A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FIFA and the Council of Europe is expected to be signed later this year after the two organisations established a “strong partnership” regarding issues such as match-fixing and human rights.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Council of Europe secretary general Thorbjørn Jagland met yesterday in Strasbourg.
The two officials discussed a number of issues, including how to better promote human rights in sports.
FIFA has been widely criticised for failing to act on human rights abuses at construction sites for venues due to be used at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in Russia and Qatar respectively.
Good governance, anti-doping, anti-violence and combating match-fixing are among the issues set to be included in the MoU, which FIFA hope will be signed by the end of 2018.
It comes a day after UEFA banned six Maltese under-21 international players for match-fixing offences.
Two of those sanctioned by European football’s governing body, Emanuel Briffa and Kyle Cesare, were banned for life for their role in the scandal.
The investigation related to two UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2017 matches played in March by Malta against Montenegro and the Czech Republic.
FIFA has also had severe issues with governance in recent years after a sprawling corruption investigation saw 42 officials and entities indicted in the United States.
“It seems clear to me that FIFA and the Council of Europe share many common goals,” Infantino said.
“Good governance, respect for human rights and a resolute stance against doping, match-fixing and violence are a top priority for world football’s governing body.”
Jagland claimed closer cooperation with FIFA will help to “promote respect for human rights in sports both in Europe and worldwide”.
“I am also pleased that FIFA wants to work with us on the subject of governance,” he said.
“The role of sports in our society – for example, in boosting integration – cannot be underestimated.
“Good governance will help ensuring that the benefits of sport can be enjoyed by everyone.”
Infantino: Respect for human rights top priority
NYON, SWITZERLAND - JULY 03: UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino speaks during the UEFA 2014/15 Futsal Cup Preliminary and Main Round Draw at the UEFA headquarters, The House of European Football, on July 3, 2014 in Nyon, Switzerland. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images for UEFA)