Fifa gag proves costly as communications chief Walter De Gregorio axed

Fifa’s communications director Walter De Gregorio has been fired days after making a joke on Swiss television about the world governing body.

De Gregorio had been Fifa’s most visible public face since the wave of corruption and bribery allegations brought the organisation to its knees.

A Fifa statement said Gregorio has decided to “relinquish his office with immediate effect” but it is understood he has been fired on outgoing president Sepp Blatter’s orders.