FIFA approves huge reform package; term limits, ExCo gone, much more

The main aim of FIFA’s extraordinary congress in Zurich on Friday is to appoint a new president but another landmark moment was reached before the election took place.

[ MORE: How the election will work ]

A massive reform package was passed by the member associations in attendance with 89 percent of the vote -- 179 to 22 -- giving the wide-ranging changes among world soccer’s governing body the thumbs up.

Among the biggest changes is that the Executive Committee is no more and a new FIFA Council will be set up, plus new term limits will be introduced, salaries of senior executives will be published and a minimum of six females will be present on the new council. The FIFA president -- a new man who be voted in to replace Sepp Blatter later on Friday -- will only be able to stay in power for a maximum of 12 years moving forward, which limits them to three four-year terms.

In a statement on their website, FIFA had the following to say about the reform package:

“They represent an essential step towards the modernization of FIFA’s institutional culture in key areas such as clear separation of political and management functions, term limits, the disclosure of individual compensation, greater recognition and promotion of women in football and a commitment to enshrining human rights in the FIFA Statutes. Furthermore, they include statutory principles of good governance for member associations and confederations, such as compulsory annual independent audit reports as well as independent judicial bodies to ensure a separation of powers on all levels of football structures.”

Below is a good summary of the changes which will begin in 60 days time after the conclusion of the congress in Switzerland.

The way FIFA is governed will be overhauled: FIFA Council replaces ExCo; standing committees reduced from 26 to 9. pic.twitter.com/6zMm6596uU

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) February 26, 2016

This animated video provides info on the most significant set of reforms in FIFA’s history: https://t.co/6O67NPv7lx pic.twitter.com/AvKUoDWOCV

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) February 26, 2016

President & Council members to serve maximum term of 3 x 4 years. Compensation for senior figures to be disclosed. pic.twitter.com/Ltf0hG6VKZ

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) February 26, 2016

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