Prince Ali Decries A ‘Culture Of Intimidation’ Within Fifa

FIFA Presidential candidate, Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein has condemned the “culture of intimidation” within Fifa.

The Jordanian FA boss is one of four candidates proposed for the May 29 election having received backing from his home federation, Belarus, Malta England and Georgia.

The 39-year-old member of the Jordanian Royal is joined by Portugal great Luis Figo, Dutch FA president Michael van Praag in a campaign to unseat Sepp Blatter, who has been at the helm of the football’s governing body for 17 years and is seeking a fifth term.

Jordanian FA President and Fifa Vice-President for Asia Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein (L) Declares for Fifa Top Job. Image: Getty.

“There is a bit of a culture of intimidation within Fifa but, having said that, this is a candidacy for the whole world,” Prince Ali said at a campaign launch in London.

“In the past people take a principled stand and they are possibly punished for it. I hope things are played fairly and in the right way now.”

Blatter, 78, has gained widespread support from countries within the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Confederation of African Football (Caf), Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL).

Prince Ali, who has been on the Fifa executive committee for four years, added that he will resign if Blatter is re-elected.

“I couldn’t see myself on the executive for the next four years given the circumstances that are.”
“We had promises from him he wouldn’t run again, but obviously that is not the case. With full honesty and integrity, he should give a chance to others.”

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