Epiphany at Congress as FIFA demonstrates clean up commitment

By Andrew Warshaw in Budapest

May 26 – English FA chairman David Bernstein (pictured), strongly opposed a year ago to Sepp Blatter running uncontested for FIFA President, now believes the organisation has finally “seen the light”.

Bernstein has been at the forefront of the campaign to clean up football’s world governing body and says he is impressed with efforts being made.

“I have always said the proof of the pudding would be in the eating but I must say I was very impressed today,” said Bernstein at the conclusion of FIFA’s two-day Annual Congress.

Last year Bernstein made a hard-hitting speech and says it proved to be the right decision.

“I think the FA should take a little credit…we probably injected a little bit of urgency into the situation but we have got to be impressed,” he said after a raft of recommendations for improvements in FIFA’s structures were ratified.

“Everything was so traumatic last year for FIFA that I really think they have seen the light, and today you can say there is every evidence of real intent.”

Bernstein told last year’s Congress in Zurich that the election should be halted, provoking a barrage of fury from senior FIFA officials.

But since then a number of bridges have been built.

“A range of very responsible people and serious people are now on board and it is obvious that President Blatter, the executive committee and the organisation are taking this very seriously,” Bernstein told reporters.

“I think today is a moment in time where there is real evidence of change and we want this to continue to next year’s Congress.

“I think lessons have been learned.”

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