FIFA: resignation of Michael Garcia, chairman of the Investigatory Chamber of the Ethics Committee

Michael J. Garcia, chairman of the Investigatory Chamber of the FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) Ethics Committee, announced his resignation on 17/12/2014.

"I disagree with the Appeal Committee's decision (that I cannot appeal Hans'Joachim Eckert's summary of the Garcia report). While the Appeal Committee's decision notes that further appeal may be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (SUI), I have concluded that such a course of action would not be practicable in this case. No independent governance committee, investigator, or arbitration panel can change the culture of an organisation. And while the 13/11/2014 Eckert Decision made me lose confidence in the independence of the Adjudicatory Chamber, it is the lack of leadership on these issues within FIFA that leads me to conclude that my role in this process is at an end," stated Michael Garcia in the press release announcing his resignation on 17/12/2014.

The Appeals Committee of FIFA declared "inadmissible" the appeal of Michael Garcia against the summary of Hans-Joachim Eckert, chairman of the…