ECA calls for ´real reform and transparency´ in FIFA

The European Club Association (ECA) wants to see “real reform and transparency” within FIFA following another turbulent week for football’s organising body.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter, UEFA chief Michel Platini and FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke were hit with 90-day suspensions over allegations of corruption and criminal mismanagement.

With former CONCACAF official Costas Takkas on Friday named as the latest ex-FIFA dignitary to be extradited to the United States on bribery charges, the ECA has called on clubs to be at the forefront of reforms within football’s ruling organisation going forward.

“The European Club Association has followed with concern the developments at FIFA over the last few months,” a statement read.

“Football clubs are central stakeholders in the professional game and the future governance of the game must include their active engagement and leadership if it is to be effective and stable. The clubs have to be part of the solution.

“ECA calls on everybody who loves football to open the doors to real reform and transparency allowing the game to move forward.

“As an inherent part of world football, clubs need to play a central role in this reform process alongside other stakeholders. The outcome must be the emergence of a new governance model, which is democratic, transparent, accountable and inclusive and in which clubs occupy a position that reflects their critical contribution to the game.

“The recent changes made to the UEFA governance model show clubs playing a more active role in football governance and support club involvement in any future reform at FIFA level.”

Blatter has elected to appeal his suspension order, according to his advisor Klaus Stohkler, and is “sure that he will be found not guilty”.

Platini has also refuted all allegations made against him, branding the FIFA ethics committee’s decision “farcical”.