G7 Summit to address FIFA corruption, Cameron

The bribery scandal in FIFA should spur the international community to target the “cancer” of corruption around the globe, David Cameron will tell world leaders at a G7 summit this weekend.

At talks in Bavaria, the Prime Minister will call for an international effort to root out corruption, claiming it is holding back economic growth and human development all over the world.

Ahead of the G7, Mr Cameron said: “In the last fortnight we have seen the stark truth about FIFA.

“The body governing football has faced appalling allegations that suggests it is absolutely riddled with corruption.

“And Sepp Blatter’s resignation this week presents an opportunity to clean up the game we love. It is also an opportunity to learn a broader lesson about tackling corruption.

“Just as with FIFA, we know the problem is there, but there is something of an international taboo over pointing the finger and stirring up concerns.

“At international summits, leaders meet to talk about aid, economic growth and how to keep our people safe.

“But we just don’t talk enough about corruption.

Cleaning global football

“This has got to change. We have to show some of the same courage that exposed FIFA and break the taboo on talking about corruption.”

“Corruption is the cancer at the heart of so many of the problems we face around the world today,” Mr Cameron said, adding that corruption “doesn’t just threaten our prosperity, it also undermines our security.”

“Football is beginning a long journey to rid itself of corruption and it will take time, courage and determination to see through the reforms that FIFA needs.

“I believe world leaders must show the same courage and determination to tackle corruption around the globe.

“That will be my mission tomorrow at the G7 and in the months and years ahead.”

Mr Cameron will join US President Barack Obama, French President Francois Hollande, Italian PM Matteo Renzi, Canadian PM Stephen Harper and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe for the two-day gathering, hosted at Schloss Elmau in the Bavarian Alps by Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Courtesy: Sky News