Former FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan yesterday described Michel Platini’s decision to stand for the post in February’s election as “not good for FIFA.”
UEFA president Platini announced earlier in the day that he intended to stand in the election to choose a replacement for outgoing Sepp Blatter.
“Platini is not good for FIFA,” said Prince Ali, who also lost his place on FIFA’s executive committee in May, in a statement.
“Football’s fans and players deserve better.
“FIFA is engulfed in scandal. We must stop doing business as usual. The practice of back-room, under-the-table deals must end,” he added.
Prince Ali, who is yet to announce whether he intends to run again, said he would be consulting individual football federations in the coming week “about what is in the best interests of football.
“What is clear is that FIFA needs new, independent leadership, untainted by the practices of the past,” he declared.
The Jordanian withdrew from the previous election on May 29 after receiving 73 votes to Blatter’s 133 in the first round of voting.
However, Blatter, in a shock announcement four days later, said he would lay down his mandate as FIFA was engulfed by a bribery scandal being investigated by US, Swiss and other law enforcement agencies.
The scandal has plunged FIFA into the worst crisis in its 111-year history.
The Dutch football federation, whose president Michael van Praag withdrew from the May presidential race one week before the election, said Platini was a “serious candidate” to replace the Swiss as the English FA threw their weight behind Platini’s bid.
“There is a real chance of more candidates putting themselves forward,” the Dutch federation added.
“Only when these names are known will the board take a decision about its stance in the February 26 elections.”
The deadline for candidates to formally present their nominations, with support, is October 26.
They will also have to undergo integrity checks, led by Dome-nico Scala, head of the ad-hoc election committee.
Malta FA position
The Malta FA are understood to be carefully analysing the latest developments in the FIFA presidency race before deciding what stance to take.
The MFA were among the national associations that nominated Jordan’s Prince Ali bin Al Hussein for the FIFA presidential election in May.
At the time, Prince Ali also enjoyed the backing of UEFA but Platini’s decision to run for FIFA president has changed the entire scenario.
It remains to be seen whether the Malta FA will confirm their backing to Prince Ali bin Al Hussein or align themselves with Platini who was not a candidate at the last election.