Interpol today suspended its $22M "sports integrity" agreement with beleaguered FIFA, soccer's global governing body, a pact to battle illegal gambling and game fixing.
“In light of the current context surrounding FIFA, while Interpol is still committed to developing our Integrity in Sport program, I have decided to suspend the agreement,” said a statement from Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock.
The ten-year "Integrity in Sport" agreement went into effect May 2011 includes a clause that requires FIFA to "declare notably that its activities are compatible with the principles, aims and activities of Interpol."
"All external partners, whether public or private, must share the fundamental values and principles of the Organization, as well as those of the wider law enforcement community," said Stock.
Interpol's move combined with the European pariliament's called for FIFA departing chief Sepp Blatter to resign now.
The world policing organization said it will continue to monitor FIFA's activities.
FIFA called Interpol's suspension "disappointing."
Even the most iconic sporting or ceremonial event can be deep-sixed by an overzealous member of the crowd, so crisis comms pros need to be prepared.
The Super Bowl, with its massive audience and sky-high ad cost, creates intense pressure to deliver. But when they hit the mark, these ads can become cultural touchstones.
Teneo has hired Nick Greenslade, deputy sports editor at The Times and Sunday Times, as managing director for its strategy and communications unit in London.
Jon Schwartz, a former SVP, communications, marketing, digital & social for the Big Ten Conference, is signing up with Prosek Partners to launch a new sports business unit.
USA Fencing has retained Finn Partners ahead of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics and Paralympics Games.
Have a comment? Send it to 
No comments have been submitted for this story yet.