(ATR) IOC president Thomas Bach tells FIFA that it must fight allegations of corruption.
Speaking at the opening ceremony for the FIFA Congress in Zurich, Bach did not avoid the scandal that is now rocking the international federation for football.
"These are sad and difficult days for FIFA. These are also extremely important days for FIFA," said Bach just 24 hours after officials of the federation were arrested in Zürich under bribery and other criminal charges brought by the U.S. Department of Justice. The 47-count indictment named 14 individuals.
In his remarks, Bach recalled the IOC experience 15 years ago with the vote buying scandal involving the Salt Lake City Olympics that the fight against corruption "is challenging and can be painful."
"We all together also know that there is no other way to ensure credibility," said the IOC leader.
Bach says the best course for FIFA is to address the scandal directly.
"Therefore, I would very much like to encourage you to continue and strengthen your cooperation with the relevant authorities, to shed full light on all the concerned matters and to take all necessary measures by means of your new structures which you recently created in order to properly address such grave allegations.
"I am confident that following such a way of transparency with determination, you the guardians of football will overcome these challenges and that you then will make your sport shine once again as you have done so well in the past."
Earlier in the opening ceremony, FIFA president Sepp Blatter admitted that the U.S. charges have "cast a long shadow" over football.
"Actions of individuals bring shame and humiliation on football and demand action from us all," Blatter said.
"We cannot allow the reputation of football and FIFA to be dragged through the mud any longer," Blatter said.
Blatter’s remarks at the opening ceremony for FIFA Congress were his first since the scandal broke open May 27. Blatter faces no charges, but U.S. Attorney Gen. Loretta Lynch, when specifically asked about Blatter during a press conference, said the investigation is ongoing.
On Friday, the Congress opens for business with the most anticipated item on the agenda the election for FIFA President. Besides Blatter, the only other candidate is Prince Ali of Jordan. Despite the controversy that FIFA now faces, Blatter, 79, is expected to win election for a fifth term.
There had been talk about postponing the vote for a few months, but the election is still on the agenda as originally planned. The vote is likely to come in the afternoon as one of the last items of business of the 19-point agenda.
Written by EdHula
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