#FIFA: Election must lead to a new grassroots-focused era

FIFA's new president Gianni Infantino will be judged on his ability to implement deep seated reform says West Midlands MEP Daniel Dalton (pictured). 

Dalton, a former cricketer, co-authored a European Parliament resolution calling for fundamental, root and branch reform of FIFA last summer and said that FIFA must grasp the opportunity to restore football's reputation. He argued that the most important part of the FIFA Congress in Zurich came before the Presidential election when the national associations voted through a package of reforms, including term limits, eligibility checks and the separation of the business and political operations of FIFA.

Dalton commented: "Today is not about Gianni Infantino taking over from Sepp Blatter, it is about the fact he will be overseeing significant reforms agreed in Zurich, but they should only be the beginning of fundamental change in FIFA."

"Structural reform of FIFA is essential so that grassroots football and the game's fans are allowed a chance to have their say on the decisions that affect them," he said.

"FIFA now has a golden opportunity to put its house in order and this vote needs to signal an end to its old ways"

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