English FA president Prince William calls for FIFA reform

English FA president Prince William addressed the state of FIFA amid the United States's investigation into corruption in soccer's governing body.

English FA president Prince William was on hand at the FA Cup Final on Saturday and addressed the state of FIFA to FA delegates amid the United States's investigation into corruption in soccer's governing body.

The Duke of Cambridge called for FIFA reform and said there "seems to be a huge disconnect between the sense of fair play that guides those playing and supporting the game, and the allegations of corruption that have long lingered around the management of the sport internationally."

On Wednesday, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced charges for 14 FIFA officials stemming from decades of "rampant, systemic, and deep-rooted" corruption by members of world soccer's governing body.

• STRAUS: What, ultimately will spark FIFA reform?

From Prince William's speech to FA delegates:

"The events in Zurich this week represent FIFA's Salt Lake City moment, when the International Olympic Committee went through a similar period of serious allegations. FIFA, like the IOC, must now show that it can represent the interests of fair play and put the sport first.

"Those backing FIFA, such as sponsors and the regional confederations, must do their bit to press these reforms – we are doing football and its fans no favors if we do not. I have no doubt that when FIFA reforms, its mission to spread the benefits of the game to more people, especially those in developing countries, can only be enhanced."

• ​WAHL: Sunil Gulati shows leadership by voting against Sepp Blatter

Another round of indictments of officials is possible, however newly re-elected FIFA president Sepp Blatter recently dismissed the notion that he could be arrested next.

- Molly Geary