ZURICH – FIFA members have passed wide-ranging reforms to protect against corruption and curb the powers of its new president.
Needing a 75 per cent majority for approval, 89 per cent voted yes. FIFA says the ballot was 179-22 in favour.
The vote was taken after the Palestine soccer federation argued for a delay to let the new president lead the process.
Outgoing president Sepp Blatter ordered the reform review in June after American and Swiss federal investigations hit FIFA.
FIFA and its lawyers hope the reform will help show U.S. prosecutors the soccer body is serious about changing its culture, and protect its status as a victim in the American investigation.
Many decision-making powers will be stripped from the president and executive committee, to be renamed the FIFA Council with more female members.
Term limits of 12 years and stricter integrity checks will also control top officials.