Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein has formally submitted his bid to succeed Sepp Blatter as FIFA president.
Blatter won a fifth term in office in May but just days later announced that he would be stepping down from the role, with the election set to be held at FIFA’s extraordinary congress on February 26.
There have been calls for the election to be postponed due to the 90-day suspensions handed down to Blatter and UEFA president Michel Platini by the ethics committee and the executive council will meet later this month to discuss whether or not to proceed with the vote.
Prince Ali believes delaying the election would create further instability and he has officially submitted his candidacy after securing the five nominations needed to run.
“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,” Prince Ali said.
“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 (an) organisation that is once again viewed with respect.
“We cannot change the past but FIFA can have a better future,” he wrote. “We can ensure that FIFA regains the credibility to fulfil our obligations under our own statutes “to promote integrity, ethics and fair play.
“I have never lost sight of the fact that there are so many good and honest people within the global FIFA organisation. The dark cloud over FIFA’s leadership should not cast its shadow on our Member Associations and the thousands of volunteers who work tirelessly to bring the joy football to young boys and girls, and millions of fans the world over.
“The crisis at FIFA is a crisis of leadership. I believe in this organisation. Together we will make it great again.
“I am one of you, an FA President, and I know how hard you strive to define football. I am sure that FIFA can and will again become an organisation that earns the respect it deserves.
“For all of us these are dark times. Restoring FIFA’s credibility will not be an easy task, but together it can be done. For the good of the game and all who love it, I humbly ask for the honour of your support.”
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