Fifa committee approves sweeping reforms on executive members

Fifa’s executive committee on Wednesday gave its backing to reforms aimed at leading world football’s scandal-tainted governing body into a post-Sepp Blatter era.

The reforms to be put to a special congress on Friday include limits on terms for the president and other top officials, disclosure of salaries and greater checks on executive members.

Fifa has been reeling under corruption scandals after arrests of top officials at a congress in Zurich last May. Blatter won a fifth term but announced he would stand down shortly after and is now banned for eight years over separate ethics abuses.

“The Fifa Executive Committee today unanimously urged Fifa’s member associations to approve the full slate of proposed reforms enshrined in the new draft Fifa statutes at the extraordinary congress on Friday,” said a statement released after the meeting.

See more: Fifa elections – The National's full coverage

Friday’s congress will also elect a new president with UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino and Asian football leader Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa the favourites.

“The eyes of the world are on us this week after one of the most challenging times in our history,” said acting Fifa president Issa Hayatou. “The approval of the reforms will send a strong message that we have listened and that we are taking the action necessary to regain trust and improve our performance.”

Hayatou said “Each of these measures is critical for the future of Fifa and global football. We urge each of the member associations to support the reforms in full, and then to implement them in their entirety at home.”

While debate about the reforms is predicted none of them is expected to be rejected. US authorities have charged 39 individuals — including top Fifa members — and two companies over more than $200 million of bribes paid for football marketing and television deals.

Switzerland is in parallel investigating the award of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar. It is also investigating Blatter for criminal mismanagement.

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Always use only regulated platforms

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Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

Company Profile

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The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index

Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.

The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.

“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.

“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”

Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.

Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.

“To relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can supplement their own future with the help of government support,” he said.

The bio

Who inspires you?

I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist

How do you relax?

Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.

What is favourite book?

The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times

What is your favourite Arabic film?

Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki

What is favourite English film?

Mamma Mia

Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?

If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.

Know your camel milk:
Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
Texture: Smooth and creamy, with a slightly thinner consistency than cow’s milk.
Use it: In your morning coffee, to add flavour to homemade ice cream and milk-heavy desserts, smoothies, spiced camel-milk hot chocolate.
Goes well with: chocolate and caramel, saffron, cardamom and cloves. Also works well with honey and dates.

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The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE