Governance reforms to help rebuild the reputation of corruption plagued FIFA could make the situation surrounding world football’s governing body worse, the world players’ union FIFPro has claimed.
The organisation, which represents more than 65,000 male and female footballers, believe the proposed changes, designed to drag FIFA out of the mire following the indictments of 41 officials and entities last year, could have a negative effect on the game.
The reforms, passed unanimously in December, include establishing a FIFA Council, replacing the current ruling Executive Committee and would be chaired by the President.
It would have 36-members rather than the current 25 who sit on the Executive Committee and FIFPro are worried the same member Associations and Confederations would have even more power under the proposed reforms.
“Football’s monopolistic structure will be further entrenched under the proposed, so-called reforms,” a FIFPro statement read.
“There will be even more power in the hands of the confederations and national member associations of FIFA who have been the source of corruption and the worst crisis in FIFA’s history.
FIFPro feel the suggested changes need to be overhauled “otherwise, we’re faced with a potentially worse scenario than before”.
The players union are also concerned at some of the pledges being made by the five candidates in the running to replace banned FIFA President Sepp Blatter at the head of the scandal-hit governing body.
Asian Football Confederation President Shaikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino, Jordanian Football Association President Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, Frenchman Jérôme Champagne and South African businessman Tokyo Sexwale are vying for FIFA’s top job.
Blatter’s successor is due to be chosen at an Extraordinary Congress in Zurich on February 26.
“It’s alarming that these very same organisations are set to be rewarded with more FIFA grants, more World Cup spots, and more places on the FIFA Executive Committee,” said FIFPro.
FIFPro’s comments come despite the reforms featuring establishing a dedicated Football Stakeholders Committee, made up of players and representatives from clubs and leagues.
It has been claimed this is a crucial step to including those involved in the game at the top level of footballing governance.
The European Club Association have criticised the proposed reforms, claiming they prove world football’s governing body is “unable to deliver a sustainable governance model which is fit for the 21st century”.
- By Liam Morgan
- Republished with permission insidethegames.biz