By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
February 26 – And then there were four. Just a few hours before the election of a new FIFA president, rank outsider Tokyo Sexwale as expected withdrew from the race but not before stealing the show with a wonderfully humourous speech to FIFA’s voting members.
It has been clear for some time that the human rights icon turned international businessman did not stand a chance of succeeding Sepp Blatter after being snubbed by his own African continent.
But Sexwale, who has made a number of friends with his relaxed, humble style over the last few days and probably would have been the fans’ favourite given his background, left with his head held high after being the last of the five candidates to address the congress, laying out his plans for FIFA in 4-4-2 formation and making a point of refusing to badmouth any of FIFA’s banned officials, notably Sepp Blatter.
“I learned from Nelson Mandela not to rejoice in the pain and misery of others,” Sexwale said before regaling delegates with a series of well-received anecdotes about life and football.
Right at the end came the coup de grace from a man who was clearly unsuited to running FIFA but whose address will have touched not only those delegates in the auditorium but thousands of others watching on a live stream.
“If you elect any of the other four candidates, there will be a party,” said Sexwale as he mentioned them by name. “But if you elect me, there will be greater party.”
In terms of the more serious speeches, Gianni Infantino may have picked up support among wavering voters as switched between English, Italian, French and Spanish when discussing each confederation’s needs.
Infantino made a point of defending spending pledges that have been criticized by Bahraini rival Sheikh Salman, the Asian Football Confederation president. Infantino has committed to offering each of FIFA’s 209 members $5 million over four years.
“The money is your money not the FIFA president’s,” charged the Swiss-Italian, prompting his own round of applause from the congress room.
“Five months ago I was not thinking to be a candidate. But many things have happened. The image of FIFA is tarnished and when the situation is difficult you have choices: you hide or stand up and try to do the right thing. For me to hide has never been an option,” he added.
“When I speak about figures I know what I’m speaking about. I’ve been managing UEFA for the last seven years.”
“We need a strong leader and strong leadership. A leader cannot do everything. I will need you, each and every one and I will be there for you every day and every night.”
After acting FIFA secretary general Markus Kattner revealed FIFA is facing a $550 million financial deficit in the four-year cycle up to the 2018 World Cup, Shaikh Salman’s speech focussed on avoiding haemorraging FIFA funds.
“We have to act responsibly … I am not ready to mortgage the future of FIFA for election purposes,” he said, gaining considerable kudos as he spoke unscripted saying it was “better to speak from the heart rather than be dictated through a paper.”
Shaikh Salman pointed to his track record in Asia after replacing former AFC president Mohamed bin Hammam. Refering to FIFA’s attempt to recover from corruption scandals, Shaikh Salman said: “…we went through the same ordeal” .
Prince Ali al bin-Hussein, the only candidate who took on Sepp Blatter in May, insisted he would not put up with “mismanagement, corruption, self-interest, racism, sexism or human rights violations. FIFA has floundered,” he said.
Jerome Champagne reminded delegates he had an “unblemished background” but perhaps his honesty got the better of him as he aligned himself with Blatter, his former boss during his 11 years at FIFA, when he said he had shown “fidelity … never attacked it, never attacked the leaders.”
“Vote for the candidate who is truly independent and has knowledge of the world,” said Champagne.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734904935labto1734904935ofdlr1734904935owedi1734904935sni@w1734904935ahsra1734904935w.wer1734904935dna1734904935
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734904935labto1734904935ofdlr1734904935owedi1734904935sni@w1734904935ahsra1734904935w.wer1734904935dna1734904935