David Bernstein has admitted that the FA cannot be expected to bring about sweeping changes within Fifa.
FA chairman admits their powers to make changes are limited
David Bernstein has admitted that the Football Association cannot be expected to bring about sweeping changes within Fifa as they only have limited power within world football's governing body.
Fifa is in the spotlight after former FA and England 2018 bid chairman Lord Triesman this week alleged there had been "improper and unethical" behaviour by four Fifa members.
It also emerged that two more Fifa members, Issa Hayatou and Jacques Anouma, were alleged to have been paid to vote for Qatar for the 2022 World Cup.
Allied to the suspensions of Amos Adamu and Reynald Temarii last year, no fewer than eight Fifa ExCo members - one third of the total of 24 - have either been alleged to have been, or already found, guilty of impropriety in relation to the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids.
Influence
There is a feeling of urgency at the FA that they must act to bring evidence of corruption to Fifa as quickly as possible, but Bernstein has sought to cool expectations by putting his organisation's power in perspective.
"There are over 200 nations in Fifa and we're one of them. People talk to the FA as though we can change Fifa ourselves," the FA chairman said.
"We are around half a per cent of the voting population within Fifa, so we will use what influence we have but we have to talk and we have to work with Fifa as well.
"It's a very difficult balance to try and push for reform, to push for change, and at yet the same time be inside the tent and not outside."
Serious
Bernstein has appointed James Dingemans QC to examine Triesman's claims. Dingemans will try to speak to anyone who was present on the occasions referred to by Triesman and he will report back by Friday May 27, with his findings made public.
Bernstein added: "Lord Triesman's made some serious allegations, he's a very serious person, but we now need to see whether [there is] evidence - I'm sure he believes what he said but we need to see whether these allegations can be backed up, and it's up to the QC to decided how he handles this.
"There clearly are issues with Fifa. There's been too much around and there's the whole question of openness regarding Fifa.
"We would like to see greater openness, both financially and decision-making - maybe decisions should be made by the nations as a whole and not by 22 or 24 people - but these are matters for the future."
