ZURICH: Swiss Sports Minister Ueli Maurer told FIFA tonight that it had fallen down on its primary duty to provide an example to the football family around the world writes KEIR RADNEDGE.

Maurer was one of the guests of honour in Zurich at the opening ceremony ahead of the world federation’s 65th congress tomorrow.

He wasted no time in addressing the double assault on FIFA by the Swiss and United States legal authorities on Wednesday.

Maurer said: “Switzerland strongly condemns any form of corruption. We believe firmly in fairness and fair play.

“Switerland will continue to offer a good framework and be a good partner for international sports organisations. But the world of sport and the public authorities must work together to ensure that the highest standards of good governance in sport are firmly upheld.

“FIFA has problems. Yesterday will go down as a good day in FIFA’s history only if the organisation uses it as an opportunity to finally put its house in order and create transparency.

“Football should provide role models but FIFA does not fulfil that role at the present time.”

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