CONCACAF announced on Monday that its Executive Committee has unanimously approved an expansive “Reform Framework” to foster “systemic organizational change” intended to help increase transparency and fight corruption.
“This Reform Framework reflects CONCACAF’s commitment to strengthening our governance, management, and operations,” read a statement released by the North American soccer's governing body. “The confederation will demonstrate to its fans, sponsors, member associations and other stakeholders that CONCACAF is resilient and devoted to managing, developing, and promoting the game with accountability and transparency.
The three-part framework was conceived by a three-member “Special Committee” formed in response to recent indictments of leading CONCACAF and FIFA officials by the US Department of Justice: Justino Compean of the Mexican Football Federation, Sunil Gulati of the U.S. Soccer Federation and Victor Montagliani of the Canada Soccer Association, acting with the assistance of a specialist law firm.
Corporate Governance
Require a minimum number of members of the Executive Committee to be independent, i.e., not affiliated with any football-related activities of any member association.
Impose term limits on all members of the Executive Committee, including the President.
Approval by the CONCACAF Congress of Executive Committee member compensation on an annual basis.
Review and recommend changes to Executive Committee composition, nomination and election procedures to ensure greater representation and prevent entrenchment.
Fraud Prevention and Compliance
Implement a “pre-approved” vendor system for all contracts with CONCACAF, including credit and background checks for all vendors.
Retain outside consultant(s) to improve bid process, audit counterparties for bribery and fraud, and review internal controls, including expense and reimbursement controls.
Review and adopt stronger related party transaction policies, i.e., all employees and Executive Committee members must certify on an annual basis compliance as to policies, including restrictions on transactions with immediate family members, and formal processes for disclosure and recusals for Executive Committee members for conflicts of interest.
Establish the position of Chief Compliance Officer with responsibility for overseeing the compliance program and with direct reporting lines to General Secretary and independent members of Audit Committee.
Implement a whistleblower hotline to be administered by CONCACAF’s audit committee.
Transparency
Make available publicly annual financial statements and budget of CONCACAF on website.
All officer and Executive Committee member compensation reported under IRS Form 990 to be publicly available on CONCACAF website.
The full version of the CONCACAF Reform Framework can be found here.
