By Duncan Mackay in Zurich
June 1 – Sepp Blatter today announced that FIFA’s 208 member federations will select the host country of the 2026 World Cup rather than the ruling Executive Committee.
FIFA are to follow the International Olympic Committee (IOC) model with the Executive Committee compiling a short list but leaving it to the full membership to make the final choice.
It follows criticism of the election process used for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments, awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively, but which were dogged by allegations of corruption and bribery.
With his re-election a certainty, extending a reign that started in 1998, Blatter also announced that the Congress would select the members of the FIFA Ethics Committee.
Blatter also revealed plans to launch a committee to examine FIFA’s corporate governance that will recommend changes.
“I want to give more power to the national associations,” he told delegates.
“In the future the World Cup will be decided by the FIFA Congress.
“The Executive Committee will create a shortlist – but will make no recommendations only a list – and the Congress will decide on the venue.”
Earlier Blatter had moved to try to re-establish his control over FIFA.
“We are all together in unity and solidarity,” he told delegates.
“We all know that the FIFA ship is in moving waters, I could even say troubled waters.
“I am the captain of this ship and we are weathering the storm.
“Our ship is in troubled water and this is why we need to put the ship back on course – and for that we need a leader.
“We must do something because I don’t want ever again to face a situation that is so undignified.
“But I can only do it with your help because FIFA is you.”
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