ECA Chairman Fury at FIFA

European Club Association (ECA) chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has slammed FIFA’s “daily corruption process” and called for a club-led “revolution” against world soccer’s governing body.

Rummenigge, who is also CEO of Bayern Munich, told The Guardian: “I don’t accept any longer that we (should be) guided by people who are not serious and clean. Now is the moment to intervene. Because knowing something is wrong is an obligation to change.”

The ECA was formed after the disbanding of the G-14 Group in January 2008. and represents 197 clubs across Europe. The organisation is fully recognised by FIFA.

Rummenigge believes FIFA is unable to reform itself, stating: “(President) Sepp Blatter is saying (that he’s driving corruption out of FIFA) but the fact that no one believes him tells you everything you need to know. I’m not optimistic because they believe the system is working perfectly as it is. It’s a money machine, World Cup after World Cup. And for them, that’s more important than serious and clean governance.”

Stating that there is little chance that national associations will press for change, the Bayern chief has called for wider representation within FIFA. Rummenigge said: “The current system is tailor-made for the associations and voted for by the associations. They won’t go against (FIFA).”

He added: “All stakeholders – clubs, associations, players, referees, and women’s football – have a right to be involved in the decision-making process.”

Rummenigge’s words are likely to re-open the breakaway European Super League debate as clubs face further regulation and restrictions from soccer’s governing bodies.