OUTGOING FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce has welcomed the major probe into alleged corruption at the football sporting body - but declined to comment on whether he believes the organisation's beleaguered President Sepp Blatter should step down.
Eleven FIFA officials were arrested in raids in Switzerland on Wednesday and charged by the US authorities with racketeering, fraud and money laundering.
Amongst other claims it is alleged that FIFA officials received bribes to influence bids to host the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 2016 Copa Amrica in the US.
Speaking to the Irish News last night Boyce said: "I am delighted that this enquiry is happening now at FIFA.
"I have always said that there are people in FIFA who should be dealt with."
The former Irish Football Association (IFA) president said: "I have also always said that anyone acting in a dishonest way should be dealt with in the most severe manner."
When asked about Blatter's future he said: "I am not getting involved in that. I dont think it is right for me to comment.
"David Gill has taken over from me and it is up to him to make statements on behalf of FIFA."
Boyce's reluctance to be drawn on Blatter was in marked contrast to the IFA in Belfast.
A spokesman for the organisation confirmed yesterday that its current President Jim Shaw would be casting his vote against Blatter in the FIFA Presidential election scheduled to take place today.
The Swiss national, who has been President of FIFA for 17 years, has not been arrested.
However the organisations reputation has been left tarnished by numerous corruption allegations throughout his term in office.
Both the IFA in the north and the Republic's Football Association of Ireland have now indicated they will support the only candidate opposing Blatter, Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein of Jordan.
A spokesman for the IFA said: "We will be supporting UEFA President Michel Platini's call to support Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein. We had a meeting this morning to discuss the matter and will be voting in line with UEFA."
Boyce, whose four year term as the UKs representative on FIFAs executive committee will end this morning, is to be replaced by former Manchester United chairman David Gill.
It is perhaps not unusual that he wishes to avoid criticism of his current boss, having stated publicly last month that he has "a good relationship" with Blatter.
In a video message played at the Soccer for Socrates film premiere in Belfast in April, the head of FIFA described Boyce as "an inspiration" and someone who had "set a shining example."
Responding to Blatters praise, the former IFA President told Sky Sports: "If there was something I felt wasn't right I spoke to him in a constructive manner which is accepted. I'm amazed that the tribute was paid and I'm very honoured."
At the time of Gills appointment as Jim Boyces replacement, English FA chairman Greg Dyke said he wanted the former Manchester United chairman to be "part of the awkward squad" asking tough questions of FIFA.
