adminLONDON. — Liberia football association chairman Musa Bility announced he would stand as a candidate to become the next president of FIFA following the resignation of Sepp Blatter, the BBC reported on Thursday.
Blatter announced earlier this month he was standing down after the body was hit by a wave of corruption allegations that are still sending shockwaves around the footballing world.
The 48-year-old Bility is the second person to declare his candidacy after former Brazil international Zico.
Bilaty claims that he will be able to rebuild the sport’s governing body and says that it is time for Africa to lead the game.
FIFA is currently reeling from the corruption scandal which has seen Blatter resign from his role despite being re-elected for a fifth term at the helm.
Bilaty said: “Africa is the largest voting bloc in FIFA (with 54 members), and we must take the lead to bring football together.
“If Africa does not put up a candidate, it says a lot about us. It shows a sense of mediocrity, and that our only relevance is to vote and make leaders. I think that is not right.”
Bilaty will come up against Brazilian legend Zico, who has already revealed that he intends to run for presidency when Blatter does indeed step down.
In order to stand, candidates must be nominated by at least five of the 209 FIFA member associations.
Bilaty added: “We all agree in the world that football is facing a difficult moment, and it is in difficult moments that great leaders emerge.”
The 67-year-old has run the Liberian FA since 2010, and was re-elected for a second term in charge last year.
“People know me to be bold, upright, outspoken, and highly opinionated. I say it like it is. When it’s not right, I don’t back down, and that has gained me some respect.”— Reuters.
Online Reporter