By Andrew Warshaw, chief correspondent
May 1 – During the increasingly fractious battle in Kuala Lumpur to become President of Asian football, it has been conveniently overlooked amid the political in-fighting that the position is effectively transitionary and only for 18 months.
Potentially far more significant is the other separate vote for a spot on the FIFA executive committee – the most powerful elite gathering in world football. Not least because it is a four-year term as distinct from just keeping the seat warm for possibly someone else.
According to Hassan Al-Thawadi – one of the two candidates bidding to join FIFA’s top table – this is where the real work gets done, this is where you can really bring about change.
In an interview with InsideWorldFootball, a few hours before the ballot, Al-Thawadi said: “Obviously it’s important that the AFC heals its wounds and moves forward but the FIFA exco seat is of more monumental importance. It’s a four-year term and the focus should be on the person who is most qualified to represent Asia.”
So why is he that man rather than his opponent, Bahrain’s Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa who may – or may not – have been voted in as president by the time the FIFA executive committee ballot is staged? Youthful zeal plus a diverse background in law, the gas and oil industry and business was his response.
“We are talking about an age and a time where it’s important that the person concerned has a global as well as an Asian view of football,” says Al-Thawadi.
“In the end the electorate will decide but I believe I’m the right person. The Asian voice needs to be heard loud and clear.” Al-Thawadi’s vision is based on four specific initiatives which are:
1. Enhanced representation for the AFC within FIFA “to help Asia fulfil its potential and support football’s global growth”;
2. Educational initiatives to provide players in the region with a future in the game beyond their playing careers, to create links between educational institutions and the FAs and provide increased access to courses for administrators and officials;
3. Optimise existing development projects to ensure they are tailored to the specific needs and requirements of the member associations; and
4. Work towards creating the best environment for commercial and administrative success.
For the full interview with Hasan Al-Thawadi and his vision for Asian football read Andrew Warshaw’s column (http://www.insideworldfootball.com/andrew-warshaw/12444-andrew-warshaw-interviews-hasan-al-thawadi-on-his-bid-for-fifa-s-executive-committee)
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734841175labto1734841175ofdlr1734841175owedi1734841175sni@w1734841175ahsra1734841175w.wer1734841175dna1734841175
