Examining the Governance and Integrity of International Soccer

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security, will hold a hearing entitled "Examining the Governance and Integrity of International Soccer" on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at 2:30 p.m.

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is the international nonprofit that organizes the World Cup tournament and is responsible for the global regulation and promotion of soccer. The hearing will examine the integrity and impending leadership changes at FIFA, the role of the United States in international soccer, and concerns about the labor conditions of workers in Qatar, the host of the 2022 World Cup. The Consumer Protection Subcommittee exercises jurisdiction over sports within the Senate Commerce Committee.

“Soccer is by far the most popular sport in the world, and it is attracting a wider audience by the day in the United States,” said Sen. Moran. "Children across America and the globe look up to athletes as role models, and professional sports must be held to the highest standards. The recent revelations of bribery and mismanagement at FIFA should be of concern to us all. The organization’s culture of corruption is turning a blind eye to significant human rights violations and the tragic loss of lives. This hearing on the recent FIFA scandals will begin the discussion about our country’s own participation in the organization, ways the United States and our allies can work to reform FIFA, and how we can restore integrity to the game so many Americans and citizens of the world enjoy.”

Witnesses:

  • Mr. Andrew Jennings, Investigative Writer and Filmmaker
  • Mr. Dan Flynn, CEO and Secretary General, U.S. Soccer Federation
  • Mr. Michael Hershman, President and CEO, Fairfax Group
  • Mr. Sunjeev Bery, Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Amnesty International USA

Hearing Details:

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

2:30 p.m.

Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security

Senate Russell Office Building, Room 253

Witness testimony, opening statements, and a live video of the hearing will be available on this page.

For reporters interested in reserving a seat, please contact the press gallery:

• Periodical Press Gallery – 202-224-0265

• Radio/Television Gallery – 202-224-6421

• Press Photographers Gallery – 202-224-6548

• Daily Press Gallery – 202-224-0241

Individuals with disabilities who require an auxiliary aid or service, including closed captioning service for the webcast hearing, should contact Stephanie Gamache at 202-224-5511 at least three business days in advance of the hearing date.

If you are having trouble viewing this hearing, please try the following steps:

  1. Clear your browser's cache - Guide to clearing browser cache
  2. Close and re-open your browser
  3. If the above two steps do not help, please try another browser. Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge have the highest level of compatibility with our player.

Majority Statement

  • Chairman Jerry Moran

Testimony

  • Mr. Andrew Jennings

    Investigative Writer and Filmmaker
    Download Testimony (167.21 KB)
  • Mr. Dan Flynn

    CEO and Secretary General
    U.S. Soccer Federation
    Download Testimony (117.97 KB)
  • Mr. Michael Hershman

    President and CEO
    Fairfax Group
  • Mr. Sunjeev Bery

    Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa
    Amnesty International USA
    Download Testimony (428.80 KB)