IOC's Bach urges sports bodies to protect their credibility

Published Oct. 29, 2015 1:21 p.m. ET

foxsports

WASHINGTON (AP) In a clear reference to the corruption scandal at FIFA, IOC President Thomas Bach has urged sports bodies to make sure they comply with ethical rules and standards of good governance or risk losing their credibility.

Bach says ''we realized in the last couple of months how important it is that sports organizations enjoy credibility.''

He says ''we can enjoy credibility only if we are complying with standards of good governance.''

Bach spoke at the opening of the general assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees, a conference attended by delegates from more than 200 countries.

Bach said ''without good governance all your achievements are at risk.''

Bach has previously called for an outside presidential candidate to take over FIFA and restore credibility to the soccer body.