FA demand FIFA postpone presidential election amid corruption allegations
Baku, May 31 (AzerTAC). Football Association of England has called on FIFA to postpone tomorrow`s presidential election.
FA chairman David Bernstein also wants FIFA to appoint an independent body to supervise reforms after the recent revelations and accusations that have caused a crisis in the world governing body.
Bernstein said in a statement: "On May 19, 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.
"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."
Meanwhile, airline giant Emirates have become the third of FIFA`s key sponsors to express disappointment at the continuing controversy surrounding the world governing body.
Coca-Cola and adidas both issued statements yesterday admitting their concern about the ongoing crisis at the top of the game`s administration.
Boutros Boutros, Emirates` divisional senior vice-president, corporate communications, said: "Emirates, like all football fans around the world, are disappointed with the issues that are currently surrounding the administration of this sport.
"Emirates` sponsorship of all FIFA tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, aims to help promote football and ensure that it is accessible to the billions of football fans; something FIFA have managed to do extremely well in recent years.
"We hope that these issues will be resolved as soon as possible and the outcome will be in the interest of the game and sport in general."
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