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Infantino calls for transparency in FIFA

Xinhua, March 30, 2016 Adjust font size:

World soccer chief Gianni Infantino said on Tuesday that he joined FIFA to provide seriousness and transparency, warning those who want to steal should "leave soccer."

When questioned by local media in Montevideo about the deteriorating image of FIFA, Infantino said that "we have earned back trust through concrete actions, being honest and transparent."

"For that reason we are here," said the FIFA president.

"Even though we can't change the past," FIFA can work towards a different future, he added.

"Those that want to steal need to leave soccer because, if not, we will get rid of them," said the man who was voted as the FIFA president in February.

"We are going to show that we are serious and honest. We are going to work for soccer."

The world soccer leader said that "in the future these topics (corruption within FIFA) will no longer be discussed" because "the protagonists are the soccer players, we have to protect this - the soccer."

For Infantino, it is important to aim for "transparency of finance flows in FIFA" to resolve the "leadership problems."

The FIFA president called for "transparency reforms to be implemented along with showing, using facts, that we are professional, serious and transparent people."

Regarding the money diverted by the FIFA and the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) leaders, among others, Infantino called for "zero tolerance" and advocated that judicial claims be activated.

"We will not accept that this money goes towards other things. FIFA has already asked that the money be returned in the the United States cases," said Infantino.

Regarding his idea to increase the number of teams in the World Cup from 32 to 40 participants, Infantino said he supported the idea of applying this change from 2026.

In this new setup, Conmebol would have five secured places, according to the FIFA boss, as opposed to their current four.

The FIFA head arrived on Tuesday in Montevideo and has visited the Centenario Stadium and local teams Penarol and Nacional's grounds. On Wednesday Infantino will meet with Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez. Endi