FIFA Task Force to be Led by Beckenbauer and Pele

FIFA have announced that its new Task Force Football 2014 will start its mission on 10 May 2011 when the working group convenes at the Home of FIFA in Zurich for the first time.

The 22-member group consisting of high-profile experts from the world of soccer is to be chaired by Franz Beckenbauer who stepped down from his role on the FIFA Executive Committee this year. The former German international legend will be supported in the performance of his duties by his deputy chairman Pelé, order thought of by many as the greatest player who ever lived.

The Task Force’s objective is to look at proposals to improve both the attractiveness of football and match control in elite competitions in areas such as the Laws of the Game, clinic refereeing, salve competition regulations, women’s football, medical matters and fair play. The Task Force will provide a first report to the FIFA Congress in Zurich on 1 June 2011.

“We’re very proud to have on board some of the highest-profile names in football for this committee. Under the chairmanship of Franz Beckenbauer, this vastly experienced team will address every facet of the game, tackling any challenges related to the game and coming up with appropriate solutions,” said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.

Beckenbauer added: “I’ve enjoyed carrying out my role as chairman of the Football Committee since 2007. Since then, my colleagues from around the world and I have achieved a great deal, but important matters such as goal-line technology, additional referees, the so-called ‘triple-punishment’, behaviour on and off the field, as well as various other topics still need to be discussed and positively resolved. As such, I am happy to take on the chairmanship of the Task Force Football 2014 at the invitation of Sepp Blatter. Football remains an important part of my life.”