By Paul Nicholson in Zurich
February 25 – Acting FIFA president Issa Hayatou opened CONCACAF’s extraordinary congress in Zurich saying that this is one “of the most important weeks in the history of FIFA, and global football.”
One day before the extraordinary FIFA Congress which will see FIFA’s member associations vote on its reform proposals and for a new president, it was perhaps apposite that he would give his last (semi) public address to the national associations from North and Central America and the Caribbean, where a high proportion of the ‘FIFA’ corruption scandals originated.
Hayatou spoke bullishly about his confidence that “we will make the right decisions together to help win back credibility as well as the confidence of those who participate in, and love, football.”
“This spirit of collective responsibility has always been vital for our organisation… it is what we need now more than ever. Because, together, we must do whatever is necessary to build a stronger FIFA.”
Speaking of the necessity to have stronger governance and greater diversity in FIFA’s decision making Hayatou three key reforms: separating business decisions from political decisions, enshrining principles of good governance acros the football community, and embedding greater accountability and transparency.
“I urge you to support reforms I full here this week and then implement them in their entirety at home. This will send a strong message that we have listened and given football the strong foundation, and protection, it needs for the future,” he said.
Looking to beyond the election of the new FIFA president tomorrow, Hayatou called for solidarity.
“It is crucial we all unite behind the successful candidate after the election,” he said.
“The eyes of the world are on us this week…This is our opportunity to show the world we are united in building a stronger FIFA…This congress has power to signal a new dawn for FIFA.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734878966labto1734878966ofdlr1734878966owedi1734878966sni@n1734878966osloh1734878966cin.l1734878966uap1734878966