GIFT 2014: Football as a sport has lost its credibility - Ex FIFA deputy secretary general

Jerome Champagne, former deputy secretary general of FIFA, called for radical changes to the structure of world football. The highly rated intellectual administrator who was advisor and campaigned for Sepp Blatter in 2002 said he wanted a democratization of the game, terming it too Europe-centric with only the top clubs in the world reaping a whole lot of benefits from FIFA.

Speaking to the media, Champagne, who paid for his own visa to make the trip to Goa to be an integral part of GIFT, said 2015 would be the most important year for football and would be a watershed year.

According to Champagne, Globalisation of the game brings its fair share of problems and leads to a huge and widening gap between continents, a whole lot of inequalities involving unfair distribution of money. Privatisation of the game and acquisitions by FIFA also adds to the clutter and lopsided effect of the game.

According to the native Frenchman who has insider knowledge of the game, “Football as a sport has lost its credibility. The new system which has to be put in place has to be based on a strong universal growth of football. The major focus has to be on institutional changes at the grassroot level. The way FIFA is perceived needs to be changed for the betterment of the sport and the body must be more practical to develop FIFA for the future.”

FIFA must support local clubs along with supporting English clubs, making sure globalisation impacts equally. For this to be accomplished, more power is needed to be given to the grassroot and clubs. The main agenda for all clubs and countries has to be to impact the game, making it a better sport.

Speaking about his views for development of football in India, he stated that, nearly 45% of the world’s population comprises of four countries including India, USA, Indonesia and China.He affirmed, “I have been visiting India for years now. I believe that India has a great potential with its dynamic population. I find Indian football very interesting.”

Speaking about the All India Football Federation (FIFA) he said that there is a need to solidify and expand the huge participation by involving the massive population. “Football is like a pyramid, stronger the base, stronger the game. You all have everything; the only need is to strengthen its base at grassroot level as in India it’s more like a stick.”

According to Jerome a referee has the most difficult job as he faces a hard time on field by dealing with harsh language by players and their absolute lack of respect for referee’s instructions. “A referee must be given an additional advantage by enhancing technology for a fair decision. Before technology states controlling the sport, we need to control technology.”

“This summit has given me the opportunity to freshen my knowledge on Indian football and I’m fortunate enough to be a part of it.”, stated Champagne, signing off by stating he was impressed with the Goan or rather GDFC work with the kids, especially at the grassroots level.”