FIFPro 'takes dim view' of FIFA election after Gianni Infantino elected president

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 26 February 2016

The world footballers' union FIFPro says that it has a "dim view" of the FIFA presidential election following Gianni Infantino's triumph.

The world footballers' union FIFPro has claimed that it has taken a "dim view" of today's FIFA presidential election after Gianni Infantino was elected Sepp Blatter's successor.

The UEFA general secretary received 115 votes in the second round in Zurich, beating Sheikh Salman (88), Prince Ali (7) and Jerome Champagne (0).

Prior to the vote, the 209 member associations voted in favour of a reform package, which addresses governance, accountability, transparency and diversity.

While giving its reaction to the election, FIFPro still has concerns over the corruption allegations that have dogged football's world governing body for some time.

A statement read: "FIFPro takes a dim view of today's FIFA election that leaves the new President, Gianni Infantino, entrenched in a governance structure and culture that is open to corrupt practices.

"Despite a package of reforms approved today by FIFA, FIFPro fears placing increased power in the hands of FIFA's 209 member associations lies at the heart of the problem. These organisations are not representative of the game and, yet, wield enormous influence over issues that affect key stakeholders such as the players, fans, clubs and leagues.

"The newly-adopted reforms failed to address the fundamental issue of making football authorities accountable to the game's most important actors."

Included in the reforms is a limit on how long a president can be in term for, and the disclosure of salaries.