By Andrew Warshaw
February 9 – The increasingly fraught relationship between FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali bin Al Hussein and the official overseeing fair play in the electoral process, Domenico Scala, has come under further strain with the Jordanian demanding Scala steps down because of conflict of interest over nationality.
In a predictable move given his growing concerns over Scala’s possible motives, Prince Ali suggested that the integrity of the process could be comprised.
“The February 26 FIFA presidential election is not for the candidates, it’s for FIFA Member Associations,” Prince Ali said in a statement. “They must have full confidence that the integrity of the election is beyond question. If any Member Association has concerns about the impartiality of the electoral process, those concerns must be respected and taken seriously.”
Prince Ali’s latest salvo was not unexpected given the same demand for Scala to step down was made by Liberian football chief Musa Bility who just happens to be one of Prince Ali’s supporters at the forthcoming election – even though he himself was barred from being a candidate for failing strict integrity checks.
Scala voluntarily excused himself from the last election in May as he shared nationality with Sepp Blatter and Bility argues he should do the same this time since he also shares nationality with Gianni Infantino, one of the five candidates bidding to replace Blatter.
“The suggestion by the Liberian Football Association that the head of FIFA’s Ad-Hoc Electoral Committee should step down is a valid request and in keeping with the precedent set by the committee chairman exactly one year ago – February 9, 2015 – before the last FIFA election,” Prince Ali continued. “Avoiding even the appearance of a conflict of interest is particularly important at time when people around the world, including players and fans, are questioning FIFA’s integrity and ethical standards.
“Acceding to this request would not be a mark of shame. It would be a sign of respect for a Member Association and an indication that FIFA has high ethical standards. If FIFA requires a presidential candidate to raise concerns before FIFA will act on a valid request from a Member Association President, I will stand with the President of the Liberian Football Association, Musa Bility, and state publicly that I back his request.
“I also back his statement, “Following an unprecedented period of sustained turmoil and damage for FIFA as an institution, the fairness and integrity of the current electoral process are absolutely vital for FIFA.”
“We should all stand for that.”
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