FIFA’s member associations have approved a package of landmark reforms that pave the way for significant improvements to the governance of global football.

The reforms including a clear separation of commercial and political decision-making, greater scrutiny of senior officials, and commitments to promoting women in football and human rights.

179 of the 207 member associations present and eligible to vote at the Extraordinary Congress in Zurich supported the reforms which were based on proposals made by the 2016 FIFA Reform Committee and the subsequent recommendations put before the Congress by the Executive Committee in the form of draft FIFA Statutes.

“We stand united in our determination to put things right, so that the focus can return to football once again,” said Acting FIFA President Issa Hayatou. “The hard work of restoring trust and improving how we work begins now.”

“This will create a system of stronger governance and greater diversity that will give football a strong foundation on which to thrive. It will help to restore trust in our organisation. And it will deter future wrongdoing.”

The main aspects of the approved reforms have been incorporated into an amended version of the FIFA Statutes. 

The statutory amendments passed today will come into effect for the members 60 days after the close of the Congress in accordance with art. 29 of the current edition of the FIFA Statutes.