Joseph Weiler: "FIFA is an ugly organization."
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Joseph Weiler, tasked with reforming FIFA, believes the organization is fundamentally flawed.
- Despite FIFA's issues, Weiler asserts that football itself is not at risk.
- The attempt to reform FIFA has failed, according to Weiler.
Joseph Weiler, who was commissioned by FIFA to undertake reforms, has concluded that the organization is an "ugly" entity. He stated that the efforts to reform FIFA have ultimately failed. However, Weiler emphasized that this does not spell the end for the sport of football.
Weiler's assessment comes after his direct involvement in attempting to change the structure and practices of the international football federation. His findings suggest a deep-seated resistance to meaningful reform within FIFA, leading to his pessimistic outlook on the organization's capacity for self-improvement. Despite this critical view of FIFA's governance, he maintains a distinction between the institution and the game it oversees.
The Fifa is an ugly organization.
The failure of these reform attempts, as articulated by Weiler, highlights the challenges in overhauling established international sports bodies. While the specific details of his reform proposals and the reasons for their failure are not elaborated upon, his statement points to a significant impasse. Nevertheless, his concluding remark offers a measure of reassurance to football fans, suggesting that the sport's popularity and future remain secure, independent of FIFA's internal struggles.
But that doesn't mean football is over.
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.