17 Aug 2011

Report says Fifa needs to reform its opaque governing structure

5:30 am on 17 August 2011

FIFA needs to reform its "opaque" governing structure to rebuild trust among fans after two corruption scandals.

The anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International says throughout its history, the workings of football's governing body have been opaque.

The 12-page report says people across the world, in all walks of life, are calling for an end to 'business as usual' and if FIFA wants to rebuild trust, it must embrace transparency.

FIFA has been embroiled in two separate bribery scandals in the past year, for the selection of the World Cup host countries in December 2010 and the election of its president two months ago.

Among its many recommendations, TI says FIFA will need to review its code of conduct, for example, by ensuring officials disclose their potential conflicts of interest and developing guidelines on gift-giving.

TI also recommended the federation of national football associations reform its governance, including the way officials are appointed, instituting term limits and increasing transparency in its financial transactions and the way key decisions are made.