FIFA Update – Comms Chief De Gregorio Leaves With Immediate Effect

By Christian Radnedge

The crisis engulfing FIFA has claimed another victim as it was announced on Thursday that Director of Communications Walter De Gregorio is to leave the organisation with immediate effect.

The news comes following the US investigation into corruption in world football which has seen senior FIFA figures arrested in Zurich, documents seized, and president Sepp Blatter deciding to step down.

In a statement, FIFA said:

Walter De Gregorio has decided to relinquish his office with immediate effect as Director of Communications & Public Affairs.

Mr De Gregorio joined FIFA on 14 September 2011 and will serve FIFA on a consultancy basis until the end of this year.

His Deputy Nicolas Maingot will resume the role ad interim.

“Walter has worked incredibly hard for the past four years and we are immensely grateful for all he has done. I am glad we will be able to continue to draw on his expertise until the end of the year”, said FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke.

De Gregorio was the man tasked with facing the international media alone after seven arrests in Zurich on the eve of the FIFA congress.

On the US Department of Justice investigation, which indicted 14 people involved with football, De Gregorio famously said it was “a good day for FIFA”