MP calls for FA to set up anti-corruption body saying Sam Allardyce sting is a symptom of wider problems
Acting chairman of the culture, media and sport parliamentary select committee Damian Collins says there should be a 'properly resourced' independent ethics authority
THE FA must set up an anti-corruption body to clean up football in England, the acting chairman of a powerful Commons committee declared today.
Damian Collins, of the Culture Media and Sport Committee said the Sam Allardyce sting was only a “symptom” of wider problems within football.
And he urged the Football Association to move now to “clean up the game” and not wait for world body FIFA to intervene.
The Tory MP said there needs to be an independent “safe place” in football for whistleblowers to go to with powers to investigate claims.
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Describing Allardyce’s conduct as “incredible”, Mr Collins gave the example of Massimo Cellino being allowed to take ownership of Leeds United despite having fraud-related convictions.
He said there should be a “properly resourced” independent ethics authority, tighter guidelines on conflict of interest, and a “sports law” to block investors from a club if they do not comply with FA rules.
He said: “The FA needs a strong independent board to ensure that reform can take place.
"One of the issues with English football is the systemic weakness of the governance structure of the FA.”
And he added: “Football needs an independent anti-corruption body that whistleblowers can go to with confidence.”