PARIS: FIFA today appointed former International Olympic Committee director general Francois Carrard to lead the world football governing body’s 2016 Reform Committee.

Swiss lawyer Carrard previously guided the IOC through its own governance reforms in the wake of the bribery scandal-hit Salt Lake City Winter Olympics of 2002. FIFA is currently reeling from its own bribery scandal after seven football officials were arrested in a raid on a Zurich hotel on the eve of a FIFA congress in May. “It is vital for the future of global football to restore the integrity and reputation of its governing body,” said Carrard, who was appointed following consultation with the six football confederations and will be assisted by representatives from two of each.

“As the independent chairman, I am committed to delivering the necessary package of credible reforms, working with representatives from within football and wider society,” he added. “To that end, I will establish an independent advisory board, made up of representatives from outside football, to support the work of the committee and provide an additional layer of independent expertise.” The Reform Committee will provide a preliminary update to the FIFA Executive Committee at its regular quarterly meeting on September 24-25, FIFA said in a statement.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who is due to stand down in February when a new election will be held, said Carrard was the “right man” with a “proven track record”. He added: “We are confident that he can help FIFA to strengthen its governance structures in a credible and meaningful way.”