FIFA Adviser: Scala Exit Damaging For Reform At Soccer Body

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attend launch of World Cup Volunteers Programme ahead of the 2018 football tournament, in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, June 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)

A former FIFA anti-corruption adviser says the departure of audit panel chairman Domenico Scala is "the worst thing" for efforts to reform the scandal-hit soccer body.

Associated Press report continues:

Michael Hershman, who helped bring Scala to FIFA in 2012, tells The Associated Press the independent financial monitor was "one of the few hopes we had."

Scala resigned this month after his working relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino broke down, including disputes over the presidential salary and the FIFA Council taking powers to fire elected independent officials.

Hershman says FIFA still needs more oversight and "now that (Scala) has gone, my skepticism is even greater."

The co-founder of Transparency International spoke by telephone from Doha ahead of being announced Thursday as CEO of the Qatar-backed International Centre for Sport Security.