'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgf/2gAIAQEAAAAAkw//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD/9oACAECEAAAAE//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC/9oACAEDEAAAAD//xAAeEAACAQQDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAABBAIAAwYREhMhUf/aAAgBAQABPwBvGLGMrOMMNSYYmlLpMLIAjz1E72T9oWfB5Gv/xAAWEQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAkH/2gAIAQIBAT8ASn//xAAXEQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIy/9oACAEDAQE/AKyj/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan has formally registered a FIFA Presidency bid on Thursday, according to Sky Sports. Prince Ali has pledged to restore the reputation of world football’ s scandal-ridden governing body.
The Jordanian prince who was a former FIFA vice president has admitted that he received the necessary backing from five of the governing body’s 209 member associations but has refused to mention the names, insisting that it is “all out of respect”.
The next Presidential elections to replace the departing leader, Sepp Blatter, have been reported to be scheduled for February 26. However, FIFA announced that its executive committee is considering delaying the election and is now set to hold a crisis meeting at its headquarters in Zurich on Sunday.
Blatter was suspended by FIFA’s Ethics Committee last week along with Michel Platini, who is another candidate in line to succeed the Swiss leader. The organization has made the headlines in various media outlets for all the wrong reasons. It is engulfed by corruption claims and is currently facing criminal investigations in Switzerland and United States.
The Prince delivered a speech ahead of the elections and sent a message to all members setting out his case for change.
"For all of us these are dark times. Restoring Fifa's credibility will not be an easy task, but together it can be done,” he said.
“For the good of the game and all who love it, I humbly ask for the honour of your support."
He further added: "This time of crisis at Fifa is an opportunity for positive change.”
"Many good ideas have emerged in the current discussion over Fifa's future. A better future will only come if ideas turn into action - and that will only happen if Fifa has the right leadership.”
"I am confident that Fifa can emerge from this difficult period with its reputation restored and become the organisation that is once again viewed with respect."
Former France international Platini also placed his bid for the elections, but he may not be able to stand if he fails in an appeal against a 90-day suspension. Earlier this year, the Prince stood against Blatter in an election but withdrew after the first round. Blatter announced four days later that he would stand down.
World football’s scandal-ridden governing body is now under criminal investigation in Switzerland and the Frenchman has been named in the inquiry over a $2 million payment from FIFA.
