Switzerland is home to several international organizations including the International Football Association (FIFA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This leading sports bodies are, however, embroiled in corruption which challenges Switzerland’s reputation as one of the most democratic countries in the world. This article by Martine Brocard is published by Swissinfo.ch. Here is an excerpt:

In a reportExternal link published in November 2012, the sports ministry called on international sports federations based in Switzerland to “strengthen the fight against corruption in [their] own organisations” and urged the country to “step up its action” in the fight against corruption and game-fixing in sport.

“Not only the integrity of sport is at stake, but also the image of Switzerland as a country hosting a large number of international sports federations,” the report said. It advocated setting up “systems of good governance […] harmonised and binding at all levels of the pyramid of organised sport”. The report also suggested that Switzerland consider a number of measures, such as “toughening the criminal law on bribery”.

Although this wake-up call had some effect, its success has been limited. Inquiries to the head offices of various federations show that suspicions of financial irregularity are still frequent.

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