FIFA’s “byzantine and impenetrable” empire

Founded in 1904 to oversee international competitions in the world’s most popular sport – and now bigger than the UN, with 209 national members – the non-profit making organisation with cash reserves of $1.5bn has been dogged by accusations of corruption for over 20 years
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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Supreme decision-making body, sets locations and dates of tournaments

Vice-presidents 8

Members 16

President Sepp Blatter Elected four times since 1998, certain to be elected for fifth term despite promise to stand down

VPs banned after indictment

Members questioned by Swiss authorities over “criminal mismanagement
and money laundering by persons unknown”
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CONFEDERATIONS

Six confederations organise and sell rights to continental competitions

Member nations 0

209 national associations oversee game within each territory

CONCACAF 41 North and Central America 6 non-FIFA

1 VP, 2 members of ExCo

CONMEBOL 10 South America 1 VP, 2 members

World Cups under investigation

Russia 2018

Qatar 2022

South Africa 2010

CAF Africa 54 1 VP, 4 members

UEFA Europe 53: 2 VPs, 5 members

AFC Asia 46 1 VP, 3 members

OFC 11 Oceania 1 vice-president
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Source: FIFA, wire agencies

Picture: Associated Press

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