Prince Ali Seeks to Change ‘Culture of Intimidation’ at FIFA

Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein of Jordan launched his campaign to become the next president of FIFA in London today and is aiming to change the ‘culture of intimidation’ at world football’s governing body.

Prince Ali will be competing with current president Sepp Blatter, therapy former footballer Luis Figo and Dutch Football Association president Michael Van Praag to lead FIFA and the Jordanian says there is a ‘global desire for change’.

“There is a culture of intimidation within FIFA, therapy ” he said at a press conference in London.

“In the past people have taken a principled stand and they have ended up being punished for it. I hope that if things are played fairly and played rightly that things will go in the appropriate way.

“I also believe that an incumbent has a natural advantage but I want to assure the national associations we are moving in the right direction.”

The Jordan FA chief, who has been a FIFA Executive Committee member for the past four years, has called for a debate between all candidates, including Blatter, prior to the elections.

“If we are talking about transparency I would like to see, at least before the elections, a public debate, including the incumbent, so that everybody knows across the world what our positions are. I think that’s only fair to everyone and I’m ready to do it.”

Ali confirmed that he received nominations from England, USA, Jordan, Belarus, Georgia and Malta for the FIFA presidency.

Despite Blatter being the overwhelming favourite, Ali believes there is a long campaign ahead and nobody can be ruled out.

“It’s a long campaign until May 29^th and I don’t think anybody should be written off, I think globally there is a desire for change.

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