July 17 – Just weeks after parting company with communications chief Walter de Gregorio, FIFA has hired renowned New York-based communications and trouble-shooting firm, Teneo, to try and improve its damaged image in the wake of the two ongoing criminal investigations into the conduct of its officials.
Teneo president Doug Band (pictured right) was a director of the failed US bid to host the 2022 World Cup as well as being an adviser to former President Bill Clinton.
Teneo describes itself as “a global advisory firm” which “is focused on working with clients to address a wide range of financial, reputational and transformational challenges and opportunities”.
On its website, the company promotes itself as “offering unparalleled execution to capture opportunities and solve complex problems.”
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed Teneo had been retained “to work across operational and reputational priorities”.
The BBC said Teneo’s links with senior politicians and with the US Department of Justice were among the reasons why FIFA retained the firm following the arrest and detention of 14 football officials and sports marketing executives on charges of “rampant, systemic, and deep-rooted” corruption.
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