adminZURICH. — World football’s governing body FIFA has confirmed it will hold the election for its next president at a special congress on February 26. The election will determine who will succeed Sepp Blatter, who has been president since 1998.
Blatter (79) and vice president Michel Platini have both been suspended for 90 days amid corruption allegations, which both men deny. Platini is seeking the next presidency, as is Prince Ali bin al-Hussein.
Frenchman Platini, president of European football’s governing body Uefa, submitted his candidacy papers earlier this month, but FIFA says it cannot recognise his candidacy while his ban is in place and he cannot campaign.
However, FIFA’s electoral committee says it may allow him to stand if his suspension ends before the election date.
Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa of Bahrain is expected to contest the election. Former Trinidad and Tobago midfielder David Nakhid said he will stand, while ex-Tottenham defender Ramon Vega is considering doing likewise.
Swiss Blatter is under criminal investigation over claims he made a £1,35 million payment to Platini in 2011, as well as allegations he signed a contract “unfavourable” to FIFA.
Football’s governing body has been in chaos since October 9 when the ethics committee suspended current president Blatter, secretary-general Jerome Valcke, and Platini for 90 days due to ongoing investigations.
Swiss authorities are investigating an irregular payment of two million Swiss francs Blatter made to Platini in 2011, as well as allegations he signed a contract “unfavourable” to FIFA.
Ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Switzerland defender Vega has said a former footballer should replace Blatter and was considering entering the race.
“If I am the catalyst to reforming FIFA then I’m definitely considering going forward,” said the 44-year-old Vega.
Bahrain’s Shaikh Salman, president of the Asian Football Confederation, says he has been urged to run for the presidency, but has yet to decide.
Prince Ali bin al Hussein, who lost to Blatter in May’s election, and former Trinidad and Tobago captain David Nakhid have officially stated their intention to run, as has Platini. The UEFA president was considered the favourite to replace Blatter until his suspension and his chances appear to have nosedived since.
On Monday, Platini told French newspaper Le Monde he felt Blatter was seeking to “kill me politically” over the contested payment and says he feels “shame at being dragged through the mud”.
But the Frenchman still believes he is “the only one who can ensure that FIFA again becomes the home of football”.
Neither Platini nor Blatter have yet explained the reason for the nine-year delay in payment for work Platini carried out as Blatter’s technical advisor from 1999 to 2002.
Blatter, Platini and Valcke did not attend yesterday’s FIFA gathering in Zurich, which was the first executive committee meeting held without Blatter’s presence for 40 years.
In the Swiss’ absence, acting president Issa Hayatou will attempt to lead FIFA through the storm of scandals.
The Cameroonian says restoring public trust is a matter of priority.
“It’s certainly an unprecedented situation for FIFA,” said the 69-year-old.
“But we remain focused on the necessary reform process, the presidential election and on supporting the current investigations. “To restore public trust is a crucial objective. It is essential that FIFA carries on its mission of developing the game and staging international tournaments.”
On the agenda, the executive committee will hear the first recommendations from FIFA’s reform committee, tasked with suggesting changes within football’s corridors of power. — BBC.
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