FIFA reform committee president says Sepp Blatter is fine, big reforms unlikely

FIFA has a new reform committee and wants to clean up their act. And early in 2016, they’ll elect a new president to replace Sepp Blatter. But François Carrard, head of the reform committee, doesn’t sound like a man who’s committed to doing anything drastic.

“This man has been unfairly treated,” he said about Sepp Blatter. “And if we talk about corruption ... I have the whole US proceedings on my table. In the indictment, there is not one word against him. Nothing. Today I am not aware of any indication of corruption against Blatter.”

He doesn’t seem to care much for idealists either. “On a cloud, you can advocate for reforms ... but they will not necessarily be adopted,” said Carrard. “It takes knowledge of the realpolitik.”’

Cool, it sounds like FIFA’s very committed to making necessary changes.

Your goal of the weekend is a 35-yard volley from Siphiwe Tshabalala. (r/soccer)

Honorary mention, here’s Diego Costa running 113 yards to score a goal. (r/soccer)

Here’s an awesome ad to be Jermain Defoe’s personal assistant. (via Guardian)

Roberto Martinez thinks Everton needs three new players. (BBC)

American Gedion Zelalem has been loaned from Arsenal to Rangers. (MLS)

Jose Mourinho thinks it’s him against the world, and the world got John Terry sent off. (Telegraph)

Daniel Gutman on largely forgotten Ajax winger Sjaak Swart. (These Football Times)

James Yorke on the stats behind the stories of Premier League Week 3. (Stats Bomb)

Matt Hawkins on the TV personality who is about to become AFA president. (Futebol Cidade)

The section in which nothing should be taken seriously.

Arsenal can get Karim Benzema if they bid £50 million. (Star)

Manchester United are trying to sign Neymar. (Guardian)

Mario Balotelli might go back to Milan. (Mail)

Juan Cuadrado to Juventus looks done. (Di Marzio)

Tony Pulis says 15 teams want Saido Berahino. (Standard)

PSG are trying to sign Fabio Coentrao. (AS)

Multiple Premier League teams want Roma’s Juan Iturbe. (Football Italia)

Bayern won in stoppage time with 10 men. (Bavarian Football Works)

The Rafa Bentiez Experience has arrived for Real Madrid, who drew 0-0. (Managing Madrid)

Pedro guided Chelsea to a win on his debut. (We Ain’t Got No History)

Barcelona got some revenge by beating Athletic Bilbao in their season opener. (Barca Blaugranes)

Fiorentina started their season by beating AC Milan. (Viola Nation)

Everton played well, but couldn’t hold off Manchester City. (Royal Blue Mersey)

Juventus lost their opener in an unlucky match against Udinese. (Black and White and Read All Over)

EPL: Arsenal vs. Liverpool (3 p.m.) - After this, we can call one a title contender and declare the other one unfit for the top four!