IOC reformer to lead FIFA change

FIFA has named Francois Carrard as the independent chairman of their Reform Committee to bring changes following May's corruption scandal.

The man who led reform at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after its biggest corruption scandal has been chosen to oversee similar changes at FIFA.

Francois Carrard will lead reform within FIFA after being appointed as independent chairman of the Reform Committee.

Football's world governing body is set for radical changes after being rocked by allegations which saw 14 people, including nine FIFA officials, indicted by the United States Department of Justice for racketeering conspiracy and corruption in May.

Carrard was previously tasked with reforming the IOC in the wake of the 2002 Salt Lake City scandal, which uncovered huge corruption in the bidding process for hosting the Winter Olympics.

"It is vital for the future of global football to restore the integrity and reputation of its governing body," he said in a statement.

"As the independent chairman, I am committed to delivering the necessary package of credible reforms, working with representatives from within football and wider society."

Outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who stepped down from his role four days after being re-elected for a fifth term, hailed Carrard's appointment.

Blatter added: "We believe Dr Carrard is the right person to drive this reform process forward as an independent chairman with a proven track record in governance reforms.

"We are confident that he can help FIFA to strengthen its governance structures in a credible and meaningful way.

"FIFA's commercial partners will also play a key role in the reforms, and we will be discussing with them the most productive way to include their views."