adminAMMAN. — European football leaders have backed the move by Fifa vice president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein to challenge Sepp Blatter for the presidency of football’s scandal-tainted world body.
The 39-year-old Jordanian royal said he would seek to end “controversy” when he tries to stop Blatter securing a fifth term in the Fifa election on May 29.
Prince Ali is an ally of Uefa president Michel Platini, an outspoken critic of Blatter’s move to extend his rule.
The prince is certain to get nearly all the 54 European votes in the election, but will face a tough battle to get the 105 votes needed from Fifa’s 209 member federations.
Platini said on Tuesday that Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan has “complete legitimacy” to become Fifa’s president.
“I know Prince Ali well. He has all the credibility required to hold office,” said Platini, signalling his approval.
“We now await his proposals and his programme for the future of football.”
English Football Association chairman Greg Dyke also welcomed the prince’s decision. The FA have been a leading European critic of Blatter. — AFP.
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