Blatter says FIFA officials should pass integrity checks

Sepp Blatter believes FIFA’s top officials should be required to pass integrity checks as the governing body remains mired in scandal.

The measure was first recommended three years ago by FIFA’s anti-corruption advisers but was rebuffed by the executive committee. Blatter, however, floated the idea again 

On Saturday in his column in the weekly in-house magazine as soccer’s governing body again looks for reforms following a US-led corruption investigation. But the 79-year-old Swiss did not address a recent report he could perform a U-turn and stand in the fresh presidential elections.

Four days after being elected for a fifth, four-year presidential term, Blatter abruptly announced plans on June 2 to stand down amid escalating criminal investigations into FIFA officials. FIFA said he stands by that statement.

An executive committee meeting on July 20 will set the election date.