FA calls for vote delay

Tuesday, 31st May 2011 at 16:37pm

The English Football Association and its Scottish counterpart have called upon Fifa to delay the upcoming election on June 1.

Current incumbent Sepp Blatter is the only candidate following the dramatic withdrawal of rival Mohammad bin Hammam in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The FA wants football's governing body to delay the vote and has called for an independent body to suggest "improved governance" for the organisation after it has been rocked by successive allegations of corruption.

A statement made by the Scottish Football Association (SFA) added: "The election should be rescheduled to facilitate a period of consultation."

The English FA recently announced that it would abstain from the vote following the allegations made against Fifa, a move that drew criticism from bin Hammam.

In a statement issued to the press FA Chairman David Bernstein said, "On 19 May, 2011 the Football Association announced it would be abstaining in the forthcoming election for the Fifa presidency.

"There were two main reasons for this decision. First, a concern, that a series of allegations relating to Fifa ExCo Members made it difficult to support either candidate.

"Secondly, a concern about the lack of transparency and accountability within the organisation, contributing to the current unsatisfactory situation.

"Events of the last few days have reinforced our views, and 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.

"This has been a very damaging time for the reputation of Fifa and therefore the whole of football.

"To improve confidence in the way the game is governed at the very top, we believe these requests would be a positive step forward and the minimum that should take place."

It remains to be seen whether or not the FA and the SFA receive any support from their worldwide counterparts and Blatter is determined that tomorrow's vote will go ahead unless 138 of the 208 members vote for reform.

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