By Andrew Warshaw
September 21 – FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali bin al-Hussein has been quick to seize on the suspension of the organisation’s secretary general Jerome Valcke.
Valcke’s shock removal last week has given presidential candidates a timely opportunity to step up their criticism of FIFA and Prince Ali, who most observers feel has ground to make up in order to beat Michel Platini in the race to succeed Sepp Blatter, has once again called on Blatter to step down before the scheduled February 26 election.
In a statement in response to Valcke being relieved of his duties, Prince Ali said: “The reputational damage to FIFA continues. Surely it is time for a new generation with new ideas to take over.
“The old regime should step aside now, so a new team can effect a complete reform of the organisation to reflect the change that the national associations and fans of the game around the world are calling for.”
Valcke was on his way to Moscow to join the party celebrating 1,000 days until the 2018 World Cup when his plane turned back as allegations of his involvement in a ticketing scandal, which he vehemently denies, blew up. Vitaly Mutko, the Russian sports supremo and FIFA executive committee member, said Valcke’s suspension would not affect preparations. “All our plans and preparations are in place and proceeding very well,” said Mutko.
Meanwhile, former Brazilian legend Romario, now a member of the Brazilian senate, also jumped on the bandwagon in welcoming the suspension of Valcke whose infamous declaration that 2014 organisers needed a “kick up the backside” at a time when preparations were lagging behind schedule opened up a rift with the local organisers.
“I’m very happy with this news and this goes for all Brazilians,” said Romario who added, with somewhat unnecessary opportunism: “Now it’s the turn of this loudmouth to take a kick in the backside. We put up with his arrogant manner even though I protested on a number of occasions that the government should take a stand and refuse to accept him as go-between.”
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