FIFA ends Beckenbauer-led World Cup task force

FIFA has disbanded an expert panel led by Franz Beckenbauer and Pele which was meant to suggest ways of improving football's entertainment value before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. FIFA says the intended work of its Task Force Football 2014 group will instead be done by its existing Football Committee, chaired by UEFA President Michel Platini. Australia winger Harry Kewell - who could be playing in Brazil - and former Germany star forward Steffi Jones will join that committee at its Nov. 16 meeting. Beckenbauer and Pele will be special advisers. Pele never attended task force meetings, which failed to deliver significant results. FIFA President Sepp Blatter appointed the task force to create ''a more attractive'' World Cup after too many lackluster matches at the 2010 edition in South Africa.