Brussels, Sept 27 (IRNA) The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) called Tuesday on the world footballing authorities to end an 'intolerable' ban imposed on Andrew Jennings, a leading investigative journalist with a global reputation for exposing corruption in sport.

The IFJ in a statement said that to persist with the ban, which has been in force for three years, would undermine the Swiss-based International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) and its commitment to transparency.

The ban on Jennings was imposed following newspaper and television reports alleging bribery, secrecy, and corruption within the organization.

FIFA president himself has been accused of secrecy surrounding his salary, bonuses, perks, and allowances from FIFA, said the IFJ.

The campaign against the reporter has involved exclusion from press conferences, threatening letters and a persistent refusal to respond to documented and serious charges of maladministration.

"The Jennings experience illustrates just how difficult life becomes for investigative journalists when powerful institutions give the impression they are answerable to no one and beyond criticism," said Aidan White, IFJ general secretary.

For almost 20 years, global sports has been hit by scandals over doping, business deals and bribery.

Jennings himself is the co-author of 'The Lords of the Rings', a scathing attack on the International Olympic Committee and its former president Juan Antonio Samaranch.

"The world of sports needs to become more aware of its public responsibilities and needs to outlaw internal secrecy. FIFA can lead the way by ending this ban and by answering legitimate questions, no matter how difficult they may be, honestly and in full," said White.

The Brussels-based IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 100 countries.