Justice (Retd) Mukul Mudgal is all set to add another feather to his cap as a sports administrator when he takes over as the head of FIFA’s governance committee. He was elected to the post at the 67th Congress held in Manama recently.
“It is one of the biggest posts in sports and a huge honour for India,” said Justice Mudgal to Sportstar here. “I would say it is an honour for the Indian judiciary,” he added.
A big cricket lover and having accomplished the task efficiently as the Administrator of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), Justice Mudgal was reportedly offered a position in the Committee of Administrators (CoA) to run the affairs of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He, however, had to decline the request due to his pre-occupation with the FIFA.
Justice Mudgal, who had joined the Governance Committee as deputy chairman in May last year, replaced Miguel Maduro, whose term came to and end in May even thought there were reports that he had been sacked for trying to block Russia's World Cup official Vitali Mutko from retaining his seat on the Council.
Justice Mudgal emphasised his elevation in the Governance Committee was a recognition of the Indian judiciary's “reputation, impartiality, integrity and ability.”
According to Justice Mudgal, his assignment would involve, “suggesting governance reforms of FIFA. It is an important segment of the FIFA and I have to work with two other officials.”
Referring to his assignment, Justice Mudgal said he would be “checking the eligibility of any candidate who would be contesting for any post. Needless to say it is an important task and I am looking forward to the challenge.”
Justice Mudgal's election to the Governance Committee is being welcomed in the sports circles here. “Europe was over-represented in the different continents. Justice Mudgal's presence lends a balance. In any case, reforms in the FIFA can't be the monopoly of a few,” said a veteran official.
A known advocate of clean governance in Indian sport, Justice Mudgal observed, “Transparency is a must in any sphere of administration. It ensures a level of commitment and that is what I have always encouraged. If you have transparency in your work there is no way you can make mistakes. We have some superb sports administrators in India who bring value to their job.”
As an Administrator at the DDCA, Justice Mudgal had set benchmarks which have been lauded by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) too. “I was entrusted a job (by the Delhi High Court) and I am happy I had a very hard-working team that delivered. We were able to conduct the matches smoothly,” Justice Mudgal added.
“I am looking forward to give my best in the new job,” said Justice Mudgal.
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