FIFA election 'a farce' - PM

David Cameron
12 April 2012

FIFA's reputation is now at an "all-time low", the Prime Minister said on Wednesday as he called on world football's governing body to become "more transparent and more accountable".

David Cameron told MPs the Football Association should "play a very major role" in helping to reform FIFA following Sepp Blatter's re-appointment as president in an uncontested election, which he described as a "farce".

Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Cameron told the Commons: "Personally, I have seen football governance at an international level and I wasn't that impressed by what I saw. What I would say is this: FIFA's reputation is now at an all-time low and obviously the election with just one candidate was something of a farce but it has to become more transparent and more accountable."

He added: "They have got to prove that they are actually capable of doing the job that they are meant to.

"But ultimately change has got to come from within football and I am sure the FA will want to play a very major role in helping to bring that about."

Mr Cameron's comments came after Tory MP James Wharton (Stockton South) said there "should be no place for corruption in football".

He asked Mr Cameron: "Given that the re-election of Sepp Blatter has brought FIFA even further into disrepute, will you take this opportunity to voice your support for those calling for the reforms we need to finally show Mr Blatter the red card?"

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