FIFA presidential candidates Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein and Jerome Champagne are of the belief that with the world body’s elections on the horizon, so is change and renewed trust.Both were giving presentations to Caribbean Football Union (CFU) officials Saturday at the regional body’s general meeting in Antigua.
Prince Ali, speaking on the issue of FIFA’s damaged credibility, said he supported reforms to restore credibility.
“We cannot change the past, but with the right leadership working together, FIFA can regain its respect if it elects a president with credibility and a proven commitment to transparency, accountability ,and honesty,” said Prince Ali, a former FIFA vice president and current Jordan FA chief.
Insiders believe Champagne, despite his intimate knowledge of FIFA from the 11 years he spent in the organisation, will struggle for support because of his open praise for the policies of Sepp Blatter, the organisation’s former president who now finds himself embroiled in a battle to save his reputation after being found guilty of corruption by FIFA’s Ethics committee late last year.
Blatter was banned from all football activity for eight years.
Champagne also called for transparency and change within FIFA but insisted Saturday that Blatter’s good work should be respected. He does not think his approval of Blatter’s developmental policies should negatively affect his bid.
“Not at all, in 1974 under Joao Havelange (a process continued by Blatter), FIFA transformed a small Swiss-based organisation into a worldwide federation.
The fact that there are some controversies (surrounding Blatter), Mr Blatter implemented the vision of Mr Havelange which worked worldwide for football which is universal, so it’s not about defending Mr Blatter, it’s sharing a vision, which I fully share, whatever the outcome of the current investigation (into corruption by Blatter),” Champagne said.
The Caribbean region has 25 votes and joins with North and Central America to represent CONCACAF which is seen as a pivotal Confederation for votes in FIFA.
Only the African confederation, UEFA, and the Asian Confed carry more votes than CONCACAF to FIFA’s election platform.(Sportsmax.com)