Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein accuses rivals of lacking guts after declaring Fifa candidacy
Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein accused his potential rivals of being weak for failing to challenge Sepp Blatter after announcing his intention to stand for the presidency of world governing body Fifa yesterday.
The 39-year-old forced a second round of voting in May’s election before standing aside, and will now bid to defeat Uefa president and clear favourite Michel Platini in next year’s ballot. South Korea’s Chung Mong-joon has also indicated he will stand.
“I was the only person who dared challenge Batter, I ran because I believe that Fifa needs change,” said Prince Ali. “I had the courage when others feared. They didn’t have the guts to run, but I did.”
Blatter triggered the election, which will take place on 26 February, by announcing his resignation shortly after winning a fifth term as president in May, amid the alleged corruption scandal engulfing Fifa.
Seven Fifa officials were arrested in dawn raids in Switzerland as the United States justice department escalated investigations into bribery, money laundering and racketeering.
In a separate investigation, the Swiss attorney general opened criminal proceedings over the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively.
Prince Ali, who is currently a Fifa vice-president, intends to stand on a platform of transparency and reform.
“This election should be about football, not personal ambition. We have come too far to walk away now,” added Prince Ali.“We must overcome deep-seated corruption but I was not brought up to walk away from a tough fight.”