EXPERTS ADVISORY

Experts at the University of Michigan weigh in on what it will take for FIFA, soccer’s scandal-heavy governing body, to restore its image and the trust of fans.

David Mayer, associate professor of management and organizations at the Ross School of Business, is an expert on business ethics.

“Hopefully bringing in a fresh face to instill integrity and transparency to FIFA will bring a much-needed culture change after the reign of Sepp Blatter,” Mayer said.

Contact: 734-936-1262, dmmayer@umich.edu

Andrei Markovits, professor of comparative politics and German studies, co-wrote the books “Offside: Soccer and American Exceptionalism” and “Gaming the World: How Sports Are Reshaping Global Politics and Culture.” He can talk about all things soccer and sports as a whole, and is fluent in French, Romanian, German and Hungarian.

“The recent FIFA reforms and elections are very encouraging baby steps but nothing more,” he said. “It is sad—but also very telling—that it took the cudgel of the United States government to get this corrupt behemoth shaken on (though not yet removed from) its haughty perch of wanton rule and massive corruption.

“What is most remarkable though and such a telling testimony to the cultural power of the game of soccer on a global scale is the fact that FIFA’s travails, vices, indeed its very existence, have little bearing on this fabulous sport’s fate among billions that follow its every move.”

Contact: 734-213-2226 or 734-905-0156, andymark@umich.edu

Stefan Szymanski, professor of kinesiology, is co-author of the blog Soccernomics and teaches sports management and economics. He is an international expert who is often quoted in the media on soccer and on other sports management issues.

Contact: 734-647-0950, stefansz@umich.edu

Cindy Schipani, professor of business law at the Ross School of Business, is an expert on corporate governance, with a focus on the relationship among directors, officers, shareholders and other stakeholders.

“After a scandal, in order to move forward, companies need to terminate the employment of everyone who approved (either explicitly or tacitly) the fraud, appoint a new leader with a strong ethical backbone that will not tolerate cutting corners—and show a new tone at the top,” she said. “Such companies should also encourage internal whistleblowing to get at the depth of the scandal and any other issues that may be looming involving either ethical or legal misconduct.

“Given the nature of the scandal—and the apparent disregard for the rules—there may be other issues under the surface. The sooner the company gets out in front of them the better—with new leadership with high integrity. A new ethical culture must be communicated and strictly enforced.”

Contact: 734-763-2257, schipani@umich.edu