By Andrew Warshaw
August 13 – Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein of Jordan is back on the offensive and again questioning Michel Platini’s credentials as being the best candidate to take over as FIFA president in succession to Sepp Blatter who is standing down on February 26.
In an interview with CNN Arabic, Prince Ali has repeated his claim that Platini is not the “right man” to clean up world football’s governing body.
“I personally respect Platini as a player and a president of the European Football Union; and we met and I listened to his opinion.
“But at the end of the day, the matter at hand is not personal. I do not think Platini is the right man for the new phase because this stage needs young blood, and minds which can understand the international needs – not just the European ones.”
It may not be personal but it certainly looks that way on paper. Prince Ali failed in his attempt to unseat Blatter in May and may be indignant that Platini, who refused to stand against Blatter, has clinched his strategic opportunity from under the Jordanian’s nose now that Blatter, who the Frenchman knew he wouldn’t have been able to beat, will be out of the way in a few months’ time.
Prince Ali would have got far fewer than his 73 votes had he not received the support of UEFA members in his fight to remove Blatter and it is understood his stance has taken the UEFA hierarchy completely by surprise. On the other hand, Platini would have supported anyone but Blatter in the May election and Prince Ali may feel he has been short-changed.
Asked about his own intentions, the 39-year-old former FIFA vice-president commented: “I am currently consulting some of the football federations, especially those seeking change and a better future for football. It is the most popular sport and the entire world would love to see it continuously evolving for the better.”
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