Foreword by the chairperson of the Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee
In 2022, FIFA continued to observe and enforce the highest level of governance and compliance standards across all sectors. Its efforts in this regard were very successful, with many projects that were initiated during the pandemic coming to fruition. In a world that had rediscovered its energy, the football community was alight with activity.
For many member associations facing pandemic-induced hardships, FIFA’s unprecedented injection of USD 1.5 billion in financial aid provided much-needed support and sustenance. Consisting of strictly audited grants and loans, the initiative was overseen by the FIFA COVID-19 Relief Plan Steering Committee at both member association and confederation levels. The funds released in the third and final phase enabled member associations to seamlessly resume competitions, pay administration and operating costs, and maintain their football infrastructure.
In addition, 2022 saw the successful roll-out of the first World Football Remission Fund project. In compensation for losses suffered by FIFA, CONMEBOL and Concacaf as victims of corruption schemes, USD 201 million had been awarded by the US Department of Justice to the FIFA Foundation in August 2021. Overseen by the World Football Remission Fund Board and closely monitored by the Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee, FIFA is ensuring that these funds are rightfully channelled back to where they are most needed.
“FIFA’s commitment to paving the way in governance and compliance matters for the sport industry is unwavering.”
This year, Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee members continued to observe their mandate to oversee important areas, including human rights and sustainability as well as audit and compliance. For example, in 2022, the Audit and Compliance Working Group carried on monitoring and reviewing the distribution of FIFA Forward funds to ensure that the funds were deployed for their intended use and to develop football. Similarly, the Review Committee and Compensation Sub-Committee performed their tasks transparently and with impartiality throughout the year. FIFA also continues to lead by example by dedicating a section of this report to publishing the annual compensation paid to key members of FIFA senior management, the chairpersons of its committees and members of the FIFA Council.
FIFA’s commitment to paving the way in governance and compliance matters for the sport industry is unwavering. Following a review by the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations in 2022, world football’s governing body was again placed in the top band of international sporting federations with the best standards of governance. FIFA’s 4th Compliance Summit, which was attended by over 200 international delegates in person and online, focused on shifting perspectives on best practices in compliance.
After taking into account the lessons learnt from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, I am looking forward to what is to come in 2023, as FIFA continues on its governance, audit and compliance journey as a transparent and accountable organisation.
Mukul Mudgal
Chairperson of the Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee