FIFA corruption: FA calls for elections to be postponed

The FA has released a statement calling for the FIFA presidential election to be postponed - and called for a 'genuinely independent' external party to look into how to improve FIFA.

Sepp Blatter is expected to be re-elected to his post unopposed after his only rival candidate, Mohamed bin Hammam, withdrew from the race this weekend. Bin Hammam, the president of the Asian Football Confederation, has been provisionally suspended by FIFA over allegations that financial incentives were offered to Caribbean Football Union members.

The Football Association Chairman David Bernstein said in a statement: "On 19 May the FA 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.

"Events of the last few days have reinforced our views, and we call on Fifa and ask other national associations to support us with two initiatives. First, to postpone the election and give credibility to this process, so any alternative reforming candidate could have the opportunity to stand for president.

"Secondly, to appoint a genuinely independent external party to make recommendations regarding improved governance and compliance procedures and structures throughout the FIFA decision-making processes for consideration by the full membership.

"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."

At present the FA is the only association to express outright dissatisfaction at FIFA's conduct and it remains to be seen if the organisation reflects a wider view among the individual associations.

Nonethless, it is a bold signal from Bernstein and it will serve as a warning shot for Sepp Blatter who thought he would calmly assume the presidential role for his fourth term as the only remaining candidate after Bin Hammam's withdrawal.