September 2 – Prospective FIFA presidential candidate Zico has written to all his potential rivals asking them to engage in an early debate about the future of the organisation.
The former Brazilian international has sent an email to UEFA boss Michel Platini, Liberian FA chief Musa Bility, former Trinidad and Tobago international midfielder David Nakhid and ex-FIFA vice-president Chung Mong-joon saying that “FIFA deserves a debate at this preliminary stage”.
Only Platini and Chung are viewed as credible candidates to secure the necessary backing to take over from Sepp Blatter in February next year but in his email, a copy of which was sent to media organisations including this website, Zico said: “We all agree that FIFA needs to evolve into a much better organisation, particularly in matters of democracy and transparency.”
“Change, however, is not an event. It is a process and we must start by making sure this election is fair, transparent and democratic.”
“It is of the utmost importance that all member associations get the chance to know better all potential candidates and their ideas as soon as possible.”
“It is time all member associations, its constituents and everybody concerned with football worldwide learn more about the potential candidates,” added Zico. “Everybody interested in football should somehow participate in this election. I invite you to join efforts in order to stimulate and organise a public debate with all the potential candidates at the earliest possible date.”
All candidates need the written backing of five national associations by October 26, as required by the FIFA electoral rules, to run for the presidency. That could be a struggle for everyone except Platini and Chung. Bility cannot get the support of his own African confederation as speculation intensifies that South African icon Tokyo Sexwale is also considering a bid.
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