Want Backheel Breakfast in your inbox? Sign up for the email version here.
Proposed FIFA reforms a good start, but not a solution to corruption
This just adds a couple of hoops for crooked execs to jump through.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
The FIFA corruption scandal has put fans who want to see a clean-ish governing body for soccer on a roller coaster, and Tuesday is one of those good days. FIFA confirmed that the presidential election will take place as originally scheduled, on Feb. 26. The reform committee also released their recommendations to the FIFA Executive Committee. Here are the highlights:
- A term limit of 12 years for FIFA president.
- An age limit of 74.
- The ExCo would no longer have control over FIFA policies outside of internal administration.
- Everyone’s compensation is made public.
- Every confederation should have at least one woman on the ExCo.
- General begging for FIFA to stop being the worst.
It’s not anything too dramatic, but it should appease sponsors. It’s hard to see how this will cut out corruption, though, which is why the plea at the end for everyone to just stop was necessary.
Goal of the day
There was nothing terribly impressive on Monday, so here’s another from the weekend from Poland. (r/soccer)
In the news
The Ballon d’Or shortlist is out, featuring Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and 21 other dudes. (Guardian)
“My world is changing so much. It’s getting worse.” -Jose Mourinho, who is now officially an Old, on people celebrating the sacking of Brendan Rodgers. (Liverpool Echo)
Yaya Toure admits he was terrified of Messi nutmegging him last year. (Sport)
Jurgen Klinsmann has spoken to Caleb Porter about calling up Darlington Nagbe for the USMNT. (MLS)
Karim Benzema will sit out against PSG with a hamstring injury. (AS)
You should be reading
Steven Scragg on England’s first artificial pitch at a high level. (These Football Times)
James Yorke on the stats behind the stories in the Premier League this week. (Stats Bomb)
Swiss Rambler on Manchester City’s finances. (Swiss Ramble)
What happened on Monday
Stoke grabbed all three points away to Swansea. (Guardian)
What to watch on Tuesday (click for listings, all times ET)
Champions League: Eight games (2:45 p.m.) - The best match of the day is Arsenal’s near-must-win against Bayern.
U-17 World Cup: USA vs. Croatia (4 p.m.) - After a loss to Nigeria, the Baby Yanks can’t afford a loss.
See More:
