Seeking improved accountability in the wake of the FIFA bribery scandal, North American regional government body CONCACAF announced on Tuesday that a Miami law firm would evaluate all of its operations.
The move comes after CONCACAF officials were among those named by US federal investigators on charges of fraud and money laundering in connection with securing votes for major decisions by the global board.
CONCACAF hired Alvarez & Marsal to assess all operations, with Carlos Vincentelli, a managing director in the firm’s Miami office, leading the outside team that is to spend four to five weeks evaluating CONCACAF finances and operations, and suggesting measures to improve its effectiveness.
‘BENEFIT’
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Carlos and looking forward to working with Alvarez & Marsal,” acting CONCACAF general secretary Ted Howard said.
“The confederation will benefit from the broad perspective and experience that Carlos brings from outside the world of soccer,” he said.
“This will help ensure the confederation operates at the highest level of organizational efficiency and accountability going forward,” Howard added.
IMPROVEMENT ADVICE
The assessment panel is to suggest improvements to financial reporting methods, spending and cash flow management, managing third-party vendor relationships and organizational structure.
CONCACAF announced it has also engaged Global Strategy Group to assist with public affairs and communications regarding reform efforts, while Sidley Austin remains CONCACAF’s legal counsel.
CONCACAF is comprised of 41 national governing bodies in the North American region. Its major biennial championship, the Gold Cup, is to start next week in the US.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely