The problem with being the world governing body for the planet’s most popular and prosperous sport is that you are always under the spotlight.
That’s the trade-off. With the money and the power comes the responsibility and a requirement - although not a legal one - to be accountable to stakeholders in the game, ranging from players and officials to commercial partners and the public on whose enduring interest the entire edifice is built.
Inevitably, that spotlight is provided by the media and in the case of FIFA, football’s global governing body, the scrutiny has not always been welcomed.
Ahead of last year’s bidding competition for the right to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, a number of exposés in British newspapers lit up the questionable practices of a couple of members of FIFA’s executive committee in brilliant high-definition for the whole world to see.
Although action was taken in fairly short order, the reaction to the newspaper stories from within FIFA House was hostile and indignant rather than receptive and grateful.
The corporate tone of voice was “how dare you…what business is this of yours?” The messenger was duly gunned down and left for dead.
But something appears to have stuck. Despite the clear contempt for those who had highlighted apparent malpractice at FIFA, president Sepp Blatter’s reaction has been to announce the setting up of an anti-corruption unit.
Blatter said: “This committee will strengthen our credibility and give us a new image in terms of transparency.
“I will take care of it personally, to ensure there is no corruption at FIFA.”
He told Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung the committee would consist of seven-to-nine members “not only from sport but from politics, finance, business and culture.”
And he even confirmed he would not sit on the committee himself as he wanted to guarantee its independence.
This is a move which can be interpreted in a number of ways, but it’s clear Blatter is only too aware of the potential damage to the FIFA brand - and therefore to its commercial potential and influence.
We asked our panel of experts how they read the situation.
Trevor Watkins Partner, Clarke Willmott LLP: “Does FIFA need an anti-corruption unit? Yes, one that is independent, strong and with real teeth. Mr Blatter has promised it. If that is Blatter’s mandate, vote for it and ensure that it is implemented.”
Esteve Calzada CEO, Prime Time Sport: “We need to call for a redesign of the whole bidding system, from scratch, so that instead of debating about what to do with people accused of being corrupted, we minimise the chances for such people to become corrupted in the first place.”
Jochen Lösch President of International Business, Traffic Sports: “The real problem is inherent in the system. Corruption requires a special environment: an environment that lacks transparency and lacks criteria.”
Matthew Glendinning Editor, Soccerex Business magazine: “Blatter has a tough circle to square. He claimed at the start of the year: ‘I will take care of it personally to ensure there is no corruption at FIFA’. Better to take all the help he get.”
For the full debate see the latest edition of SportBusiness International published February 1.
