BERLIN -- Hundreds of millions young people around the world are being told how essential fair play is. But reality, in contrast to the positive message spread worldwide, is showing a rather disastrous picture of football's status and the state of its administration.
Profit, personal issues and in-fighting amongst officials and associations seem to be dominating FIFA today. An impression which does not fully cover reality as FIFA projects around the world help to develop football, the education of young people and, to a certain extent, entire societies.
Football has a social task besides staging thrilling World Cup games that attract hundreds of million people around the globe. But the sport, the game, the teamwork are its solid base, not making a profit no matter how.
While world football is still in uproar after the arrest of several high-ranking FIFA officials accused of corruption, fraud and money laundering, fans around the world are anxiously waiting for answers regarding football's future.
One thing seems to be clear, football and all involved around, cannot afford to be linked to corruption and frequent scandals. Football's reputation is in danger. And now, who is to blame for the current troubles?
After all longtime FIFA President Joseph "Sepp" Blatter, accused of being autocratic mainly by his European opponents, is the one responsible like any other CEO.
"We have to clean up right down to the national associations. FIFA is like a pyramid. At the top we do have controls. But below? There are no independent ethical commissions. I am not responsible for people who come to FIFA from outside such as people elected from their national associations," said Blatter.
The Swiss also said he wants to improve FIFA's reputation. But how?
FIFA needs compulsory and transparent standards regarding World Cup bidding systems.
Money flow, no matter for what project, has to be transparent for the entire football community. Every national association, no matter how small or big, should follow certain rules and standards.
It does not help football when national football leaders use FIFA money for personal advantage. And FIFA has to prove that it is willing to combat corruption with a clear system of supervision.
And the money flow between federations and associations has to be transparent to prevent votes being "bought" during the World Cup bidding.
As part of the FIFA community Europe has to find answers to the current problems too.
The next term for Blatter as FIFA president (his fifth) is a disastrous defeat for Europe's football associations. It was a defeat for which the continent itself is to blame after UEFA acted half-heartedly and hesitantly in trying to push FIFA into implementing greater transparency.
No doubt, football is not owned by Europe. But top clubs play in Europe. UEFA's Champions League is the world's most popular club competition. And a FIFA World Cup without Spain, England, France, Italy and Germanywould be far from what football fans want to see.
On the other hand, it is a good decision not to consider a World Cup boycott as many European associations have now decided. Nor will they in the near future start with a new association as some assumed.
Next weekend, when the European associations meet ahead of the Champions League final on June 6 in Berlin, European football needs a convincing strategy to fight for a clear change.
After all, FIFA's problem does not stem from the game itself but the way it is run. This fact should be enough motivation, to help a great game to survive the current reputation crisis. But urgent action is needed.
