Efforts to combat corruption and uphold fundamental rights in the context of the award and organisation of sporting competitions

4.6.2015

Question for written answer E-009033-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL)

Despite persistent and well-founded suspicions concerning rampant FIFA corruption, it took intervention by the US judicial authorities, in cooperation with their Swiss counterparts, to strike a decisive blow against the system set up by the President of FIFA, Sepp Blatter, and the organisation's Secretary-General, Jérôme Valcke.

The investigation launched by the US judicial authorities is a slap in the face for all the political authorities which oversee professional football and for the bodies responsible for fighting corruption in the EU.

Does the Commission intend to review the mechanisms used to fight corruption in sport and the organisation of sporting events, or develop new mechanisms?

Will the Commission request the release of the report drafted by the former Vice-President of Interpol, Michael Garcia, on allegations of corruption in the procedures for awarding World Cups to Qatar and Russia? The report, drawn up in 2012, has been buried since then by FIFA.

Does the Commission intend to set up early-warning and monitoring mechanisms concerning breaches of fundamental rights and basic agreements on labour rights in the context of the award and organisation of international sporting competitions?