FIFA Reforms and the Future of the World Cup

Controversies over the years including during this very World Cup, but a lot has changed over the years So there's room for the Association to improve joining us now is Michael Hirschman president of the Fairfax Group and former advisor to FIFA Good to see ya Good to see you as well. Yeah, thank you for joining exciting times at the World Cup really exciting times and more action to go here You've been involved in multiple World Cups. How has FIFA changed over the past decade in your opinion? Well, there have been a number of rule changes, but let me point out that changing rules and regulations Don't necessarily change culture. So Since our Independent Governance Committee made recommendations back in 2013 some of the changes include the establishment of Term limits for the board members. They call them council members a disclosure of compensation Ethics committee is split into two chambers and a investigatory chamber Sorry chamber We recommended the cutback on the number of committees to nine and there was more than 30 But let me point out that many of the changes that were put in place have been now reversed. Oh Well, why? So, you know, it's it's unfortunate but FIFA is not exactly known for its transparency and accountability It's run on the very authoritative centralized control and While there have been positive changes, there still is a dramatic need for independent oversight Okay, Michael, you're making the FIFA sound like the Illuminati here But the thing is I feel like it really Came into a lot of people's view a reminder that there's been allegations of corruption and mismanagement when political influence political influence, right Yeah, Angie we reported on that this week. Yeah, we did and you saw, you know, Bell against red card situation Also the referee decisions after Messi's miracle, right? So now how are those types of things managed? It's a very good question. Look FIFA doesn't want government interference Unless it benefits them a good example, of course was the red card situation that you're referring to in the US game This was decided by allegedly an independent committee a disciplinary committee However, those committee members are appointed by the president of FIFA as are all of the committee members They owe their allegiance to the president and those are the same committee members that vote for the presidency All right. Well, we really appreciate you giving your time at Michael Hirschman And giving us more insight into this still so many questions out there as a former advisor to FIFA Thank you so much for your expertise Thank you and have a good night. You too