Meeting on 22 September 2004 under the chairmanship of Dr Viacheslav Koloskov (Russia), the FIFA Associations Committee vigorously reaffirmed that FIFA's principles on the autonomy of its member associations (principles which are incidentally comparable to the International Olympic Committee's towards its recognised NOCs) act as a fundamental tool for FIFA to ensure that football enjoys sustainable and enduring growth and plays a part in promoting social progress and transcending all differences.

After reviewing the cases of some twenty associations spread over five of the six confederations, the committee voiced its mounting concern at the considerable increase of government interference in the affairs of football associations in certain countries, including Greece, and the latest forms that this takes. In this connection, it decided to propose to the FIFA Executive Committee meeting on 6 October that the Niger football association be  suspended.  It also suggested that similar action be taken against the Ethiopian Football Federation if a normalisation committee had not been installed, as endorsed by the Associations Committee, by 4 October 2004.

Moreover, the committee voiced support for a plan of action drawn up by the FIFA administration for several member associations, including Gabon, Guatemala, Malawi, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, designed to improve operations, update statutes and, if necessary, organise new elections under the supervision of FIFA and the confederation concerned.

Finally, the committee praised the efforts and progress made in Antigua and Barbuda, Burundi, Guatemala, Iraq, Kenya and Puerto Rico while continuing to keep a watchful eye on the situation in those countries.

"FIFA always respects the sovereignty of the countries concerned and their local laws. But that does not mean that our principles should be violated, either inside or outside the football family. These principles have proved their worth and common sense throughout FIFA's 100-year history. They are essential to the development of football in an environment of dialogue and cooperation among all the parties concerned," commented President Blatter.

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FIFA COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION / Zurich,  27 September 2004 / 2004-0103-AssociationsCommittee-E