Soccer's world governing body FIFA has to find a new auditor after KMPG, who has signed off on soccer's world governing body's books for the past 16 years, gave up the lucrative account, without elaborating on reasons.
FIFA has been at the heart of a U.S.-led investigation into corruption involving the hosting of World Cup competitions for more than a year. Investigators have also found that former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and former General Secretary Jerome Valcke paid each other tens of millions in previously undisclosed bonuses.
The soccer body said it welcomed KPMG's decision to step down because it gives FIFA the opportunity to work with a new audit firm, to be announced shortly.
Neither KPMG nor FIFA gave a reason for the split, but FIFA's new boss, Gianni Infantino, was reportedly informed of the reasons.
Auditor Leaves After CFO Dismissed
FIFA said Infantino has begun a thorough audit of FIFA's finance function, including processes and procedures. The body last month fired its finance chief, Markus Kattner, for reportedly paying himself outsize bonuses.
«In light of the serious allegations involving financial transactions outlined by the Swiss and U.S. authorities, it is essential that the financial function at FIFA be externally reviewed and thoroughly reformed,» FIFA said in a statement. «The appointment of a new auditor, coupled with the appointments of a new chief financial officer and a new chief compliance officer, are essential steps in this process.»
