Ex-FIFA director calls for changes at top

Jerome Champagne (Internet Image)

Tue, January 17, 2012 - 12:03 AM

LONDON – FIFA’s former director of international relations Jerome Champagne has suggested changes in the world governing body to help end a perception it is run by self-interested men who do not care enough about the game.

The erudite 53-year-old Frenchman, who left FIFA suddenly two years ago, has now broken his silence since his unexpected departure from his role as one of president Sepp Blatter’s chief advisors.

Widely respected and influential in elite soccer circles, Champagne circulated a detailed 20 000-word report to each of FIFA’s 208-member associations yesterday.

It examines how many of soccer’s current ills developed; how FIFA spiralled into recent crises and how it can evolve into a more effective body.

Champagne has made 11 recommendations to improve the game, including changes at the top.

These recommendations include changes in the relationships between the grass roots, the professional clubs and national associations; a split between FIFA’s commercial interests and footballing concerns and making FIFA more democratic as well as the introduction of technology and embracing states not currently recognized by FIFA. (Reuters)