Doha, Feb 3 (IANS) FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein of Jordon, one of three rivals contesting against incumbent Josep “Sepp” Blatter in the elections, has warned of a culture of intimidation within world football’s governing body.
“There is a culture of intimidation within Fifa. But this is a candidacy for the whole world,” Ali was quoted as saying by guardian.co.uk Tuesday.
The 39-year-old Ali also claimed he would be the perfect candidate for the top job.
“In the past, people have taken a principled stand and have been punished for it. I hope that if things are played fairly, things will go in the appropriate way. I have to reassure our national associations that I will be the right candidate for them,” he said.
Also challenging Blatter will be former Portuguese football international Luis Figo and Dutch sports director Michael van Praag.
Ali said he planned to meet with Figo and van Praag “as soon as possible”.
“Luis Figo is a friend of mine and Michael van Praag is someone I respect a lot. I would like to sit with them and have a discussion. It’s good that we have more than one candidate and it is emblematic of the desire for reform.”
Ali’s campaign has also been endorsed by European football’s governing body UEFA president Michel Platini. But denied suggestions his candidacy was part of a co-ordinated scheme by Platini.
“I am my own man and I am running for the presidency of Fifa,” he said.
“I have nominations from three different confederations. I do appreciate the support of Michel Platini,” confirming the six countries that nominated him were England, the United States, Jordan, Belarus, Malta and Georgia.