FIFA has come under further pressure after European Club Association (ECA) chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge called for a club-led "revolution" against the decision makers in world football, reports Sport Business. Rummenigge, who is also CEO of Bayern Munich, has called for his members to have greater input in the administration of the global game due to a "daily corruption process at FIFA", the life-ban for Mohamed bin Hammam and "questions about the Qatari World Cup".
"I don't accept any longer that we (should be) guided by people who are not serious and clean," he told The Guardian. "Now is the moment to intervene. Because knowing something is wrong is an obligation to change."
The ECA was formed in the wake of the disbanding of the G-14 Group in January 2008. It represents 197 clubs across Europe and is fully recognised by FIFA.
Rummenigge believes FIFA is unable to reform itself, stating: "(President) Sepp Blatter is saying (that he's driving corruption out of FIFA) but the fact that no one believes him tells you everything you need to know. I'm not optimistic because they believe the system is working perfectly as it is. It's a money machine, World Cup after World Cup. And for them, that's more important than serious and clean governance."
Stating that there is little chance that national associations will press for change, the Bayern chief has called for wider representation within FIFA. Rummenigge said: "The current system is tailor-made for the associations and voted for by the associations." They won't go against (FIFA)."
He added: "All stakeholders - clubs, associations, players, referees, and women's football - have a right to be involved in the decision-making process."
Blatter refused to comment on Rummenigge's criticism when questioned on Wednesday.
