Reforms designed to enhance CONCACAF’s overall governance structure
CONCACAF Signs Off on Six-Point Reform Package
Troubled continental governing body, CONCACAF, has signed off on a six-point package of reforms designed to enhance its overall governance structure and guard against future corruption scandals. The reforms were approved by members associations at the confederation’s XXII Extraordinary Congress, which voted unanimously for the revision of the organisation’s statutes.
Key Reforms
The reforms aim to result in “fundamental change” and set “new standards” in the areas of governance, independence, ethics, accountability, transparency, and term limits. CONCACAF, the continental governing body for football in North, Central American and the Caribbean, has been racked by corruption scandals over the past year, starting with the high-profile arrests of its then president Jeffrey Webb last June and his successor Alfredo Hawit last December.
Impact of the Reforms
The reforms will become effective immediately, with both CONCACAF and member associations expected to begin implementation. One of the major reforms approved by members is the creation of the CONCACAF council, which will replace the current executive committee in April. Council members will have 12-year term limits – consecutive or non-consecutive – and will be required to undergo eligibility checks by a yet-to-be formed independent Ethics Committee, before their candidacy can be approved.
Independent Oversight
The raft of changes also impact the compensation, governance, audit and compliance, and finance committees, which will all now benefit from independent oversight.
Implementation and Enforcement
CONCACAF will pursue implementation and enforcement of the reforms with the same determination that led to this important day for football in the region. The reforms were first presented in a CONCACAF Reform Framework, which was approved by the confederation’s executive committee at a meeting in Vancouver, Canada last July.
Conclusion
The reforms passed today mark a significant step towards a more transparent and accountable CONCACAF. However, it is only the beginning of the equally important process of changing the culture of how football is governed and administered by implementing these reforms in a meaningful and sustainable way.
FAQs
* What are the key reforms approved by CONCACAF?
+ The reforms aim to result in “fundamental change” and set “new standards” in the areas of governance, independence, ethics, accountability, transparency, and term limits.
* What is the impact of the reforms?
+ The reforms will become effective immediately, with both CONCACAF and member associations expected to begin implementation.
* What is the role of the CONCACAF council?
+ The council will replace the current executive committee in April and will have 12-year term limits – consecutive or non-consecutive – and will be required to undergo eligibility checks by a yet-to-be formed independent Ethics Committee, before their candidacy can be approved.