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As the FA and FIFA rebuild their relationship, what has changed?

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FIFA President Sepp Blatter visited England’s new St. George’s Park facility this week, awarding some of its Goal project funding to the science and medical centres and signing a Memorandum of Understanding with FA Chairman David Bernstein, that commits the FA to sharing its knowledge with less well-known federations.

This visit has been seen by commentators as a key step in rebuilding the relationship between the English association and the sport’s world governing body. But is this as positive as it’s being made out to be?

It was not that long ago that England failed in its bid to host the World Cup and Bernstein made an open plea to fellow FIFA members to postpone the unopposed re-election of Blatter.

In the interim period FIFA have set out guidelines for reform and accountability, with an Independent Governance Committee. Former President Joao Havelange and former Executive Committee member Ricardo Teixeira were publicly named in relation to the bribery scandal with marketing partner International Sport and Leisure. Mohammed bin Hammam, the man who was set to challenge Blatter for the presidency in 2011, has been kept from returning to any position within the administration of football both locally and internationally.

This would suggest that things have changed at the 108 year-old organisation. But a closer look could be seen to suggest otherwise.

Whilst the IGC may have been set up, this does not guarantee it will be effective. Various media outlets this year have reported that IGC Chairman Mark Pieth feels there is resistance from FIFA to changes proposed by the body he runs. In addition to this, recommendations made by the body must be ratified by the Executive Committee. At the time of writing some have, but others haven’t.

Havelange and Teixeira were named, but allegations had come to the fore against these two before, most notably in Andrew Jennings’ Panorma documentary series. By the time of the naming Teixeira had already left his position at FIFA, just before the announcement, and Havelange is still listed as an honorary President on FIFA’s website. Compensation was paid for those bribes which led to charges against the two being dropped.

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