Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan said it was time for the “culture of intimidation” in FIFA to end when he launched his campaign yesterday for the presidency of world soccer’s ruling body.
He also called for a public debate among the four candidates in the presidency race including incumbent Sepp Blatter “to set out our positions and for people to know exactly where we stand.”
Prince Ali, 39, FIFA’s Asian vice-president for the last four years and a member of the ruling body’s executive committee, said he “could not sit through” another four years in the current circumstances.
“There has been a culture of intimidation within FIFA,” he told a news conference.
“In the past people have taken a principled stand and they have ended up being punished for it. I hope things are played fairly and in the right way now.
“Obviously, the incumbent has a natural advantage but I want to assure the national associations we are moving in the right direction.”
As well as Prince Ali and Blatter, the other contenders are former Portugal international Luis Figo and Michael van Praag, the president of the Dutch FA.
Asian snag
Prince Ali said the countries who had nominated him were his own Jordan, England, Malta, Georgia, Belarus and the United States, adding that the fact that his own Asian confederation was not fully behind his campaign was not a hindrance at this stage.
“This is about the whole world, it is not just about one confederation,” said the Prince who has campaigned for reform since being elected in 2011.
“My nominations are from three different confederations, which I’m very happy with.
“I know it is going to be a big challenge and we have a lot to do until May 29, but I’m very confident in all our national associations and the presidents of our national associations who want the best for football.”
Last week, Malta FA president Norman Darmanin Demajo told club officials at a council meeting that the association will be supporting Prince Ali’s campaign for the FIFA presidency.
“After a series of meetings during which we thoroughly discussed the subject, we reached a decision to back Prince Ali,” Darmanin Demajo was quoted as saying.
However, Prince Ali is facing a complication over the next few months.
Due to changes in the Asian confederation, he will lose his seat on the FIFA executive committee following the Asian congress on April 30 when he will be replaced by Sheikh Salman of Bahrain.
He confirmed that he would not contest an “ordinary” Asian seat on the FIFA executive committee at the Asian Congress which means he faces a “win or bust” situation.
If he does not win the presidential vote at the FIFA Congress in Zurich on May 29 he will not be on the executive committee at all after that date when decisions taken at the various confederation congresses come into force.
“My total commitment is to run for the presidency of FIFA. I am not going to sit through another four years of what’s been going on and I think the way to change it is to go for the top,” he said.
“I want to turn the pyramid upside down, so that the national associations, the players, the officials, the fans and the sponsors are on top and the FIFA president is there to serve them and protect the game.
“If I am elected, I will not attempt to shift blame or dodge my responsibility for the actions of FIFA.
“As president I will accept accountability at all times.”