FIFA has been urged by European nations to initiate an internal investigation into the scandal-ridden re-election of president Sepp Blatter from last year.
In June, Blatter secured his fourth term as the leader of soccer’s global governing body after Mohammed bin Hammam, his only contender, withdrew from the election due to bribery allegations.
Following the complaints, FIFA’s ethics committee found the Qatari guilty of corruption and imposed a lifetime ban on him.
On Tuesday, the culture, science, education, and media committee of the Council of Europe convened in Paris to ratify a report concerning “good governance and ethics in sport.”
Additionally, the panel released a draft resolution urging FIFA to investigate the election scandal further and expedite its long-promised reforms.
The resolution emphasized that FIFA should “fully illuminate the facts surrounding the various scandals that have tarnished its reputation and that of international football in recent years.”
A debate regarding the resolution is scheduled for April 25 during a session of the full Assembly of the Council of Europe, which includes 318 parliamentarians from its 47 member states.
It is important to note that the Council is independent of the European Union and cannot enact binding laws.
In addition to addressing the election, the committee requested that FIFA disclose all documents related to the organization’s dealings with Swiss promoter ISL.
The allegations regarding FIFA officials receiving kickbacks in exchange for television rights arose following the company’s collapse in 2001.
Blatter’s leadership faced scrutiny in November when he received widespread criticism from the soccer community for remarks concerning racism that many considered insensitive.
Although he called for an end to racist comments among players, Blatter suggested that such issues should be resolved through a handshake, likening racial abuse to typical foul play.
by Buford Balony
