Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein has called on Sepp Blatter to participate in publicised debates in the lead up to FIFA’s presidential elections in May.
Prince Ali, a current vice-president of FIFA, is one of three candidates challenging Blatter’s position, all of whom are promising to clean up the image of football’s governing body after high-profile controversies in recent years.
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Former Portugal international Luis Figo will also run for the post along with Michael van Praag, the chairman of the Dutch Football Association (KNVB).
And, talking at his candidacy launch in London on Tuesday, Prince Ali believes the election process should be open for the benefit of the footballing public.
“If we are talking about transparency I would like to see, at least before the elections, a public debate – including the incumbent – so everyone across the world knows what our positions are,” he said.
“That is only fair to everyone and I am ready to do it. I have my reputation. That is is fair and that is honest and if that is the case I’m very confident.”
President of the Jordan Football Association and a member of the FIFA Executive Committee, Prince Ali revealed he had been nominated for the presidency by his homeland as well as England, the United States, Belarus, Georgia and Malta.
“My nominations are from three different confederations, which I’m very happy with,” he said.
“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.”
Although he has now officially launched his campaign, Prince Ali intends to garner opinions from across all member nations of FIFA before publishing a completed framework for his campaign.
“As you are aware I have a programme that has come out,” he said. “But in the coming months I will be visiting national associations around the world to discuss with them what their hopes and ideas are for the future of FIFA.
“I have been on the Executive Committee for the last four years and I understand what has been going on. And after listening to colleagues who believe it is the time to change, I did this for the sake of football throughout the world.
“I have always tried to reform FIFA from the inside but I believe the best way to go ahead is to run for the presidency itself.”
Prince Ali also questioned previous elections and voting within the federation. “Obviously there is a culture of intimidation – let me put it that way – within FIFA,” he said.
“In the past, if people take a stand they possibly end up being punished for it. That is why the vote is secret and I hope that if things are played fairly and rightly that things will go in the appropriate way.”
THE CANDIDATES
► Sepp Blatter
FIFA president since 1998 and the overwhelming favourite, the Swiss has significant support in Asia (AFC), Oceania (OFC) and Africa (CAF) which, if all members vote in his favour, would provide 114 votes. Nine more than the minimum needed to win.
► Prince Ali Bin Hussein
The only non-European standing, Prince Ali is something of a trail blazer having been the youngest ever member of FIFA’s executive committe at 36. Key for his chances will be to split the AFC vote, his home confederation.
► Michael van Praag
The highly-respected Dutch administrator represents the safe pair of hands given his four decades in the game. However, his six nominations were all from European countries which implies a limited support base.
► Luis Figo
The Portuguese legend is the fashionable choice but his lack of experience could count against him. That said, Figo is particularly popular in South America with votes in the traditionally Blatterfriendly conference up for grabs.
