Sweeping changes at CONCACAF in wake of FIFA scandal

Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) announced sweeping changes to the way it does business in a desperate attempt to salvage its reputation after some of its leading officials were placed at the centre of a FIFA corruption scandal.

CONCACAF announced it has approved expansive reform measures proposed by a three-man special committee. The confederation says the reforms, unanimously approved by CONCACAF's Executive Committee at a weekend meeting in Canada, aim to strengthen its management and operations, reports CMC.

"These reforms are intended to apply best practices for sound corporate governance to CONCACAF's business operations. This Reform Framework reflects CONCACAF's commitment to strengthening our governance, management, and operations," CONCACAF said.

Reforms include independent members on the eight-member executive committee (Exco), not affiliated with any football-related activities, term limits on all members of the Exco, including the president and full publication of senior officials' salaries.

Other changes include full publication of CONCACAF's annual financial statements and budget, a "pre-approved" vendor system for all contracts with CONCACAF to prevent fraud, the appointment of a chief compliance officer and the setting up of a whistleblower hotline.

"In implementing the Reform Framework, the Confederation will demonstrate to its fans, sponsors, member associations and other stakeholders that CONCACAF is resilient and devoted to managing, developing, and promoting the game with accountability and transparency," CONCACAF said.

Former CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb was among six football officials arrested and detained by Swiss police pending extradition at the request of United States authorities in May. The case involves bribes totalling more than $100 million linked to commercial deals dating back to the 1990s for tournaments in the United States and Latin America.