Crisis-hit Fifa has moved to distance itself from controversial comments by the man charged with overseeing its reform after he appeared to clear president Sepp Blatter of any wrongdoing and was derogatory about football in the United States.
François Carrard, the Swiss lawyer appointed to lead Fifa’s reform commission, said Blatter had been unfairly treated and that corruption at world football’s crisis hit governing body involved only “a few rogues”.
The former director general of the International Olympic Committee also sparked outrage in the United States when told Swiss newspaper Le Matin that football in the country was “just an ethnic sport for girls in schools”.
Desperately trying to undo the damage threatened to its supposed reform process before it has even got underway, amid ongoing calls for a truly independent root and branch overhaul, Fifa said on Thursday night that Carrard’s comments were made in a personal capacity.
“Any comments by individuals associated with Fifa with respect to the ongoing investigations and the state of US football should be seen as personal views and do not reflect the views or position of Fifa,” said a spokeswoman.
“Fifa is committed to reform and sees the investigations as key elements to ensure a successful process. Fifa is cooperating with the authorities in this matter.”
US and Swiss authorities are continuing to investigate suspicious transactions related to the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. In May, Fifa was plunged into crisis by a US indictment alleging a “World Cup of fraud”.
Fifa also tried to mend bridges with the US in the wake of Carrard’s careless comments.
“The growth of football and the increased participation levels in the US have been tremendous and demonstrate the nation’s passion for the game,” it said.
“Fifa continues to work tirelessly to support the global development of the game in partnership with all of our 209 member associations.”
