Beckenbauer Calls for FIFAs ‘Bad Condition’ to Emulate IOC Reforms

According to former German international soccer icon Franz Beckenbauer, FIFA is “in a bad condition” following the recent allegations of corruption.

Beckenbauer, who led the organising committee for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, recently stepped down from the Executive Committee of world soccer’s governing body.

Whilst attending the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in the South African city of Durban in support of Munich’s bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics, Beckenbauer admitted that times are tough for FIFA.

Beckenbauer told The Associated Press: “I think FIFA now and football in general is in a bad condition because of all these rumours. It has hurt football, (and) it shouldn’t be (hurt).”

However, Beckenbauer insisted that evidence of wrongdoing must be obtained to back up the allegations, adding: “You can say he is guilty or he is guilty, it is just speculation, a lot of rumours,” he said. “There is no evidence.”

Beckenbauer continued to say that FIFA could learn from the IOC in how to hold elections for event hosts after the controversial process that led to Russia and Qatar being awarded the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, respectively, after they made major reforms in the wake of the corruption scandal that engulfed Salt Lake City’s winning bid for the 2002 Winter Games.

At December’s vote, FIFA’s Executive Committee members were the only people allowed to vote on the bids for the World Cup as opposed to the IOCs system of allowing all its members to choose their preferred candidate.

Beckenbauer said: “I think everybody has the right to be part of the decision not only 24 people (on the Executive Committee). I think it’s not a bad idea the example the IOC gives; it’s a good idea for FIFA.”