FIFA has announced that its anti-racism taskforce has been scrapped.
The decision to end the work of the Taskforce Against Racism and Discrimination has been met with widespread criticism.
Former FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali was quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "The notion that the current FIFA leadership believe that the taskforce's recommendations have been implemented is shameful."
Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out released a statement, which read: "This comes at a time when there is clear evidence that discrimination, prejudice and hate are on the rise in developed societies.
"Organisations that are actively campaigning against racism and discrimination will be deeply disheartened to hear news of the disbandment, as they look to FIFA for leadership in a game which is so popular across the world."
While speaking at the Soccerex conference in Manchester today, FIFA general secretary Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura defended the decision, saying: "It had a specific mandate, which it has fully fulfilled.
"My presence here is a demonstration that FIFA has a zero tolerance policy against discrimination, not only racism but any kind of discrimination, including violation of human rights."
The taskforce was introduced in 2013.
Danielle Joynson
