FIFA has thrown more light regarding its position when it comes to external
interference , intervention into the affairs of federations or associations
.This was the reply Ghana Broadcasting Corporation regional FM station RADIO
B.A.R 93.5 based in Sunyani received from FIFA following the EOCO GFA episode
about two weeks .


Dear Sir,

One of FIFA's duties is to ensure the independence of the Member Associations
from external interference and to ensure that the football family in each
country can have the best possible conditions to develop the game. That is the
reason why FIFA is directly monitoring the situation in each FIFA member
association which includes regular visits to the member associations.

That said it is also important to note that FIFA also considers the relationship
between the football national associations and the public authorities as a
partnership which is beneficial to all. Cooperation and understanding between
all parties is in the best interests of all. FIFA has seen this clearly for
example in the excellent cooperation around the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South
Africa .
With regards to the management of a national association, the independence and
autonomy of the sports movement is not only a principle implemented by the world
governing body of football, but it is something which is shared by the entire
sporting movement, lead by the International Olympic Committee.

As stipulated in its statutes, FIFA has to ensure that the independence of the
football association in any country is guaranteed. This is because national
associations are member associations of FIFA, which is an independent
organisation.
The leadership of each of FIFA’s member associations is democratically elected
by the representatives of the football family in each of the countries,
according to their statutes and regulations, which in turn comply with the
statutes and regulations of FIFA.

The finances of the federations, and in particular any financial support
received from FIFA, are audited by independent audit companies. If there is a
perceived case of mismanagement, it is the football family in the country that
has the task of addressing the issue, with the help of FIFA if required. If
illegal conduct is alleged, then it also becomes a matter for the country’s
judicial bodies.
Naturally governments do also have the right to monitor their fundings into
member associations as FIFA does monitor its funding into member associations.
FIFA's appointed autitors KPMG are auditing the finances each year of 20 member
associations which a drawn by lot.
Of course, just as with the governments of a country which are also elected, one
can understand that at some point some people may like to see a change in the
management of a national association or may ask for the resignation of a
president. However, as is the principle in any democratic movement, it is the
elected person (and those who vote for him or her) who decide if they resign or
not, and those who vote are the ones who have the possibility to change the
management.
What not only FIFA, but the whole sporting movement with the IOC in the lead
considers crucial is to defend the autonomy of sport and the independence of the
sporting bodies. What we have to avoid is the use and abuse of football and
sport for political purposes, campaigns, to place someone from a given party in
control of a national association, etc.
Kind regards,

FIFA Media Department
RADIO B.A.R SPORTS DWSK