Platini is not good for FIFA: Jordanian Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein

IANS
Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein feels FIFA needs new, independent leadership

Paris, July 29 Michel Platini has been criticised by Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein of Jordan hours after the Frenchman confirmed that he would be a candidate for FIFA's top post next year.

Platini confirmed on Wednesday that he wants to succeed FIFA president Sepp Blatter when elections take place on February 26.

The UEFA president, 60, said it time FIFA turned a new page after being bombarded with corruption allegations.

However, Prince Ali said Platini will not be good for FIFA.

"Platini is not good for FIFA. Football's fans and players deserve better," Ali was quoted as saying by BBC.

"What is clear is that FIFA needs new, independent leadership, untainted by the practices of the past," he said.

Platini, a former three-time Player of the Year winner, has a good chance of becoming FIFA's president after receiving indications of support from four continental confederations.

The Frenchman also said he had decided to contest the elections considering "the future of football alongside my own future".

Swiss Blatter, 79, has been in charge of FIFA since 1998.

Candidates have until October 26 to be nominated.

"I have brought Europe together on a unifying path," he said. "I gave all the national associations - big and small - the place they deserved.

"Now, I aspire to do the same at world level, to offer all national associations a common cause."

Edited by Staff Editor