Reforms returning to Caribbean football: Webb

Bridgetown (Barbados), May 20 (IANS/CMC) Concacaf president Jeff Webb says he is pleased with the reform process the confederation has undergone, and believes it will help in restoring the credibility of all its member associations in world football.

The Caymanian banker assumed the top position in the wake of the damaging cash-for-votes scandal, and implemented several new initiatives to enhance the financial transparency, integrity and accountability of the confederation, reports CMC.

"One of my main priorities two years ago - knowing where we were coming from and the turmoil we were in - was for us to the restore the dignity of our Caribbean people so we could hold our heads up high," Webb told a group of journalists here.

"We've focussed heavily on governance, on oversight (and) we've spent so much time on statues and I believe the processes we've put in place, not only from CONCACAF's standpoint but from FIFA's standpoint with the reform process, I believe we are well on our way to doing that."

During the scandal, Caribbean associations were accused of taking cash bribes in exchange for their support for Qatari Mohamed Bin Hamam who was rivalling current FIFA president Sepp Blatter, in the 2011 FIFA election.

Long-standing Concacaf chief Trinidadian Jack Warner resigned amidst corruption allegations and Webb was elected the following year, with the task of cleaning up the confederation and restoring confidence.

Webb said while the process would be a long one, he said the right steps had been taken and national associations would reap the results.

"That as you know is going to take time," he said.

"The Confederation right down to every national association who were affected have to almost effectively almost re-invent themselves and present themselves for confidence."

Concacaf is the continental governing body for football in North, Central America and the Caribbean.