A special committee will be set up to investigate the finances of football world governing body FIFA, it was announced today.
FIFA general secretary Michel Zen-Ruffinen said: "After a very long meeting, the FIFA executive committee have decided to create an internal ad hoc audit committee".
The committee will look into the state of FIFA's current finances and the handling of the collapse of former marketing partners ISL last year. It may also look into allegations that supporters of FIFA president Sepp Blatter paid cash for votes before his 1998 election.
Blatter had resisted calls for such a body being set up, but was forced to concede following the three-hour emergency meeting.
The crucial issue remains the make-up of the committee, and that is expected to be confirmed tomorrow. But it has already been agreed it will be able to include independent experts and more importantly will not include any members of the FIFA finance committee, which yesterday came out in support of Blatter.
Blatter had only agreed to hold the emergency meeting under pressure from the majority of the 24-member executive. The Swiss lawyer (65) stands for re-election as president at the end of May and is so far unopposed.
PA