A comprehensive report by the human rights advocacy group FairSquare has called for sweeping reforms within FIFA, the governing body of global football. The report, based on interviews with over 100 individuals, paints a troubling picture of misgovernance, lack of transparency, and a concerning pattern of using financial resources to "buy the political support of member associations." The findings underscore the urgent need for FIFA to address its systemic issues and regain the trust of the football community and the public at large.

Uncovering the Cracks in FIFA's Foundation

Problematic Funding Mechanisms

The report delves into the FIFA Forward program, the organization's latest mechanism for distributing funds to member associations and confederations. Between 2016 and 2022, the program allocated a staggering $2.79 billion (£2.14 billion) to these entities. However, the report argues that this funding is "problematic" as it does not consider the specific development needs of each recipient and lacks transparency in how the money is spent. The report suggests that one of the primary functions of the FIFA Forward program is to "buy the political support of member associations at the cost of the proper sustainable development of the game."

Governance Challenges and Lack of Transparency

The report also highlights the broader governance issues within FIFA, where the organization is subject to legal action from players' unions and under attack from human rights organizations. These challenges, the report argues, can be traced back to the way funds are distributed to member associations. The report contends that FIFA in the modern era "is characterised by misgovernance and a lack of transparency, and the power of its most senior and powerful officials is rooted in a model of patronage that disincentivises ethical conduct."

Expanding Committees and Reduced Engagement

The report also points to the significant expansion of FIFA's committee structure under the leadership of President Gianni Infantino, which has grown from 26 to 35 committees. The report calls for greater transparency regarding the remuneration of these committee members, as well as a return to regular press conferences and increased engagement with the media, which the report argues are currently lacking.

Concerns over Human Rights and Women's Football

The report also raises concerns about FIFA's handling of human rights issues, particularly in relation to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the outcome of a report investigating the need for financial remedy for migrant workers has yet to be made public. Additionally, the report suggests that FIFA appears to be "irredeemably dysfunctional" in its approach to the development of the women's game.

The Need for External Regulation

The report concludes that the issues plaguing FIFA are deeply rooted and that external regulation, potentially from the European Union, may be necessary to drive the necessary changes. The report argues that "only external regulation will provide the foundations for FIFA to deliver on football's transformative potential and to prevent the organization from causing more serious harm."

A Call for Accountability and Transparency

The report's findings underscore the urgent need for FIFA to address its systemic issues and regain the trust of the football community and the public. The report's recommendations, including the separation of funding from the rest of FIFA's operations, greater transparency in financial reporting, and the potential for external regulation, offer a roadmap for the organization to rebuild its credibility and fulfill its role as the global steward of the sport.