adminFifa presidential hopeful Tokyo Sexwale said at the weekend it was high time Africa takes the reins at the world football governing body and fixes the “heartbroken” game. For 111 years Fifa “has not had an African” leader. “Africa has been on the bench, warming it, and now it’s about time,” Sexwale was quoted as saying by various South African newspapers.
“The time for diversity has arrived and it’s Africa’s time.”
He was speaking at the weekend conference of the southern African football associations, Cosafa.
“It’s not about race . . . it’s about showing that Fifa is for everyone and not just for certain people,” said the 62-year-old veteran politician and global campaigner against racism in sports.
“You’ve got to show that we’re an international body. Nine leaders of Fifa have all been from one area (Europe).
“You’re sending a wrong signal if certain people can be accorded leadership and others are not.”
The millionaire businessman, who was jailed alongside Nelson Mandela under apartheid rule, is among the candidates to replace Sepp Blatter as president of world football’s governing body in next February’s elections.
“You’re sending a signal that some . . . are only good as hunting ground for votes. Africa can’t be that,” he said, flanked by fellow aspirant Jerome Champagne.
Sexwale has previously vowed to clean up the sport and salvage the image of Fifa, which has been dented by a string of corruption scandals. — Supersport.
Online Reporter