FIFA's decision to disband a racism task force came under fire today despite reassurances offered by their new secretary-general Fatma Samoura.
The 54-year-old Senegalese -- the first woman and non-European to serve on the FIFA executive -- said the world body could live with the perception held by many that it was too soon to end the task force's work.
However, two-time former FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali bin Hussein slammed the decision as 'ridiculous'.
And the British anti-discrimination body 'Kick It Out' -- one of three nominees for the inaugural FIFA Diversity award which Samoura is due to present later today -- condemned the timing of the decision ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, known for racist hooligans.
But Samoura, recruited to some surprise from the United Nations in May, stood by the decision when she spoke earlier on Monday.
"We can live with perception but we are taking very seriously our role as football's governing body to fight discrimination, it is well reflected in the statutes," said Samoura, who delivered the keynote address at the Soccerex Global Football Convention.
- mission a success -
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The task force was established in 2013 by disgraced former FIFA President Sepp Blatter to eradicate racism in football but was disbanded recently with the world sports body controversially insisting the mission had been a success.
"It had a very specific mandate and they came up with very strong recommendations and FIFA is acting on them," said Samoura.
She took her new post in June after she was persuaded by FIFA president Gianni Infantino to leave the UN after a distinguished 21 year career with the UN World Food Programme which saw her serve in hotspots such as Sierra Leone and Liberia.
"There are several cases against teams and based on solid legal grounds we have taken strong measures through the sanctioning body," she said.
"Coming from the UN we must really be firm. It is really on top of the agenda of the FIFA administration.
"It is zero tolerance to discrimination on grounds of culture, racism colour of the skin and sexual orientation.
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