Jérôme Champagne, a former collaborator of Joseph Blatter, has officially announced his candidacy for the presidency of FIFA in the elections scheduled for May 2015. Champagne positions himself as a candidate for the overhaul of FIFA, aiming to address the declining confidence in the organization.
Expressing concerns over the growing inequalities, privatization of the game, and skepticism towards football institutions, Champagne emphasizes the need for significant changes. He acknowledges the stark inequality between continents, particularly Africa, which, despite being a major supplier of players to Europe, faces challenges in representation and resources.
Champagne questions the disparity in representation, pointing out that Africa, with fifty-four federations, only holds four seats on the FIFA executive committee. He advocates for a real reform of FIFA, emphasizing the importance of rebalancing representation within the executive committee and the final stages of the World Cup.
Recognizing football management as a lucrative business often marred by unorthodox practices like cronyism and corruption, Champagne advocates for a more powerful and democratic FIFA. He proposes an overhaul of the executive committee, giving majority representation to national federations, and involving leagues, players, and clubs in decision-making.
Pelé, the legendary Brazilian footballer, has expressed support for Champagne’s candidacy, citing their past friendship and Champagne’s dedication and efficiency during his tenure at FIFA.
While Champagne’s announcement signals a desire for change within FIFA, it remains to be seen how his candidacy will be received and whether it can bring about the reforms he envisions. The upcoming elections will determine the direction of FIFA between 2015 and 2030, according to Champagne.
