Prince William wants FIFA to reform after corruption allegations

By Charlie Bennett, Reporter | 31 May 2015

FIFA must show that it can "represent the interests of fair play", according to Prince William in the wake of the latest scandal to rock football's governing body.

Prince William has told FIFA that it must show that it can represent football sufficiently in the wake of the latest corruption allegations.

Earlier this week, seven FIFA members were arrested on FBI orders, on allegations of money laundering, wire fraud and racketeering in relation to World Cup bids and marketing deals.

President Sepp Blatter won an election that will keep him in charge for four more years on Friday, and the Prince has said that FIFA must earn trust again.

Speaking ahead of the FA Cup final, he said: "There seems to be a huge disconnect between the sense of fair play that guides those playing and supporting the game, and the allegations of corruption that have long lingered around the management of the sport internationally.

"The events in Zurich this week represent FIFA's Salt Lake City moment, when the International Olympic Committee went through a similar period of serious allegations. FIFA, like the IOC, must now show that it can represent the interests of fair play and put the sport first.

"Those backing FIFA, such as sponsors and the regional confederations, must do their bit to press these reforms - we are doing football and its fans no favours if we do not. I have no doubt that when FIFA reforms, its mission to spread the benefits of the game to more people, especially those in developing countries, can only be enhanced."

FIFA has faced allegations of corruption for over a decade.