DOHA: Michael Hershman, a fierce critic of FIFA president Sepp Blatter, is the latest ‘acquisition’ by the Qatar-based sports security specialist ICSS writes KEIR RADNEDGE.

Hershman, who had been a reform adviser to the world football federation between 2011 and 2013, told a London conference two weeks ago rhat Blatter should step down “for the good of the sport.”

One of the controversies raging around Blatter’s ears over the last two years has been FIFA’s award of the 2022 World Cup finals to Qatar.

Now Hershman, a co-founder of Transparency International, and Jane Lute – former United States Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security – have been appointed to the ICSS advisory board.

It was at the Securing Sport conference, organised by the International Centre for Sport Security that Hershman had made his comments about Blatter.

An ICSS statement described Hershman as “an internationally-recognised expert on matters relating to transparency, accountability, governance, litigation and security [who has been] called upon by many governments, multi-national corporations, law firms and international financial institutions, where he advised on matters involving the conduct of senior-level officials and the organisations with which they do business.”

Hershman said: “Sport is now at a crossroads when it comes to protecting itself and independent organisations like the ICSS are crucial in raising awareness and more importantly, driving the agenda to confront trans-national issues like corruption, illegal betting and betting fraud.

“I look forward to joining the ICSS Advisory Board and playing an active role in bringing governments and organisations in sport closer together to protect major events and safeguard the integrity and credibility of sport.”

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