By Andrew Warshaw
October 9 – FIFA’s Asian vice-president Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein has called on the organisation to make Arabic one of its official languages in addition to English, French, German and Spanish. In a wide-ranging statement on a number of issues, Prince Ali said FIFA needed to recognise how many people across the world spoke Arabic as a first language.
“It is about time FIFA embrace the Arabic language as an official language, spoken by more than 300 million people in 22 Arab countries, all of which are members of the football governing body,” Prince Ali said.
He also added his voice to the criticism directed at FIFA in some parts of Asia for using the term ‘Persian Gulf’ on its website and in official correspondence instead of ‘Arabian Gulf’, a development that has since been rectified.
“Allow me to stress that it is crucial for FIFA, which comprises more than 200 richly diverse members, to be mindful and respectful of cultural sensitivities,” Prince Ali said. “Respect of other cultures is indeed one of the core values of our beautiful game.”
Prince Ali, head of the Jordanian FA, thanked FIFA, however, for its decision to grant $800,000 to Jordan for building mini-pitches for Syrian refugees, money which “can help alleviate some of the strain” being felt by the victims.
Regarding potentially moving the Qatar 2022 World Cup from summer to winter, Prince Ali – a firm supporter of a switch – supported last week’s decision by the FIFA executive committee to consult all parties before any change of date takes place.
“While I believe the weather in winter will be ideal, I am confident that Qatar is capable of delivering an impressive tournament during either season,” he said. “Nevertheless, this decision must be thoroughly studied and must be based solely on what serves football’s best interest without any political or personal influences.”
Finally, Prince Ali urged FIFA to lift the ban on Iraq hosting international friendlies – re-imposed by football’s world governing body in July – saying the conflict-riven country was being unfairly singled out.
“On FIFA’s decision to extend the ban on playing home international friendly matches in Iraq, I would like to emphasize that Iraq should be able to host friendly matches, whether in the South or the North,” said Prince Ali. “There are other countries facing similar issues but are given the green light, there is no reason to exclude Iraq at this point.”
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