As the 2014 World Cup draws to a close, now is the time to enter an era of good governance of the world's most popular sport. That means FIFA, football's governing body, must change to ensure this beloved sport is a force for good in the world.
The world has changed since the founding of FIFA in 1904. FIFA needs to reflect those changes and implement full reforms that ensure fair play both on and off the field.
We call on supporters, sponsors and national football associations to come together to ensure FIFA and football uplift all the communities where the game is played.
We ask for positive leadership at all levels, and we join the call for FIFA to:
Institute all of the reforms recommended by the Independent Governance Committee FIFA appointed in 2011, which has called FIFA's reform process incomplete.
Appoint independent people from outside FIFA to the executive committee, and place a limit on how long top people can stay in power.
Publish, in full, the investigation into bribery allegations surrounding the voting for host countries for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
We call on host countries, sponsors and FIFA to implement accountability measures that incentivize and promote fairness and respect for all international norms and laws, including the rights of workers and local communities where World Cups are held.
By encouraging and supporting strong leadership from FIFA, for the good of the beautiful game, we can all help to build peaceful, healthy and equitable communities.
This statement is issued by The B Team including:
Richard Branson, Kathy Calvin, Arianna Huffington, Mo Ibrahim, Guilherme Leal, Strive Masiyiwa, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Paul Polman, Jochen Zeitz
The B Team is a not-for-profit initiative formed by a global group of leaders to create a future where the purpose of business is to be a driving force for social, environmental and economic benefit.
For more information please visit www.bteam.org.