December 17 – FIFA presidency candidate Tokyo Sexwale says he won’t let previous loyalties stand in his way if he wins the vote on February 26 next year.
The South African anti-apartheid icon turned international businessman is understood to be struggling to pick up widespread support and took to the airwaves to promote his case.
Speaking on the BBC’s HARDtalk show, Sexwale said he should not be judged on his long-standing relationships with members of the old regime at FIFA if elected.
“I don’t run away from people I know,” he said. “I’m not just close to Mr Blatter and all of them like Mr Platini. These were friends, these are friends, however if any of them have been less than candid with the truth, the law will and must take its own course.”
When asked about whether he would base himself in Zurich permanently and move from South Africa, Sexwale said the next president did not have to reside at FIFA headquarters all the time since the day to day running of FIFA, under the proposed new structure of the organisation, would be even more the responsibility of the secretary general than hitherto.
“If you look at the reforms that have come, the president of FIFA, in charge of the council, must have a very strong administration in the form of a Secretary General/CEO that’s the person who runs things,” he said. “So, from time to time, you have to be there at the HQ to make sure things happen. But, however, if it means I should move, yes I will move.”
Sexwale, now a prominent businessman with interests in mining, gold and diamonds, served 13 years in jail on Robben Island with Nelson Mandela.
“I have always stayed away from South Africa. I was in jail for 13 years. I lived in the Soviet Union, I’ve lived in Tanzania, Mozambique… so it is not rocket science for me, but I believe there’ll be a time when I spend quality time in Zurich and also be at home from time to time. But being in South Africa doesn’t mean you are not doing FIFA work.”
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