Fifa pressed to postpone election

Fifa president Sepp Blatter admitted the organisation had difficulties but insisted football was not in crisis
12 April 2012

The Football Association and Scottish FA have called on Fifa to postpone its presidential election as two more key sponsors raised their concerns over corruption allegations.

Sepp Blatter is due to stand unopposed for Wednesday's election but the FA has accused the world governing body of a "lack of transparency and accountability".

FA chairman David Bernstein said: "We call on Fifa and ask other national associations to support us with two initiatives.

"First, to postpone the election and give credibility to this process so any alternative reforming candidate could have the opportunity to stand for president.

"Secondly, to appoint a genuinely independent external party to make recommendations regarding improved governance and compliance procedures and structures throughout the Fifa decision making processes for consideration by the full membership."

The plea came after major sponsors Emirates and Visa voiced their disappointment over the situation.

Earlier sponsor Coca Cola said the claims were "distressing and bad for the sport", while German sportswear giant Adidas also expressed concerns.

Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan said: "The Scottish FA can today confirm its position that the Fifa presidential election be postponed in light of recent uncertainty."

Asian football chief Mohamed Bin Hammam pulled out of the race against Mr Blatter at the weekend, hours before he was provisionally banned from all football-related activities on bribery charges.

Executive committee member Jack Warner has also been suspended from all football-related activity after the Fifa ethics committee said it would launch a "full inquiry" into the bribery allegations.

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