Statement of Commissioner Navracsics following the resignation of FIFA President Sepp Blatter

Commenting on the resignation of FIFI President Sepp Blatter yesterday evening, Tibor Navracsics, EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport said: “I have taken note of the latest developments at FIFA. They represent one step in a long process that now has to follow to restore trust and establish a solid system of good governance at FIFA. We respect sports federations’ right to run themselves, but after so many missed opportunities and the complete loss of trust in FIFA, I believe we should support fundamental change and ensure that solid solutions are put in place. I am now beginning to reflect on how the European Commission, and action at EU level more broadly, can play a role in this. We owe it to the millions of fans in Europe and beyond, who love sport – and who deserve so much better. We will develop the close cooperation we have built with a broad range of sport organisations and Member States to strengthen sport’s place in society and fight the big threat to its integrity. We have built up sound expertise and created a number of tools which we can use to support those who will now push for change.“