FIFA approves ethics code

Zurich:

FIFA said it will consider requiring domestic soccer leagues halt play 25 days before the start of the 2006 World Cup, giving players at least eight days of rest and another 17 for training prior to the first match. The 2006 World Cup will begin June 9, 2006, in Munich and Gelsenkirchen, Germany, meaning national associations would need to conclude their domestic league and cup schedules by May 14. FIFA's executive committee expects to ratify the proposal from its strategic studies group at its December 18 meeting. Gathering at its lakefront headquarters in Zurich, FIFA's executive committee also unanimously approved the Code of Ethics drawn up by a panel addressing the matter. On Tuesday, the strategic studies committee had agreed to reduce the number of matches played globally each year, an attempt to protect players from both injury and burnout. Other decisions include raising the bonuses for the 32 finalists at the 2006 World Cup to 332 million francs ($263 million), from the 240 million Swiss francs ($190 million) in 2002, an increase of 38 percent, FIFA said. The adoption of the new ethics code, which addresses issues such as discrimination, conduct, bribery, gift acceptance, payment for mediation, sanctions, voting and others, was crucial, said FIFA spokesman Markus Siegler. (AP)