the millions who play the game and the billions of supporters. FIFA is a flawed democracy that needs to be fixed urgently.

With revenues in excess of US$5 billion, FIFA has unprecedented reach, political clout and enormous worldwide social influence.

Its power is such that it can demand that World Cup host countries change their laws. Countries spend billions on hosting the World Cup.

But FIFA and its executive committee have no accountability to anyone except themselves. It is exempt from the kind of legal oversight, disclosure and compliance rules that would be standard for businesses of this magnitude. FIFA has forgotten that it is the custodian of the sport, not the owner.

There has to be an independent reform commission and FIFA has to change. No more false dawns, no more scandals, no more dawn raids. FIFA has a debt to the fans and players to change now.”

– Cobus de Swardt, Managing Director, Transparency International

Transparency International’s Give Back the Game – How to Fix FIFA maps out priority reforms that should be top of FIFA’s agenda. From an independent reform commission to the role of national football associations and the presidential elections, the recommendations have one goal: making sure the reform process is rooted in transparency and accountability.

It’s time for FIFA’s executive committee to embrace real reform and show it is serious about fighting corruption. The delegates must demonstrate their commitment to fight corruption by backing these changes.

What you can do

  1. Read Give Back the Game – How to Fix FIFA
  2. Join us on social media and call for #NewFIFANow
  3. Write to the sponsors and your football association

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