What You Can Learn From the FIFA Scandal
Communications
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2 minute read
You can’t mention FIFA in recent years without immediately mentioning the numerous corruption allegations that follow.
Specifically, the world is carefully watching on as investigations are made into the award of the 2018 Word Cup to Russia and the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. And with 14 current and former FIFA officials and associates facing accusations, one can’t help but asking: “how could they not know?”
At SQMC, we can’t help but wonder the same thing. A body as large as FIFA must have Quality Management Systems in place to monitor any potential problems - particularly related to bribery and corruption - to prevent tarnishing its reputation around the world.
But, what would a Quality Management System have done for FIFA in light of its most recent allegations? Below, we examine that very question.
Why Quality Management Matters
For FIFA, the scandal isn’t just about the previous 3 years of practices; it’s about the past 20 years of decisions, operations, and dealings. This may include the most recent bidding process in which Russia was awarded the 2018 Word Cup and Qatar was awarded the 2022 World Cup.
The 47-count indictment reveals allegations of racketeering, wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracies. With emails surfacing suggesting that the president of FIFA, Sepp Blatter, accepted deals to secure bids for specific countries and other key officials did similar deals, investigations into the scandals involve key agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from the United States and another out of Switzerland.
What’s most startling in the matter is that shortly after FIFA confirmed the legitimacy of both bids, their own internal investigator, Michael Garcia, resigned due to inconsistencies and misrepresented facts in the published summary of his work.
It is these facts and complications that demonstrate just why Quality management matters so much.
How a Quality Management System Could Have Worked in FIFA’s Favour
If there’s one thing that’s true of any issue, it’s that a small problem can quickly escalate into a more significant, severe repercussion for any organisation. And with a Quality Management System (QMS) in place, organisations can detect issues while they remain on a more manageable level.
For example, a proper QMS would have allowed FIFA to monitor processes, finances, communications, and more. By doing so, the organisation may have been better able to identify discretions now being raised by key figures like Charles “Chuck” Blazer, the former general secretary of the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football.
At SQMC, We Understand the Value of Quality Management Systems
The FIFA case study reveals important aspects surrounding Quality Management Systems and how when times are critical, proper Quality procedures could assist in highlighting nonconforming actions and outcome of key members in an organisation.
For almost a quarter of a century, the team at SQMC has been delivering premier ISO Quality Standards and Management Systems training and mentoring to HR administrators, Quality managers, business consultants, and other professionals from our Scottish offices.
If you’re interested in our training or on-site consultancy services for your organisation, contact us today to take advantage of our long-standing reputation for excellence and expertise to match. We look forward to speaking with you.
