FSF statement on FIFA arrests

This morning seven FIFA officials were arrested in Switzerland as part of an investigation into corruption within the organisation – warrants being issued by the FBI in the US and executed by the Swiss authorities.

FSF chief executive Kevin Miles said:

For a long time, fans have suspected, even assumed, that corruption was endemic in FIFA’s structures and processes; the only surprise here is that someone has finally acted to intervene and make arrests.

With an inquiry being launched into allegations of bribery in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding processes, there now has to be an even bigger question mark over whether those tournaments can go ahead as if nothing has happened.

The case for a root-and-branch transformation of FIFA’s decision-making processes could not have been more clearly underlined.

• See the full list of charges brought by the U.S Department of Justice here…